Part Two: The Cure for a Cannibal Church — Walk in the Spirit

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

After warning the Galatians of the destructive consequences of biting and devouring one another, Paul now gives the solution: “Walk in the Spirit.” This is not an option, but a command—a way of life, not a momentary choice.

The flesh inclines us toward self-exaltation, division, jealousy, gossip, and anger (Galatians 5:19–21). But the Spirit leads us to humility, love, peace, and restoration (Galatians 5:22–23). The reason many believers tear each other apart is because they are walking in the flesh while pretending to serve in the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit — What It Means

The Greek word peripateo translated “walk” implies a consistent conduct, a continual progression. Walking in the Spirit means:

• Daily surrender to God’s will (Romans 12:1–2)

• Moment-by-moment sensitivity to His prompting (John 16:13)

• Consistent alignment with the Word of God (Psalm 119:105)

This is the only pathway to victory over the lusts of the flesh—including the urge to criticise, compete, and control others.

A 2021 Barna Group study found that only 23% of professing Christians engage in daily Bible reading, prayer, and Spirit-led decision-making. This low engagement correlates directly with increased division and immaturity in churches. When the Spirit is ignored, the flesh takes the throne.

Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

Yet most church exits are not because of doctrinal heresy, but interpersonal hostility. The problem isn’t theology—it’s trajectory. Too many walk in pride instead of walking in the Spirit.

Help from the Healer

• Ephesians 4:1–3 – “Walk worthy…with all lowliness and meekness…endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

• Romans 8:13–14 – “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

• Colossians 3:12–13 – Put on “bowels of mercies, kindness…forgiving one another.”

To walk in the Spirit is to war against the flesh—not the brethren.

In Conclusion: The Spirit-Built Church Will Not Be a Cannibal Church

There is no revival in the flesh. There is no victory in tearing others down. But when we walk in the Spirit, we won’t fulfil the lust of the flesh—we’ll fulfil the law of love. And that, dear friend, is how the church becomes what Christ intended it to be.

“You can’t serve the Saviour and slander the saints at the same time.” – Lester Roloff

Question: Are you walking in the Spirit, or are you living in the lusts of self-promotion and self-preservation?

Let these truths take root. Let love lead. Let the Spirit guide.

The church doesn’t need more critics—it needs more Spirit-filled Christians.