And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:24-26 ESV)
Paul is consistent. Though approaching the issue from different perspectives in his letters dealing with different issues, the bottom line is this: Since it is by faith in Christ that we have received new life with the indwelling Holy Spirit, we should live that life in, with and by the Spirit from day to day. We cannot and should not walk on from there and say: "I don't need Him, and I don't need anyone else." Destroying the unity of the Body, ignoring the affect we have on one another, thinking we are better or can do it alone - all these run smack in the face of spiritual reality. Without the Spirit, His gifts (and those within whom He places them), and his fruit, we will all fail miserably in the life He has called us to live in Christ. Let us keep in step with Him.
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