Walking by the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit

Gal 5:16  I say, then, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.MKJV

Gal 5:16  This then is what I mean. Let your lives be guided by the Spirit, and then you will certainly not indulge the cravings of your lower natures.

Gal 5:17  For the cravings of the lower nature are opposed to those of the Spirit, and the cravings of the Spirit are opposed to those of the lower nature; because these are antagonistic to each other, so that you cannot do everything to which you are inclined.

Gal 5:18  But if the Spirit is leading you, you are not subject to Law.

Walking in the Spirit

Walking according to the Spirit is contrasted in these verses with walking or living according to the craving of the flesh or the lower carnal nature. The only way to gain the victory over the carnal nature dominated by sin and Satan is to walk a life that is Controlled and Guided by the Holy Spirit. He will never allow you to be dominated by the sinful nature with which we were born.

J.Gill, “The advice the apostle thinks fit to give, and which he would have observed, is, to "walk in the Spirit", that is, after the Spirit of God; making the word inspired by him the rule of behaviour, which as it is the standard of faith, so of practice, and is the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path; taking him himself for a guide, who not only guides into all truth, but in the way of holiness and righteousness unto the land of uprightness; and depending upon his grace and strength for assistance throughout the whole of our walk and conversation: or in the exercise of the graces of the Spirit of God; as in the exercise of faith upon the person and grace of Christ, of which the Spirit is the author; and in love to God, Christ, and one another, which is a fruit of the Spirit; and in humility, lowliness of mind, meekness and condescension; all which is to walk in the Spirit, or spiritually, and strengthens the argument for love the apostle is upon: and this he encourages to by observing,

A. Clark says,”Ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh - If the Spirit of God dwell in and rule your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh.”

Notes on Romans 8 How to Walk and to Please God.

H.C.G. Moule DD says “Here is the way how, not the victims of ‘the body’, and the slaves of ‘the flesh,’ but to’ do to death the bodys’  practices in a continuous exercise of inward p

ower, and to ‘walk after the Spirit’. ….. in the all sufficient strength of the “holy Spirit given to us.”We need the Fulness of the PRESENCE and POWER of the Holy Spirit in order to accomplish this walk.

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Note :

1. WE shall find that the practices of the Body still have to be dealt with. (The Body being dead because of sin and mortal.) Examine yourself and deny self and take up your Cross and follow Jesus.

2. Moule’s translation of Verse 1. So no adverse sentence is there now, in view of this great fact of our Redemption, for those in Christ Jesus,  (mysterious union, blessed fact, wrought by the Spirit who linked us sinners to the Lord.)

Rom 8:2  But the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

RWP : The law of the Spirit of life (ho nomos tou pneumatos tēs zōēs). The principle or authority exercised by the Holy Spirit which bestows life and which rests “in Christ Jesus.”

Made me free (ēleutherōsen me). First aorist active indicative of the old verb eleutheroō for which see note on Gal_5:1. (Aleph B have se (thee) instead of me). It matters little. We are pardoned, we are free from the old law of sin and death (7:7-24), we are able by the    sin and death the Holy Spirit to live the new life in Christ.

Freed from the Law of Sin and Death by the Spirit.

Now we are ready to hear verse 2 for all it is worth and to understand its logical relationship to verse 1. Paul signals with the little word "for" at the beginning of verse 2 that he means to give the basis or foundation of verse 1. He is answering the question why those in Christ Jesus shall experience "no condemnation." His answer is, "Because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." The liberating law of the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the enslaving law of death-giving sin.

The term law in verse 2 does not refer primarily to any written code, but mainly to authority or power. The law of the Spirit is the authority and power of the Spirit; the law of sin is the authority and power of sin. We can see more clearly what Paul means if we look back at Romans 7:21–25:

So I find it to be a law that even when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive to the lawof sin which dwells in my members.

