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Book of Galatians - Chapter 5 - Verse 16

5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Meaning

When the apostle Paul wrote the verse "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," he was urging believers to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit. By walking in the Spirit, Christians are encouraged to align their thoughts, actions, and desires with God's will rather than giving in to the temptations of the flesh. The term "lust of the flesh" refers to the sinful desires and impulses that can lead individuals away from God and towards selfishness and disobedience. By choosing to follow the leading of the Spirit, believers can overcome these temptations and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Walking in the Spirit requires a constant reliance on God's strength and guidance, as well as a commitment to staying close to Him through prayer, meditation on His Word, and fellowship with other believers. By doing so, believers can experience the freedom and victory that comes from living a life surrendered to the Spirit's leading.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," it is important to understand the contrast being made between walking in the Spirit and fulfilling the lust of the flesh. The phrase "Walk in the Spirit" is a call to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and direct one's actions. By doing so, one is empowered to resist the desires of the flesh, which are often rooted in sinful tendencies and selfish desires. The concept of walking in the Spirit emphasizes the need for believers to rely on the guidance and strength of God's Spirit in order to live a life that is pleasing to Him. By choosing to walk in the Spirit, individuals can overcome the temptations and struggles that come from the flesh, leading to a life that is characterized by spiritual growth and obedience to God's will.

American Standard Version

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
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