You Are Not Alone: Life in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-25

What does it really mean to live a Spirit-filled life?

Galatians 5 gives us a clear picture. It's not about trying to be perfect or pretending you never struggle. It's about learning how to walk with the Spirit day by day… through every temptation, every decision, and every battle with the flesh.

The Christian life is not automatic. It takes effort, awareness, and a heart open to God's leading. But we’re not left on our own. God gives His Spirit to guide and strengthen us.

Today, we’ll focus on two key verses from Galatians 5:

• Verse 17, which acknowledges the real struggle we face

• Verse 18, which shows the hope and power we have through the Spirit

And finally, we’ll look at three practical steps you can take to keep walking with God.

Galatians 5:17: You Are Not Alone

“For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh...” (Gal. 5:17, CSB)

This verse doesn't describe a weak or defeated Christian. It describes a real one.

Spiritual conflict is not something to be ashamed of. It's something to expect.
There is no point in this life where you’ll stop facing the pull of the flesh. But you’re not powerless.

If you belong to Jesus, the Spirit is working in you.

• Galatians 5:13: Don’t use your freedom to serve yourself.

• 5:16: Walk with the Spirit, and you won’t gratify the flesh.

• 5:17b: When the Spirit leads, you begin to choose what He desires, not what your flesh wants.

This is a promise of victory.
You can say no to sin and yes to what is good and holy.
Not because you’re strong, but because you walk with the One who is.

Galatians 5:18: What Does It Mean to Be Led by the Spirit?

“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Gal. 5:18, CSB)

Life in the Spirit is both active and passive.

• Active: You make intentional choices each day to crucify the flesh (5:24) and keep in step with the Spirit (5:25).

• Passive: You allow the Spirit to lead. You surrender to His influence.

When Paul talks about being “led,” think of how Jesus was led away after His arrest (Luke 22:54) or how the donkey was led to Him before He entered into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:2). This word speaks of being guided, carried, and directed.

Before Christ, law held people captive. Paul says so in:

• Galatians 3:23: Law held us like prisoners.

• 3:24: It was a guardian.

• 4:2: It managed us, but it didn’t change our hearts.

Law can’t give life. It can’t grow love, patience, or joy.
More rules won’t fix human nature.

But the Spirit does what law can’t:

• 3:3: Life starts with the Spirit.

• 4:29: We’re born through the Spirit.

• 5:22–23: The Spirit produces a new kind of character.

So what does it mean to be “led by the Spirit”?
It means we live under His guidance, not a system of law.
We obey God, not just because we’re told to, but because He is shaping our hearts from the inside out.

So, How Does the Spirit Lead?

The most straightforward answer is through Scripture.

• Ephesians 3:3-5 — The Word was revealed through the Spirit.

• Ephesians 6:17 — The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit.

But is that all?

Satan tempts, suggests, and prods.
Wouldn’t God also work in our minds and hearts?

“It is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

Yes, God can urge us toward good. This doesn’t replace Scripture. It doesn’t override the Word. But God may use your conscience, a friend, a sermon, or a moment of clarity to nudge you in the right direction.

As long as it aligns with His Word, don’t ignore those prompts.

“Perhaps we would do well to discipline ourselves to be more sensitive to divine impulses.” — Kenneth Bales

You don’t need to claim special revelation to believe the Spirit is actively working in your life. Verse 18 points to a continuous influence: a life under the Spirit’s direction.

Three Ingredients for Walking with the Spirit

1. Get in the Word.

   • Read it regularly. Let it shape how you think.

   • Reflect on Psalm 119:25-40.

   • Are you creating space to truly listen to God?

2. Pray with purpose.

   • Psalm 140:4–7, Philippians 4:6

   • Ask for wisdom and strength. Be specific.

   • Invite the Spirit into your daily challenges.

3. Look for how God draws near.

   • James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Think about your last spiritual battle:

• Was it lust? Anger? Bitterness? Envy? Pride? Your words?

• How did you respond?

• Did you pray, reflect on Scripture, or reach out to someone?

• Did something unexpected help you focus on God?

Maybe the Spirit used your conscience.
Maybe He used a trusted friend.
Maybe He used a circumstance that reminded you who you are.

Take a moment to thank God for that.

Let it build your faith.
Let it remind you: You are not alone.

“He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)

“We are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” (2 Cor. 3:18)

“Be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.” (Eph. 6:10)

Your life in the Spirit is not defined by defeat.

You are not stuck. You are not without help.

Get in the Word.
Stay close to God in prayer.
Watch for how He is working in you and through you.

You can grow. You can stand. You can overcome.