Galatians 5:16-18

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

As you reflect on Galatians 5:16-18, what stood out to you as especially helpful for daily Christian living?

Paul uses several phrases—walk by, be led by, live by, and keep in step with the Spirit. What do these images communicate about how we live the Christian life?

How does Paul’s call to walk by the Spirit challenge our natural ideas of freedom, especially the tendency to equate freedom with complete independence or autonomy?

In practical terms, how does walking by the Spirit differ from simply trying harder to obey?

How do we know if, where, and when the Holy Spirit is leading us? Which ordinary means of grace does God most often use to guide you (Scripture, prayer, godly counsel, providence, conscience), and how do you test that leading against God’s Word?

Paul prepares us for ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit (Gal 5:17). James and Peter also warn that our desires can deceive and wage war against us (James 1:13–15; 4:1–2; 1 Pet 2:11). Why is this honesty helpful—and how does it challenge unrealistic expectations we may have about spiritual growth?

Paul describes the inner battle of the Christian life vividly in Romans 7:15-23—the desire to do good alongside the frustrating inability to carry it out. Where do you resonate most with Paul’s words? How does “walk by the Spirit” help?

When the battle with sin feels intense, do you tend to respond more with resignation (“I can’t do this”) or resolution (“I just need to try harder”)? How does Paul’s response in Romans 7:24–25 differ from both, and what does his response teach us about how to fight sin?

How do the promises of Galatians 5:16–18 and Romans 8:11–13 give us hope and endurance in the ongoing fight against sin?

Galatians 5:18 says that those led by the Spirit are not under the law but are sons and daughters of God (e.g., Rom 8:14). How does remembering your identity as a child of God reshape the way you fight sin, face failure, and keep going when the battle feels exhausting?

As you think about the week ahead, where do you most need to stop relying on yourself and intentionally walk by the Spirit—trusting not your resolve, but the care, power, and provision of your Heavenly Father?