“This Body Is Not Mine: A Fresh Walk by the Spirit”

Scripture Focus
 
Galatians 5:16 (NASB 1995) “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
 
 
 
Sermon Reflection
 
A new year often brings fresh starts, good intentions, and spiritual goals. Many of us begin January determined to “do better” in our walk with God. And while starting matters, Scripture reminds us that starting is not the same as sustaining.
 
Last year, we focused on justification the truth that we are made right with God by grace alone through faith alone. That work is finished. We did not earn it, and we cannot boast in it. But now, having been justified, we step into the lifelong work of sanctification, learning how to live out what God has already done in us.
 
The mistake we often make is trying to grow in our own strength. We trust Christ to save us, but then we rely on ourselves to mature. Yet Scripture is clear: the same Spirit who brought us to life is the Spirit who grows us into Christlikeness. As Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
 
Before we can truly walk by the Spirit, we must settle a foundational truth: this body is not ours. We have been bought with a price. Our lives, our time, our desires, and our direction now belong to the Lord. Sanctification begins with surrender, and walking by the Spirit means living daily under His leadership, not striving harder, but trusting deeper.
 
 
 
How I Should Respond
 
I need to stop living like an owner and start living like a steward. This life is not mine to manage according to my preferences; it belongs to Christ.
 
That means I don’t just ask, “What do I want to do this year?”
I ask, “Holy Spirit, how do You want to lead me?”
 
Walking by the Spirit is not about perfection or performance. It is about daily dependence. When I submit my body, my schedule, my gifts, and my decisions to God, He supplies the power to obey. My role is to surrender; His role is to transform.
 
 
Weekly Prayer
 
Father,
Thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank You that I am justified by grace and sealed by Your Spirit. As I step into this new year, help me remember that my life is not my own. Teach me to walk by the Spirit, not in my strength, but in Yours. Shape my desires, guide my steps, and produce fruit in my life that brings You glory. I surrender myself anew to You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
 
5-Day Application Plan: Walking by the Spirit
 
Day 1 – Remember the Ownership
 
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Reflect: In what ways have I been living as if my life belongs to me?
Prayer: Ask God to help you see your body and life as His possession.
 
Day 2 – Shift from Striving to Surrender
 
Read Philippians 2:12–13
Reflect: Where have I been trying to grow spiritually in my own strength?
Action: Consciously surrender one area of struggle to the Lord today.
 
Day 3 – Choose the Daily Walk
 
Read Ephesians 4:1
Reflect: Does my daily behavior reflect my calling in Christ?
Action: Take one intentional step of obedience prompted by Scripture.
 
Day 4 – Examine the Fruit
 
Read Galatians 5:19–23
Reflect: What is currently growing in my life, fruit of the Spirit or works of the flesh?
Prayer: Ask the Spirit to cultivate Christlike fruit in you.
 
Day 5 – Commit to Consistency
 
Read Galatians 5:16
Reflect: Am I committed to a lifestyle of Spirit-led walking, not just a good start?
Action: Write a simple prayer of commitment for the year ahead.
 
 
 
Final Thought
 
As we step into this new year, God is not calling us to make better resolutions; He is calling us to make room. Room for the Spirit to lead. Room for growth to happen. Room for obedience to take root.
 
This body is not yours.
This life is not yours.
You have been bought with a price.
 
And the good news is this: the Spirit who owns your life is also the Spirit who walks with you. Let’s not just start this year strong, let’s walk by the Spirit, one faithful step at a time.