We can see from this section that the "law of sin" is the power and authority that sin has in Paul's body, rather than any written law. He continues with a holy rebellion against his own remaining sinful tendencies.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

I conclude, therefore, that the "law of sin and death" in verse 2 of chapter 8 is the power and authority of sin which rules in a life where God does not have the upper hand but where flesh is dominant. Flesh is the old nature which refuses to rely on God and delight in his ways. And verse 13, you recall, says, "if you live according to the flesh you will die." That is why the "law of sin" is called in verse 2 the "law of sin and death." The person whose flesh dominates his life is ruled by the law of sin and will die. There will be condemnation for those who walk according to their old nature ruled by the law of sin and death.

http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/the-liberating-law-of-the-spirit-of-life

Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh;

Notes :For what the law could not do - The Law of God, the moral law. It could not free from sin and condemnation. This the apostle had fully shown in Rom. 7.

In that - Because.

It was weak - It was feeble and inefficacious. It could not accomplish it.

Through the flesh - In consequence of the strength of sin, and of the evil and corrupt desires of the unrenewed heart. The fault was not in the Law, which was good Rom_7:12, but it was owing to the strength of the natural passions and the sinfulness of the unrenewed heart; see Rom_7:7-11, where this influence is fully explained.

Rom 8:4  so that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. MKJV

HCG Moule: That the righteous demands of the Law might be fulfilled in us, us who walk not flesh-wise, but Spirit-wise

Moule continued : “ that we, accepted in Christ, and using the Spirit’s Power in our daily ‘walk’ of circumstance and experience, might be liberated from the life of self-will, and meet the will of God with simplicity and joy.”

JFB Commentary That the righteousness of the law — “the righteous demand,” “the requirement” [Alford], Or “the precept” of the law; for it is not precisely the word so often used in this Epistle to denote “the righteousness which justifies” (Rom_1:17; Rom_3:21; Rom_4:5, Rom_4:6; Rom_5:17, Rom_5:18, Rom_5:21), but another form of the same word, intended to express the enactment of the law, meaning here, we believe, the practical obedience which the law calls for.

might be fulfilled in us — or, as we say, “realized in us.”

who walk — the most ancient expression of the bent of one’s life, whether in the direction of good or of evil (Gen_48:15; Psa_1:1; Isa_2:5; Mic_4:5; Eph_4:17; 1Jo_1:6, 1Jo_1:7).

not after — that is, according to the dictates of

the flesh, but after the spirit — From Rom_8:9 it would seem that what is more immediately intended by “the spirit” here is our own mind as renewed and actuated by the Holy Ghost.

Rom 8:5  For they who are according to the flesh mind the things of flesh, but they who are according to the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Moule :” For they that are flesh-wise, the unchanged children of the self-life, think,”mind”. have moral affinity and converse with, the things of the flesh; but they who are Spirit-wise, think the things of the Spirit, His Love, joy, peace and all the holy “FRUIT”. Their liberated and Spirit-bearing life now goes that way, in its true bias.”

Rom 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace

Rom 8:7  because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can it be.

WNT Rom 8:6  Because for the mind to be given up to earthly things means death; but for it to be given up to spiritual things means Life and peace.

Rom 8:7  Abandonment to earthly things is a state of enmity to God. Such a mind does not submit to God's Law, and indeed cannot do so.

Note. to be carnally minded — literally, “the mind” or “minding of the flesh” (Margin); that is, the pursuit of fleshly ends.

is death — not only “ends in” [Alford, etc.], but even now “is”; carrying death into its bosom, so that such are “dead while they live” (1Ti_5:6; Eph_2:1, Eph_2:5) [Philippi].

but to be spiritually minded — “the mind” or “minding of the spirit”; that is, the pursuit of spiritual objects.

is life and peace — not “life” only, in contrast with the “death” that is in the other pursuit, but “peace”; it is the very element of the soul’s deepest repose and true bliss.

Rom 8:8  So then they who are in the flesh cannot please God.

GW Rom 8:8  Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can't please God.

