On a recent vacation, our family went for a walk in the Rocky Mountains outside of Vail, Colorado. We drove for miles up a bumpy dirt road to the Piney River Ranch. We enjoyed lunch then set off on a hike through the river valley along the base of the Gore Range, following the well-worn path of many hikers who had gone before. We walked where they had walked.

Today’s passage begins with “so I say,” as the apostle Paul furthers the practical teaching he had initiated in the previous section. Specifically, in verse 15, Paul warns his readers about the mutual destruction that occurs when Christians attack each other. Then he offers the antidote to self-centered disputes: “Walk by the Spirit” (v. 16). Paul frequently uses the Greek word peripateite (“walk”) to describe the Christian’s daily conduct. The verb describes a present, ongoing activity. This “walking” is all- encompassing. It involves all areas of the believer’s life, and it has no end. The word can also carry the nuance of “walking after someone in a particular direction.” Legend has it that Aristotle, wandered around while he lectured at The Peripatetic School. His students followed him literally, as well as philosophically.

To “walk by the Spirit” means we follow in the Spirit’s footsteps and go where He leads. And when the believer walks by the Spirit, the “desires of the flesh” will be quashed (vv. 16–17). The two lifestyles—Spirit- led and flesh-led—are mutually exclusive. They are two completely different paths.

Next, Paul lists fifteen vices. Of course, it is not an exhaustive list of transgressions. But it represents the power of the flesh to tempt us to sin: sexually, spiritually, and relationally (vv. 19–21). The list is followed by yet another stern warning from the apostle. The consequence of sinful bondage is high and eternal.

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