Stop Fighting Sin and Start Walking in the Spirit - Andrew Wommack - January 13, 2026

Name: Stop Fighting Sin and Start Walking in the Spirit - Andrew Wommack - January 13, 2026
Uploaded: 2026-01-13T16:36:04.000Z
Duration: 1 h 24 min 57 s

Understanding Walking in the Spirit

Introduction to Galatians 5

The speaker introduces a shift from discussing finances to exploring Galatians chapter 5, indicating a desire to share insights on spiritual matters.

He references Galatians 5:16, emphasizing the importance of walking in the spirit rather than merely avoiding fleshly desires.

Key Insights on Flesh and Spirit

The speaker critiques a common Christian approach that focuses on resisting the flesh instead of actively pursuing spiritual growth through God.

He uses an analogy about light and darkness, stating that turning on the light (walking in the spirit) naturally dispels darkness (fleshly desires).

Misconceptions About Dying to Self

The speaker reflects on his upbringing in a Baptist church where "dying to self" was taught but suggests this method may not be effective for true spiritual progress.

He shares a personal anecdote about focusing on sins while trying to die to himself, which he believes only resurrected those negative thoughts.

True Progression in Christian Life

Emphasizing that understanding Jesus' love and what He has done is crucial for walking in the spirit rather than fixating on personal failures.

Defines walking in the spirit as being led by God's word, highlighting Proverbs 23:7's assertion that one's thoughts shape their identity.

Revelation of Identity in Christ

The speaker discusses how recognizing one's identity as complete in Christ transformed his life despite ongoing struggles with sin.

Cites scripture (1 John 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:17), affirming believers' righteousness and holiness through their union with Christ.

Understanding Identity in Christ and the Renewal of the Mind

The Importance of Self-Declaration

The speaker emphasizes the need for self-affirmation, stating that recognizing one's righteousness in Christ is crucial. This realization leads to a transformation in mindset.

By repeatedly affirming "You are righteous," individuals can shift their focus towards their identity in Christ, which ultimately reflects positively in their lives.

The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit

Reference to Galatians 5:17 highlights the internal struggle between flesh and spirit, clarifying that this does not imply a sinful nature remains after being born again.

The old sinful nature is described as dead; however, past programming influences current thoughts and behaviors until one actively renews their mind.

Reprogramming the Mind

Emphasis on renewing one's mind to overcome negative thought patterns instilled by previous sinful behavior. This renewal is essential for experiencing true change.

Clarification that "flesh" refers not to a sinful nature but rather an unrenewed mind and physical body, which can lead to carnal thinking if not aligned with spiritual truths.

Understanding Carnality

The term "carnal" is defined as being focused on physical senses rather than spiritual truths. It suggests that one can be carnally minded without engaging in overt sin.

A deeper explanation of "carnal" connects it to being overly focused on material or sensory experiences, likening it to being a "meathead."

Focus Determines Outcome

Where one directs their attention significantly impacts behavior; focusing on God's word fosters positive changes while dwelling on flaws perpetuates negativity.

Encouragement to prioritize spiritual nourishment over fleshly desires, reinforcing that one's spirit is inherently perfect and complete upon rebirth.

Spiritual Fruitfulness

Discussion of Ephesians 4:24 indicates believers possess inherent qualities such as love, joy, peace, etc., within their spirits post-conversion.

Reinforcement that while the spirit remains unchanged and perfect after salvation, external circumstances may fluctuate based on mental focus.

Understanding Spiritual Stability

The Nature of Spiritual Emotions

The speaker reflects on the constancy of love, joy, and peace in one's spirit, contrasting it with fluctuating emotions based on life circumstances.

Personal experiences reveal that discouragement and depression stem from relying on physical feelings rather than spiritual truths.

A transformative emotional encounter with God is described during a four-and-a-half-month period, followed by a struggle to maintain that feeling while serving in Vietnam.

The speaker recalls avoiding singing about love and joy due to a lack of genuine feeling, highlighting the conflict between inner truth and external expression.

After returning from Vietnam, the speaker's understanding of faith evolved through exposure to new teachings that emphasized spiritual realities over emotional experiences.

Discovering Inner Peace

An invitation to a Kenneth Copeland meeting led to an awakening regarding the presence of love, joy, and peace within oneself at all times.

The excitement experienced during this meeting marked a significant shift in understanding spiritual engagement beyond mere physical sensations.

