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This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

Daily Bible Reading “Walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-26)

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Walk in the Spirit

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Galatians 5:16-26. Paul continues with his letter to the churches at Galatia instructing them to walk in the Spirit so they won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Do you know what Paul means by telling them to walk in the Spirit?

When Paul speaks of the Spirit, he is talking about the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity. God is made up of three parts – God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. When a person gets saved, or accepts Jesus as their Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live within the new believer. He helps to lead, guide, and direct him to do the right thing in his life. He also comforts the believer.

The flesh (our earthly body) lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit oppose one another, which causes us not to be able to do the things that we know are right sometimes. It is like a war is going on inside of us. It is the war against good and evil. If you are led of the Spirit, you aren’t under the law.

Paul includes a long list of sins that are manifest in the body, in Galatians 5:19-21, when you turn your will over to the desires of the flesh, by listening to and giving into the temptation to do wrong. Paul says those who practice these things won’t inherit the kingdom of God.

In Romans 7 Paul talks about the “inward man,” which is the “Spiritual man” and the “outward man,” which is the “flesh” and how there is a battle that goes on between the two of them. He talks about how sometimes we know that we should do good, but we don’t do it.

In this Scripture in John, Jesus Himself is talking to Nicodemus and tells him “You must be born again.” John 3:5-7:
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

When we are born into this world of our mother we are born of water and of the flesh. Since the fall of Adam every person who is born of the flesh is born in sin. To be born of the Spirit you have to accept Jesus as your Savior, and then the Spirit comes and abides with you.

In this Scripture, Paul talks next about the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These are the characteristics that a Christian living in the Spirit should have. Paul says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh, including its affections and the lusts of the flesh. Look at these two sets of characteristics and see where they fit into your life.

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Once you become a Christian all the sins you have committed are covered by Jesus’ blood through His death on the cross. He took the punishment for our sins.

If you are a Christian, does that mean you will always do the right thing or act the right way? No, it doesn’t, because we still have the flesh – our earthly desires and temptations – to deal with in this life. The more you study God’s Word and develop a closer relationship with Him the more you will see the Spirit at work in your life. Paul says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Not desiring vain glory, provoking one another or being envious of one another.

Daily Bible Reading:

Galatians 5:16-26

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Things to think about:

What are considered to be the works of the flesh?
What are the fruits of the Spirit?
In what ways are you walking in the Spirit?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Galatians where Paul talks about the difference between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh. Help us to always follow the Spirit in our lives. Forgive us of the times we have let the flesh rule in our lives. Give us strength day to day to do Your will. Help us to have the fruit of the Spirit alive and working in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

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The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

By Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Galatians. The book of Galatians is in the New Testament and is one of Paul’s letters. He wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia.

Paul is concerned that the people of Galatia are being taught something different than the true gospel, which he taught them earlier. Paul goes to great lengths to make sure they understand the difference between living under the law and living under the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia contains sixteen Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day. This book is great to use for both personal Bible study and group Bible studies.

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Deborah

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice …

Daily Bible Reading “Comfort One Another” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-18)

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Comfort One Another

Today’s Daily Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:11-18. In this portion of the letter, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands as he taught them. Why do you think Paul tells them that? He tells them it’s in this way they can walk in honesty before those who aren’t yet Christians. Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians was that they lack nothing.

Paul didn’t want them to be ignorant about those who sleep. What does Paul mean by that statement? He didn’t want them to be concerned about the Christians who died before Jesus’ return. Paul tells them not to be sorrowful, like those who have no hope. As Christians, if a loved one who is a Christian passes away, we have the hope of seeing them again in heaven. Those who aren’t Christians don’t have that hope. He says if we believe Jesus died and rose again; likewise, God will bring those who are dead in Christ back with Him when He comes.

Paul says, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Paul tells them to comfort one another with these words. That promise is something for the Christian to hold on to and to be comforted by. Knowing that, in the end, Jesus will come back and gather His children. Those who are dead in Christ will rise first, and meet those Christians who are still living in the air along with Jesus. We’ll all go to live in heaven for eternity with Christ in the presence of God. I hope you find comfort in these words.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-18

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Things to think about:

What did Paul advise the Thessalonians?

What did Paul tell us about those who have gone on before us?

How are you comforted by the words of Paul in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see where Paul tells the Thessalonians to live quiet lives, minding their own business and working with their hands. Help us to live in that way, also. Paul tells them they don’t have to worry about the Christians who have gone on before them. Help us to have that same hope of seeing them again. Help us to look forward to the coming of Lord and comfort one another with the hope that we have through Christ. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

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by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.

Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians contains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Daily Bible Reading “God’s Call to Holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-10)

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

God’s Call to Holiness

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to follow his example of how they should walk before God. Paul reminds them of the commandments which he taught them. Does it make you wonder why Paul is reminding them about what they were taught?

Paul was happy the Thessalonians continued to serve the Lord after he left. He wanted them to continue to grow in the Lord. As long as we live, it is a continual process of learning and growing to become more like God in our actions by showing love for others, and in our lives by living in a holy manner. We won’t obtain perfection this side of eternity. It’s a continuous journey.

He tells the Thessalonians it is God’s will that they abstain from fornication. Obviously, there was a problem with this since Paul brought it up. He reminds them that they should keep their bodies sanctified and honorable before God. Paul tells them that they’re not to follow the examples of the Gentiles who don’t know God. As Christians, we’re not to live like the rest of the world; those who don’t know God. We should strive to live clean and holy lives before God.

This Scripture tells us that when we commit fornication, not only do we sin against God, we also sin against our own body. First Corinthians 6:18-20, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

In Leviticus 18, God explains explicitly that the nakedness of a person is only for their spouse. Our nakedness isn’t to be shared with anyone else, nor should it be taken by anyone else. Why do you think this was so important to God? Why is this sin so prevalent in our world today? Why don’t we value God’s ways of doing things? Is it because of the sin in our lives?

Paul reminds them that they’re not to take advantage of one another. He tells them God is the one who will make right the wrongs. Paul reminds them that God didn’t call us to be unclean vessels, but to be holy. He tells them if they despise their brother, it isn’t their brother they despise, but God, who gave us His Holy Spirit.

Paul tells them that they don’t need him to write to them concerning brotherly love because they’ve been taught to love one another by God. Even though they’re good at showing brotherly love toward others, Paul encourages them to increase in their love even more.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-10

1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

Things to think about:

What is Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians in this Scripture?

How can we use this Scripture in our own lives?

How is God leading you to His holiness?

What are some ways that we can show love to fellow believers?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. In reading Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians we realize how we all fall short of living up to Your standards. Please forgive us as a nation, as Your children, and as individuals. Help us to learn to live more godly lives. Help us to love one another in the way You intended us to. Help us to honor our bodies as Your holy temple. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

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For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy …

Daily Bible Reading “Perfecting your Faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Perfecting your Faith

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13. Paul writes in his letter to the Thessalonians that he couldn’t stand it any longer, not knowing how they were doing on their faith journey. Therefore, he sent Timothy to establish and reassure them in their faith. This meant that Paul would be alone in Athens, but he was willing to make the sacrifice for the sake of the Thessalonians. Why do you think Paul was willing to make such sacrifices for them?

Paul didn’t want the Thessalonians to be discouraged in their faith because of their current circumstances. He had told them when he was there that they would suffer persecution and they had. Paul didn’t want the work they’d done there previously to be in vain.

We all go through trials and tribulations in our lives. If we don’t have a firm foundation of our faith, sometimes these trials can cause us to lose faith. Paul had tribulations, Jesus was tempted, and we will suffer trials. Don’t let any trouble that comes your way cause you to lose faith and trust in God. He loves you, and in spite of what the circumstances say, He wants the best for you. You are His beloved child.

This Scripture in Acts indicates that Paul was distressed because of his concern for the Thessalonians. Acts 18:5 says, “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.” Once Timothy returned from his visit to the Thessalonians and gave Paul a good report of their faith and charity, Paul was comforted.

Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians; they made Paul joyful because of their stand for God. He longed to see them so much that he prayed night and day that God might allow him to go back and minister to them.

Paul wanted to help them perfect their faith. He asked God to direct his way back to spend time with them. His desire for the Thessalonians was that they would grow in their love for others as much as he loved them. Paul’s aspiration for them was they would be established in their faith and faultless in godliness before God at the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Things to think about:

Why did Paul send Timothy to visit the Thessalonians?

What was Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians?

How can we perfect our faith?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see Paul’s great love and concern for the Thessalonians. Help us to have that kind of love and concern for the people we lead to You. We see the Thessalonians’ great faith and love for others and for Paul and his ministry. Help us to be supportive of others who are spreading the gospel. Help us all to be rooted and grounded in our faith so when trouble comes we won’t be shaken. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

– 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

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by Deborah H. Bateman

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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah