Galatians 5:25

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us walk also by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25 Meaning and Commentary

Galatians 5:25

If we live in the Spirit
Or "by the Spirit", as all do that are spiritually alive. Sin has not only brought on men a corporeal death, and made them liable to an eternal one, but has also induced upon them a spiritual or moral death; they are dead in trespasses and sin, nor can they quicken themselves, nor can any creature give them life; not the ministers of the word, nor the angels in heaven, only the blessed Spirit is the spirit of life from Christ; who entering into them, frees them from the law of sin and death, and implants a principle of spiritual life in them, whereby they live a life of faith on Christ, of holiness from him, and communion with him: and this the apostle makes use of, as an argument with believers to walk after the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit:
or "by the Spirit"; by his help and assistance, according to the rule of his word, and under his influence and direction as a guide, to which he had before advised in ( Galatians 5:18 ) .

Galatians 5:25 In-Context

23 meekness, self-control: against such things there is no law.
24 But they that [are] of the Christ have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us walk also by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become vain-glorious, provoking one another, envying one another.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. The expression 'by the Spirit' occurs in vers. 18 and 25; but in ver. 16 'walk' refers to the general manner of life, as Rom. 8.4, so I have left 'in.' In vers. 18 and 25 'walk' refers to the rule or line followed, as ch. 6.16; Rom. 4.12; Phil. 3.16. It is characteristic of the walk, leading, and life, the Spirit being the instrument and power.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.