In Step with the Spirit

[soso]

In Step with the Spirit

How to Live in Victory as a Christian

By Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/in-step-with-the-spirit/

Christianity is meant to be practiced /in a victorious, Christ‑honoring way.

But we can’t do that /unless we understand—and experience—the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

We learned a lot /about the Holy Spirit in the last two posts.

We learned that the church cannot operate /effectively /without His power working in believers.

We also learned that we receive His power by faith.

Now we’re going to learn [how the Spirit works in each of us personally].

How do we live /victoriously /for Jesus Christ /over other urges //that we feel /all around us?

Galatians 5 tells us: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify [the desires of the flesh].

For the flesh desires [what is contrary to the Spirit],

and the Spirit () [what is contrary to the flesh]” (Galatians 5:16–17, NIV).

* and the Spirit (desires) [what is contrary to the flesh]” (Galatians 5:16–17, NIV). 

What’s this “flesh” () Paul was writing about?

Our skin?

No, no.

The word in the Greek is sarx,

and it’s our fallen, sinful, always‑looking‑to‑indulge‑itself human nature /apart from God’s influence.

It’s the Jim Cymbala //who is always looking [to satisfy himself].

“I want [what I want, when I want it].”

It’s a very ugly thing in our lives.

* look to ; turn one's interests or expectations towards.

But the flesh feels so natural!

New believers quickly find out [how those old currents of sin try to pull them under again].

But Paul said that [the only victory /over our old‑nature tendencies] is [to walk by the Spirit].

Now [the things //that the flesh wants] are the exact opposite of what the Spirit wants.

What are the works of the flesh?

Paul listed them: “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”

(Galatians 5:19–21, NIV).

No truly born‑again Christian can live /in those ways and be comfortable.

The Holy Spirit in them says, “Get out /of here.

Fight it.”

So notice this inner conflict that can be in a believer’s life:

God wants [us] [to be controlled by the Spirit],

but the flesh wants the exact opposite of what the Spirit wants.

Some Christians say, “No, when you’re saved, you can’t fall /into those sins.”

Then why was Paul writing this to a Christian church?

And why was he saying that the only victory over the flesh is [to be controlled by the Holy Spirit]?

It’s true: the more we set ourselves /against some sinful habit, the less power we realize () we have.

“No, I’m not going to get angry.”
“Ahh, I got angry and said things () I shouldn’t say.”
“I’m not getting angry anymore. I’m telling you right now.”

We can’t defeat anger or any other structural weakness in ourselves

—immorality, alcoholism, lying, cheating, stealing, racial prejudice.

[The only way to overcome sin] is [not to fight it but to yield control to the Holy Spirit].

He’ll free us /from those strongholds /without our even trying.

How?

By producing His fruit in us: “love, joy, peace, forbearance [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, NIV).

We must let [the Spirit] [produce His fruit in our lives by yielding to Him every day].

Then we’ll have victory /over the works of the flesh—the sarx—that are always looking [to regain their ascendancy].

Notice—it’s the fruit of the Spirit. It’s not us.

There’s only one person //who can live the Christ's life: Christ.(예수님의 삶은 예수님만 사실 수 있다)

Unless He lives through us, we’ll just get more of ourselves—and that’s no bargain.

Paul closed Galatians 5 /by saying this:

“Since we live by the Spirit, let [us] [keep in step with the Spirit]” (Galatians 5:25, NIV).

Many times, when we get saved, we thank God that our sins are gone,

and then, to try to live the Christ's life, we practice self‑effort.

We think () we have to show [God] [that we appreciate what He’s done].

But if we were saved /through putting our faith in Christ, and the Spirit now lives inside us,

can we become more like Christ /by trying hard?

No.

* 인간의 노력으로 신약법인 사랑법이 성취될 수 없는 건 노력으로 구약율법이 완벽하게 성취될 수 없는 것과 똑같다

If we started by the Spirit, let’s keep in step with the Spirit.

Then He will give [us] [not only power to do ministry]—He will also produce [His fruit] /in us.

Prayer

God, run my life.

Flow through me and produce Your fruit in me.

Let there be less of me and more of Jesus, through the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

If this encouraged you, you can receive Pastor Cymbala’s weekly blog post by email here.

For More Encouragement

• Listen to the full message by Pastor Jim Cymbala: “Power Source 3 of 3 (Bearing Fruit)”
• Enjoy other resources to help you draw closer to God: “Holy Spirit Walking” and Jesus Every Day: A 100-Day Devotional
• Visit Pastor Cymbala’s Facebook page