The word ‘walk’in the Bible needs to be defined. Strongs #4748 stoixéō is derived from stoixos— a row, line, or rank. It was used in the first century as to— walk in line, in strict accordance to a particular pace (stride); walk in cadence, to keep in step. In scripture, in most cases, it is used interchangeably as ‘obey’. The way we are to obey in scripture is not according to our thinking or preferences, rather it should be according to truth, which is as the word’s definition indicates (walk in cadence, to keep in step) with truth. We are instructed to walk in the Spirit in not only Galatians a couple of times, but throughout the New Testament. Based upon our above word study we are to— obey, walk in cadence with, keep in step with, walk in line in a strict accordance to a particular pace.
This is as it sounds— not easy. Walking in cadence means you could get out of cadence. For me, easily! It precludes attention and work. We see this in Galatians 5.25— “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Although we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us automatically (live in) from the moment of salvation, we do not walk in the Spirit automatically. Walking in the Spirit is a series of constant decisions, it is a process. Galatians 5.25 indicates for us the automatic nature of dwelling, and the active engagement of walking.
What is this process? Romans 6.20 teaches us that before salvation we are slaves to sin— “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.”So we, by nature, are slaves to our natural fleshly desires. Our first nature also referred to as the “old man” and “the flesh”. At salvation we were freed from the slavery of sin according to Romans 6.22— “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”The leash came off, the chains fell— but it doesn’t always feel like it does it? So when the severe temptations came along what did we do? We simply uncontrollably gave in. But now, something is different— we feel guilty! This is actually the word: conviction.
Why do we feel this? The H.S. is grieved. It is all about a relationship between Him and I. People and events just happen to be there and attempt to interfere. To walk in the Spirit you must first agree with God that sin has no power over you. You are not inevitably going to give into sin as soon as temptation comes— that is an excuse! You now have a helper and guide to remind you and guide you through it. You are not alone and He makes a way of escape if you would obey (walk) in step with Him.
We tend to handicap this process before it even starts with our affections. Our affections are twisted out of sorts. I can prove it— try doing without it. Let’s take your ability to make your own mind up, or to take the high-road in a discussion…did it break your pride? Were you upset that you had to ‘lose’ this one? Jesus taught that you cannot serve 2 masters in Matthew 6.24— “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” So either you will love what you do and want or love the Holy Spirit in you more. It is impossible to do both according to Christ. He gave us a helper to make those tough decisions so that we do not go off rails. He is there to help us ‘keep in step’ with Him. it is our decisions that determine if that will work or not. Too often believers say things like: I tried that and it didn’t work. Think about what you just said— I tried to obey God (half-heartedly) and He didn’t work! It is personal and we forget that. We are to commit our ways and fully obey! If my kids were to be told to take out the trash and they just cinched the bag and left it at the door— did they fully obey? No. So that would be partial obedience which is not obedience at all. Same for us.
Walking in the Spirit is essential to our obedience to Christ “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5.16). I want to please Him. I want to obey Him and obey Him fully. I want to be a servant of Jesus. I want to deny my flesh and lean in hard on His Spirit to guide me. I want to know where I have stepped to the side and get back on track. I want to lead my family the same way. I want to be effective for Jesus. I want to keep in step.
Within the next few posts I plan to demonstrate the indicators of someone who is “Walking in The Spirit”. Today ask God to help you listen. Ask God to guide you. Then ask Him to make you aware where you have a spirit of rebellion. He will— trust Him!