Daily Bible Plan - Day 74

9th May 2025

A Devotional Guide by Pastor Joseph Antwi

Fortified City Church & Love City Church Basel

Walking in the Spirit

Based on Galatians 5:7–26 (NKJV)

“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” – Galatians 5:7

Paul writes to the Galatians with heartfelt concern. They began their journey in faith with strength and passion but were quickly distracted by legalism and teachings not rooted in the Spirit. He warns them, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Even a small compromise can corrupt our entire walk with God.

The only way to truly please the Lord is by walking in the Spirit. This requires the crucifixion of our fleshly desires. The flesh thrives under rules and religious performance — but the Spirit leads us into intimacy with God, marked by love, peace, and righteousness.

In verse 13, Paul reminds us:

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Freedom in Christ is not a license for compromise. Today, many seek a convenient version of Christianity — without sacrifice, church, prayer, or accountability — yet still claim to follow Christ. But authentic Christianity demands the denial of self. You cannot walk in the fullness of Christ without crucifying the flesh.

When we fail to nourish our spirit through the Word, worship, prayer, and intimacy with God, the flesh will inevitably dominate. Paul outlines the works of the flesh in verse 19 — acts like adultery, jealousy, hatred, and selfish ambition. These are not merely actions, but signs of what governs our inner life.

A Personal Reflection

I once visited a church where a man was active in nearly every area — setting up, organizing, always involved. Outwardly, he looked like a pillar of the community. But during an intense prayer session, I sensed something was off. He appeared disconnected, even half-asleep in the midst of spiritual warfare. In that moment, I knew he was operating out of routine, not relationship.

Years later, I heard he had left the faith entirely and now speaks against the church. His bitterness affects everyone who once walked with him. This is what happens when we attempt to serve God without truly walking in the Spirit. Religious activity without spiritual depth leads to burnout and deception.

In the early stages of our marriage, Lady Anita and I had expectations about love and partnership — but we struggled. We hadn’t fully surrendered the spiritual dimension of our relationship. We approached marriage from a carnal viewpoint until the Lord began to teach us the true definition of love and the vital role the fruit of the Spirit plays in overcoming external pressures. Today, we’ve seen powerful transformation in every area. As Scripture says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63).

Closing Thought

Serving God is a beautiful calling — but it must be done in the Spirit. Serve with love, not obligation. Don’t just work for God; spend time with Him. He is more interested in who you’re becoming than what you’re doing.

Galatians 5:22–23 reminds us:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Let these fruits define our lives and ministries.

Ask yourself:

How much time do I truly spend in the presence of God — worshipping Him in secret and loving Him with my whole heart? Because without that intimacy, even ministry becomes hollow.

Prayer:

Lord, help me walk in the Spirit daily. Teach me to crucify my flesh and reject the comfort of a compromised faith. I want to serve You from a place of love, not performance. Fill me with Your Spirit, and let my life bear lasting fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.