Walking In The Spirit, by Brother Omoniyi Akinpelumi

Main Bible Text: Galatians 5: 22-26

When we got born again, a measure of the Holy Spirit was given to us. This is the earnest of God’s inheritance for us as seen in Ephesians 1:13-14. The New English Translation [NET] bible version refers to this measure of the spirit as the “down payment” or ostensibly can be said to be an “initial deposit”.

However, God’s agenda for us that as we obey and walk faithfully with him, more of his spirit would be given to us until we are “full” of the spirit. This can be observed naturally in the lives of newborn babies, who through feeding and exercise, grow from strength to strength till they attain manhood/womanhood.

As seen in Romans 8: 28-29, God’s ultimate purpose for everyone on earth is for us to conform to the perfect image of Christ. Hence, there lies a journey from new birth to becoming Christ-like, which can only be achieved by walking in the Spirit.

Furthermore, it is clear in 3 John 1:1-2 that God wants us to prosper in the natural (financially and health-wise) even as we prosper in our soul. To prosper in our soul is to walk circumspectly as wise (Ephesians 5:15), obeying every of God’s instructions. These are evident in the lives of Abraham and Enoch who walked with God (Genesis 5:22-24, Hebrews 11:8).

How to walk in the spirit?

The excellent way to walk in the spirit is to walk in love. This entails

  1. Walking in love towards God (Luke 10:27)
  2. Walking in love towards our neighbours (Mark 12:31)

Forgiveness:

God wants us to forgive each other and let go of offences when our neighbour offends us as explained in Mattew 6:15 so that we can live in peace and harmony with each other in order to grow well spiritually.

Obedience:

Abraham walk with God was out of love which was manifested in obedience to God’s instructions. Abraham loved God that he was ready to sacrifice his only son on Mount Moriah. Hence, God credited him with righteousness and called him his friend. This buttresses the fact that Abraham walked faithfully before the sight of God.

Practical steps in aiding our walking in the spirit

  1. Meditating on the Word of God

In Psalms 119: 58, David said that what kept him in his walk with God was the Word of God that he has meditated and hid in his heart. Also, Psalms 119: 105 states that the Word is like a lamp to our feet and light to our path. This shows that by reading and obeying the word of God, God is able to guide us and direct our steps alright so we can walk circumspectly faithfully before him.

  1. Having an understanding heart

In Ephesians 1: 17-18, Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus that their eyes of understanding would be enlightened in the knowledge of God, so they can know and fulfil their purpose in Christ.

It is also imperative to note that King Solomon didn’t ask for wisdom nor riches nor the heads of his enemies but for an understanding heart to be able to discern/judge between good and evil so he can walk worthily in the sight of God as his father walked as seen in 1Kings 3: 3-9.

The sermon, Walking In The Spirit, by Brother Omoniyi Akinpelumi, was delivered on July 15, 2018, on the occasion of the Special Youth Service.