Cannot please God (theōi aresai ou dunantai). Because of the handicap of the lower self in bondage to sin. This does not mean that the sinner has no responsibility and cannot be saved. He is responsible and can be saved by the change of heart through the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:9  But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

Rom 8:10  And if Christ is in you, indeed the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of the One who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised up Christ from the dead shall also make your mortal bodies alive by His Spirit who dwells in you.

Rom 8:12  Therefore, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

Rom 8:13  For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.

GW Rom 8:13  If you live by your corrupt nature, you are going to die. But if you use your spiritual nature to put to death the evil activities of the body, you will live.

Rom 8:14  Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children.

MKJV Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

The Holy Spirit Fills believing Sinners

The Infilling of the Holy Spirit

Act 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues,

as the Spirit gave them utterance. KJV

Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

But be filled with the Spirit (alla plērousthe en pneumati). In contrast to a state of intoxication with wine.RWP

A Full cup

Is there a difference between INDWELLING and INFILLING?

www.equip.org/bible_answers says

First, all members of true Israel are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1–17; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13; 1 John 4:13). As such, the Spirit dwelt in Moses (Isaiah 63:11) as well as in Matthew (John 14:17), Joshua (Numbers 27:18), and James (see Acts 15).

In every epoch of time, believers are regenerated and restored (John 3:3–6) as well as sanctified and sealed (Romans 15:16; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30) through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. 

While the indwelling of the Spirit happens at conversion, the infilling of the Spirit happens continually.

Furthermore, those who are in Christ are not only indwelt but infilled with the Holy Spirit. When Jesus said to his disciples, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever” (John 14:16), he was not suggesting that the Holy Spirit was not already working redemptively within his followers but that the Spirit would manifest in the special empowerment of each believer to proclaim the gospel (Acts 1:8; 13:52).

Finally, while the indwelling of the Spirit happens at conversion, the infilling of the Spirit happens continually (Ephesians 5:18). As such, we daily seek the Holy Spirit to empower us whether in our prayers to God or in our proclamations of the gospel. Indeed, whenever the gospel penetrates the human heart it is “‘not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew

a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your

presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to

me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing

spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors

your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.”

Psalm 51:10–13

Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; or BE BEING FILLED with the Holy Spirit. [Continuous Present]

Thayer Definition: 1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full 1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally 1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied 2) to render full, i.e. to complete 2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim 2b) to consummate: a number 2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking) 2c) to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise 2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute 2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish 2c3) to fulfil, i.e. to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment Part of Speech: verb

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The Holy Spirit SEALS the Believing sinner.

The Believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit

2Co 1:22  and He has also set His seal upon us, and has put His Spirit into our hearts as a pledge and foretaste of future blessing.

Who hath also sealed us - The word used here (from σφραγίζω  sphragizō) means to seal up; to close and make fast with a seal, or signet; as, e. g., books, letters, etc. that they may not be read.

It is also used in the sense of setting a mark on anything, or a seal, to denote that it is genuine, authentic, confirmed, or approved, as when a deed, compact, or agreement is sealed. it is thus made sure; and is confirmed or established. Hence, it is applied to persons, as denoting that they are approved, as in Rev_7:3; “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads;” compare Eze_9:4; see the note, Joh_6:27, were it is said of the Saviour, “for him hath God the Father sealed;” compare Joh_3:33.

We are sealed by the Holy Spirit

In a similar manner Christians are said to be sealed; to be sealed by the Holy Spirit Eph_1:13; Eph_4:30; that is, the Holy Spirit is given to them to confirm them as belonging to God. He grants them His Spirit. He renews and sanctifies them. He produces in their hearts those feelings, hopes, and desires which are an evidence that they are approved by God; that they are regarded as his adopted children; that their hope is genuine, and that their redemption and salvation are sure - in the same way as a seal makes a will or an agreement sure. God grants to them His Holy Spirit as the certain pledge that they are His, and shall be approved and saved in the last day. In this there is nothing miraculous, or in the nature of direct revelation.

