How do we keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)?

Response

Galatians 5:25 is part of a broader set of guidelines that pertain to Christian living. The verse reads, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Some translations render this as “follow the Spirit’s guidance” (NLT).

The idea of “keeping in step” evokes a formal dance, where typically the man takes the lead, and the woman follows. Both dancers perform well when they move in harmony, signifying that the woman stays in step with the man. Given that the church is considered Christ’s bride, this comparison aptly illustrates what it means to keep pace with the Spirit.

The Spirit initiates the “dance” by convicting sinners of their need for salvation through the proclamation of the gospel (John 16:8-11, 13;Acts 2:37). Additionally, He renews our spirit in a process that Jesus refers to as being “born again” (John 3:5-6;Titus 3:5;1 Peter 1:13). We respond to the Spirit’s conviction by placing our faith in the Person and redemptive work of Christ (John 3:16;Romans 3:22-24;Galatians 2:16). The “dance” commences as we start living by the Spirit.

While Paul’s guidance may seem abstract, it holds practical significance for our everyday lives. How can we stay in step with the Spirit?

1. Align with the Spirit’s inclinations. In Galatians 5:17, Paul clarifies that “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want” (NLT).

As believers, we engage in a battleBetween competing desires. Paul himself acknowledges the struggle he had in his personal life in Romans 7:19–25.

One way to keep in step with the Spirit is to yield to the godly desires that manifest in us. Philippians 2:13 asserts that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (NLT). This is a comforting truth because it means we’re not left to rely solely on our strength. When we feel the desire to do something godly, we should obey it. We should also be sensitive to the conviction of the Spirit when we sin.

2. Dwell in the Scriptures. To return to the dance analogy, imagine if the woman doesn’t know the dance steps. She would be unable to keep in step. Similarly, how can we keep in step with the Spirit when we are unfamiliar with God’s principles? It would be impossible. Only through Scripture can we understand the godly “steps” to take.

The Spirit does not introduce any new teachings but rather reminds us of what is already contained in the Bible (John 14:26;1 Corinthians 2:10-12). Scripture also renews our minds, transforming the way we think (Romans 12:2;Ephesians 4:23-24). Furthermore, immersing ourselves in Scripture reduces the influence of sin over us. We need to engage with the Word of God on a daily basis.

3. Examine the fruit. Paul contrasts the outcomes of yielding to our sinful nature with the fruit that results from obeying the Spirit:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance

, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such virtues (Galatians 5:19-23).