Walking by the Spirit

The Practical Life of Grace (saved from myself pt.2)

In our previous post, we explored how God's saving grace delivers us from the self-sabotaging tendencies of our "old nature." But how exactly does this powerful, inner rescue mission work on a Tuesday afternoon when you’re facing temptation or frustration? The answer lies in the concept of “walking by the Spirit.”

The Apostle Paul gives us this clear instruction in Galatians 5:16: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

"Walking by the Spirit" sounds like a lofty, mysterious idea, but it’s actually a practical, moment-by-moment commitment to dependence on God. It’s the constant choice to switch from relying on your own strength (which runs out) to relying on the Holy Spirit's strength (which is infinite).

Here are the three core practices for walking by the Spirit and allowing Jesus to save you from yourself:

1. The Principle of Replacement, Not Resistance

When we try to overcome a bad habit or a destructive thought pattern, our first instinct is usually resistance—we just grit our teeth and try to stop. But resistance often backfires; the thing we resist gains power over us.

Walking by the Spirit uses the principle of replacement.

• Focus on the Spiritual Mindset: Romans 8:5 explains this shift: "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit."

• The Practice: When a negative or destructive thought enters your mind, don't just fight it. Actively replace it with a truth about God, a promise from scripture, or a positive purpose that aligns with the Spirit. You are steering your focus toward the Spirit’s desires (love, joy, peace, patience) rather than battling the flesh's cravings.

  
  

2. Acknowledging Weakness Through Prayer and Confession

Our self-destructive nature is fueled by pride and self-sufficiency, which makes us believe, "I can handle this on my own." The Spirit, however, guides us into profound dependence.

• The Power in Weakness: The turning point is humility. When you feel the urge to revert to an old habit or self-sabotaging behavior, this is the cue for dependence, not self-reproach. Acknowledge your failure to yourself and God. This is what Jesus meant when He said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9).

• The Practice: Make prayer your first reaction, not your last resort. In the moment of temptation, a simple, heartfelt prayer like, "Jesus, I cannot handle this, please take control right now," is an act of walking by the Spirit. You are handing the wheel over to the one who can steer straight.

  
  

3. Walking in Step with the Community of Believers

The Holy Spirit rarely works in isolation. Since the "old self" thrives on secrecy, shame, and self-reliance, the Spirit often works through the light and love of other Christians.

• Mutual Encouragement: We are called to "encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). Accountability isn't about legalistic rule-keeping; it's about relational support. Allowing another believer to see your struggle, ask hard questions, and celebrate your small victories is a powerful spiritual discipline.

• The Practice: Be vulnerable. Find a trusted friend, mentor, or small group leader and share the specific area where you are struggling against "yourself." Their prayers, wisdom, and simply their presence can be the tangible hand of the Holy Spirit pulling you away from isolation and self-destruction.

  
  

Walking by the Spirit, then, is less about earning salvation and more about receiving a new life. It's the daily, humble recognition that Jesus's saving grace is not just for getting you into heaven, but for rescuing you from yourself here on earth. It’s a relationship of continuous surrender and reliance, and it is the key to genuine, lasting freedom.