Eph 1:13  And in Him you Gentiles also, after listening to the Message of the truth, the Good News of your salvation--having believed in Him--were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit;

Eph 1:14  that Spirit being a pledge and foretaste of our inheritance, in anticipation of its full redemption--the inheritance which He has purchased to be specially His for the extolling of His glory.

Matthew Henry: “7. The seal and earnest of the Spirit are of the number of these blessings. We are said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Eph_1:13. The blessed Spirit is holy himself, and he makes us holy. He is called the Spirit of promise, as he is the promised Spirit. By him believers are sealed; that is, separated and set apart for God, and distinguished and marked as belonging to Him.”
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The Indwelling or Abiding of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

The Holy Spirit indwells the believing sinner.

Joh 14:20  Jesus said, "At that time you will know that I am in my Father, and that you are in me, and that I am in you".

At that day ye shall know,.... The things they should know, or the objects of knowledge are,

that I am in my Father; in his bosom, in union with him, partaker of the same nature, perfections, and glory with him, and equal to him:

and you in me: that they were in union with him as the branches in the vine, and as the members are in the head, and how they were loved in him, chosen in him, righteous in him, risen with him, and made to sit together in heavenly places in him:

and I in you; formed in their hearts, living in them, dwelling in them, as in His temples, and filling them with grace and glory. The knowledge of these things promised, designs a more clear and distinct knowledge of them; something of them was known already, but not so perfectly as should be hereafter; and this does not suppose that these unions between the Father and Christ, and between Christ and his people, shall then begin to be; for as the union between the Father and the Son is as eternal as themselves; so the union between Christ and his people, as he is the head and representative of them, is as early as his investiture with the office of a Mediator, and his suretyship engagements for them, which were from eternity; J. Gill

1Co 2:12  But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes forth from God, that we may know the blessings that have been so freely given to us by God.

Not the spirit of the world (ou to pneuma tou kosmou). Probably a reference to the wisdom of this age in 1Co_2:6. See also Rom_8:4, Rom_8:6, Rom_8:7; 1Co_11:4 (the pneuma heteron).

But the Spirit which is of God (alla to pneuma to ek theou). Rather, “from God” (ek), which proceeds from God.

That we might know (hina eidōmen). Second perfect subjunctive with hina to express purpose. Here is a distinct claim of the Holy Spirit for understanding (Illumination) the Revelation received. It is not a senseless rhapsody or secret mystery, but God expects us to understand “the things that are freely given us by God” (ta hupo tou theou charisthenta hēmin). First aorist passive neuter plural articular participle of charizomai, to bestow. God gave the revelation through the Holy Spirit and he gives us the illumination of the Holy Spirit to understand the mind of the Spirit.

The tragic failures of men to understand clearly God’s revealed will is but a commentary on the weakness and limitation of the human intellect even when enlightened by the Holy Spirit. RWP

1Co 3:16  Do you not know that you are God's Sanctuary, and that the Spirit of God has His home within you?

1Co 3:17  If any one is marring the Sanctuary of God, him will God mar; for the Sanctuary of God is holy, which you all are.

1Co 3:18  Let no one deceive himself. If any man imagines that he is wise, compared with the rest of you, with the wisdom of the present age, let him become "foolish" so that he may be wise.

v.16 Know ye not — It is no new thing I tell you, in calling you “God’s building”; ye know and ought to remember, ye are the noblest kind of building, “the temple of God.”

ye — all Christians form together one vast temple. The expression is not, “ye are temples,” but “ye are the temple” collectively, and “lively stones” (1Pe_2:5) individually.

God’s ... Spirit — God’s indwelling, and that of the Holy Spirit, are one; therefore the Holy Spirit is God. No literal “temple” is recognized by the New Testament in the Christian Church. The only one is the spiritual temple, the whole body of believing worshippers in which the Holy Spirit dwells (1Co_6:19; Joh_4:23, Joh_4:24). The synagogue, not the temple, was the model of the Christian house of worship. The temple was the house of sacrifice, rather than of prayer. Prayers in the temple were silent and individual (Luk_1:10; )

Joh 14:16  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be for ever with you-- Spirit of truth.

