What Does It Mean to “Walk in the Spirit?”

One of my earliest memories is walking hand-in-hand with my father around the gardens of Stan Hywet Hall, former home of Goodyear Tire founder Frank Seiberling, in Akron, Ohio. At the time, our congregation was building a new sanctuary. We were worshipping temporarily at the gatehouse of Stan Hywet Hall.
When I think of walking in the Spirit, I think of walking with my father. Just as my father led me by the hand around the beautiful gardens of Stan Hywet, the Holy Spirit seeks to lead you and me and all believers in the paths God has prepared for us. Paul uses this imagery for the Christian life: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
When you and I came into this world, we were not led by the Holy Spirit but by our sinful nature. We came into this world spiritually dead on arrival, dead in transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1). But then God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. He gave us the seal of the Holy Spirit guaranteeing the inheritance of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13, 2:4–5).
The Holy Spirit makes you and me new creations in Christ. But in this life, we still have our “flesh,” that is, our sinful nature, clinging to us. There is a constant battle going on. St. Paul says, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). We see this in the life of King David. He was a faithful believer yet also sinned greatly. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, who then became pregnant. In his efforts to cover up his sin, he had her husband Uriah killed by sending him to the front lines.
How can you walk in the Spirit? First recognize that the Holy Spirit has made you a new creation in Christ. He brings you the forgiveness of sins in Baptism and in the Gospel. Through the Gospel He continues to lead you.
Secondly, daily confess your sin to God and hold fast to Jesus and His salvation. There were many times I sinned against my father. But I knew that though my father might be angry with me, he loved me and would welcome me with open arms and forgive me. When you have sinned, do not run away, but come near to God. Remember how David responded when confronted by Nathan. David said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13).
Finally, live as a free child of God. You are free from the judgment your sins deserve. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). You do not live under the burdensome weight of God’s impossible Law anymore. The Law is there to convict you when you sin. It shows you what is God-pleasing, but the Law never could and never will empower you to do what God desires. Rather the Holy Spirit is walking with you empowering you through the means of grace. He bears witness through the Gospel that you are God’s child (Romans 8:16). He prays to the Father for you (Romans 8:26). The Spirit leads you to the green pastures and still waters of the Gospel to nourish and empower you in your walk. So God is at work in you to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Mark Rogers is pastor of Scriptural Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.