Together in Christ: 'In Step with the Spirit and Each Other' — Galatians 5:24-26

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

— Galatians 5:24-26 NLT

Key Thought

Paul wants us to see our lives in Christ as a dance. In this dance, however, we never take the lead. When we take the lead, our sinful nature and our fleshly instincts take over and create all sorts of problems in our relationships. We called on Jesus as our Savior, Messiah, and Lord and, in baptism, we died to our fleshly nature. [1] Jesus poured the Holy Spirit into our lives to make us holy and for us to become a place where God lives. [2] So, Paul reminds us in our verses today, we should "follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."

Our verses today mention three problems that can absolutely destroy relationships but that the transforming work of the Holy Spirit can help us eliminate from our lives:

  1. Being conceited.
  2. Provoking one another.
  3. Being jealous of each other.

Elsewhere, Paul and James also identify problems that the Spirit can help us overcome, [3] so let's invite the Holy Spirit to take the lead in our dance of life. Let's invite the Spirit to accomplish His transforming work on our character. We want to avoid character defects that damage our relationships and become more fully conformed to Jesus as we seek to bless others. [4]

[1] Romans 6:1-14.
[2] Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-21.
[3] Galatians 5:19-21; James 3:16.
[4] 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, thank you for Your patience and mercy in dealing with my yielding to the Spirit and His leading in my life. Every time I try to be better in my own strength, I realize that I inevitably do things that hurt people and cause me to stumble. [A] I ask that You continue the work of fully forming the fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence in my life [B] so my relationship with others will be a blessing and draw them closer to Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen.

[A] Romans 7:14-25.
[B] Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 6:1-23
  • Galatians 5:1-26

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

22 Related Resources by Heartlight

Demonstrating the Spirit's Influence
Devo: Together in Christ
"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another,..."
The Life of the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off...."
The Fruit of the Spirit
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, grower of spiritual fruit, Let the fruit of the Spirit blossom, mature, and ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,..."
Following the Spirit's Lead
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."
See All 22 Related Resources about Galatians 5:24-26

Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:24-26 NLT — Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Power of Stories' (Mt. 13:34-35)
"Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don’t Fear a Lack of Money – God Will Help'
"Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, ‘I will never abandon you or leave you.’ So we can confidently say, "The Lord is....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Let the Holy Spirit Guide Your Lives!' (Ga. 5:16)
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