Barnes Notes: Another Advocate - Comforter - Jesus had been to them a counsellor, a guide, a friend, while he was with them. He had instructed them, had borne with their prejudices and ignorance, and had administered consolation to them in the times of despondency. But he was about to leave them now to go alone into an unfriendly world. The other Comforter was to be given as a compensation for his absence, or to perform the offices toward them which he would have done if he had remained personally with them. And from this we may learn, in part, what is the office of the Spirit. It is to furnish to all Christians the instruction and consolation which would be given by the personal presence of Jesus, Joh_16:14. To the apostles it was particularly to inspire them with the knowledge of all truth, Joh_14:26; Joh_15:26. Besides this, he came to convince men of sin. See the notes at Joh_16:8-11. It was proper that such an agent should be sent into the world:

1. Because it was a part of the plan that Jesus should ascend to heaven after his death.

2. Unless some heavenly agent should be sent to carry forward the work of salvation, man would reject it and perish.

3. Jesus could not be personally and bodily present in all places with the vast multitudes who should believe on him. The Holy Spirit is omnipresent, and can reach them all. See the notes at Joh_16:7.

4. It was manifestly a part of the plan of redemption that each of the persons of the Trinity should perform His appropriate work the Father in sending His Son, the Son in making atonement and interceding, and the Spirit in applying the work to the hearts of men.

The word translated “Comforter” is used in the New Testament five times. In four instances it is applied to the Holy Spirit - Joh_14:16, Joh_14:26; Joh_15:26; Joh_16:7. In the other instance it is applied to the Lord Jesus - 1Jo_2:1; “We have an advocate (Paraclete - Comforter) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” It is used, therefore, only by John. The verb from which it is taken has many significations. Its proper meaning is to call one to us Act_27:20; then to call one to aid us, as an advocate in a court; then to exhort or entreat, to pray or implore, as an advocate does, and to comfort or console, by suggesting reasons or arguments for consolation. 
The word “comforter” is frequently used by Greek writers to denote an advocate in a court; one who intercedes; a monitor, a teacher, an assistant, a helper. It is somewhat difficult, therefore, to fix the precise meaning of the word. It may be translated either advocate, monitor, teacher, or helper. What the office of the Holy Spirit in this respect is, is to be learned from what we are elsewhere told he does. We learn particularly from the accounts that our Saviour gives of his work that that office was:

1. to comfort the disciples; to be with them in his absence and to supply his place; and this is properly expressed by the word Comforter.

2. to teach them, or remind them of truth; and this might be expressed by the word monitor or teacher, Joh_14:26; Joh_15:26-27.

3. to aid them in their work; to advocate their cause, or to assist them in advocating the cause of religion in the world, and in bringing sinners to repentance; and this may be expressed by the word advocate, Joh_16:7-13. It was also by the Spirit that they were enabled to stand before kings and magistrates, and boldly to speak in the name of Jesus, Mat_10:20. These seem to comprise all the meanings of the word in the New Testament, but no single word in our language expresses fully the sense of the original.

That he may abide with you for ever - Not that he should remain with you for a few years, as I have done, and then leave you, but be with you in all places to the close of your life. He shall be your constant guide and attendant. Barnes

Compare Jn 7:37-39;  1Jn 3:24; 2 Cor 5:17

Rom 8:9  You, however, are not devoted to earthly, but to spiritual things, if the Spirit of God is really dwelling in you; whereas if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, such a one does not belong to Him.

Rom 8:10  But if Christ is in you, though your body must die because of sin, yet your spirit has Life because of righteousness.

Rom 8:11  And if the Spirit of Him who raised up Jesus from the dead is dwelling in you, He who raised up Christ from the dead will give Life also to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who dwells in you.