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

Saturday, February 4, 2023

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 life 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 we died to our fleshly nature in baptism. [1] He poured the Holy Spirit into our lives to make us holy and become a place where God lives. [2] So, Paul reminds us in our verse today, we should "follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."

The transforming work of the Holy Spirit means that we can get rid of three qualities that absolutely destroy relationships: [3]

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

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. Acts 16:22.
[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 lead 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.* I ask that you continue the work of fully forming the fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence in my life^ so my relationship with others will be a blessing and draw them closer to Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

* Romans 7:14-25.
^ Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Related Scripture Readings

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

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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.

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.

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