Realization dawned that true worship should come from the spirit rather than seeking emotional highs or physical manifestations.

The speaker emphasizes that everything sought externally was already present internally; this realization brought freedom from previous struggles for validation through feelings.

Faith Beyond Sight

A biblical reference is made to Matthew 8:5–10 where Jesus marvelled at the Roman centurion's faith—highlighting its significance compared to His disciples' unbelief.

This centurion recognized Jesus' authority without needing physical proof, showcasing profound faith not commonly found among those who had been closest to Him.

The contrast between the centurion’s faith and the disciples’ doubt illustrates how familiarity can sometimes breed complacency in belief systems.

Reflection on personal upbringing in a Baptist context reveals limitations in understanding spiritual gifts like healing and prosperity which were often overlooked.

Seeking miraculous experiences led to deeper insights into faith as opposed to merely waiting for heavenly promises; this journey involved learning about miracles through figures like Kenneth Hagin.

This structured summary captures key themes and insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy navigation back to specific moments in the discussion.

The Power of Belief and Faith

The Choice of Belief

The speaker emphasizes that belief is a conscious choice, illustrated by Thomas's declaration, "I will not believe."

Jesus appears to Thomas after eight days, knowing his doubts without having been present when they were expressed.

Upon realizing who Jesus is, Thomas proclaims, "My Lord and my God," signifying a moment of profound faith.

The Blessing of Faith Without Sight

Jesus tells Thomas that those who believe without seeing are blessed, contrasting with the centurion's faith which relied solely on Jesus' word for healing.

The speaker reflects on God's ability to meet individuals at their level of faith; sometimes through physical touch or merely speaking a word.

Personal Experience with Prophecy and Faith

The speaker shares personal experiences where he has not received prophecies despite being surrounded by others who have.

He expresses a desire for the highest form of faith—believing in God's word without needing physical proof or emotional experiences.

Walking in the Spirit vs. Emotional Experiences

Emphasizes that true walking in the spirit involves adhering to God's word rather than seeking emotional validation or physical signs.

Critiques common church practices that reflect unbelief, such as asking God to be present when He promises never to leave us.

Understanding God's Love and Healing

Discusses how many Christians acknowledge God's love intellectually but struggle emotionally if they don't feel it.

Highlights Romans 5:8 about God’s love being demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to trust this truth over feelings.

Overcoming Natural Limitations with Spiritual Truth

Encourages believers to walk in spiritual truth rather than relying on natural circumstances or feelings that contradict God’s promises.

Stresses the importance of believing in healing as stated in scripture despite contrary evidence from doctors or personal experience.

Emotions and Their Influence

Compares emotions to instinctive reactions (like withdrawing from pain), suggesting they should not dictate one's spiritual reality or actions.

Understanding the Role of Emotions and Spiritual Focus in Life

The Purpose of Pain and Emotions

Pain serves a protective purpose, prompting withdrawal from harmful situations. It is essential for self-preservation.

Emotions should not be ignored; they indicate underlying issues that need attention. Acknowledging feelings like discouragement can lead to spiritual growth.

Finding Peace Through Focus on God

Isaiah 26:3 emphasizes that peace comes from focusing on God, indicating that lack of peace signals a misalignment in focus.

Psalms 16:11 highlights the joy found in God's presence, suggesting that absence of joy indicates a need to reconnect spiritually.

The Battle of the Mind

The true battle lies within one's mind; focusing on negative thoughts or physical sensations detracts from spiritual strength. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 discusses using spiritual weapons to combat negative thoughts and strongholds.

Spiritual warfare is often misunderstood; the real struggle occurs internally rather than externally against physical manifestations or entities.

Choosing Spiritual Over Emotional Responses

Individuals must choose whether to focus on their physical state or their identity in Christ, which requires discipline and faith even when emotions suggest otherwise.

Rejoicing despite circumstances is crucial for maintaining spiritual health and connection with God’s promises. This act reflects walking in the spirit rather than succumbing to fleshly emotions.

Testimony of Faith Amidst Grief

A personal testimony illustrates how refusing to grieve over loss led to miraculous outcomes, emphasizing the power of praise and worship as acts of faith during trials. The speaker chose joy over sorrow based on biblical principles rather than feelings at the moment of crisis.

Engaging with God's word through praise can unlock inner joy and strength, leading to transformative experiences even in dire situations such as witnessing a loved one come back from death without damage after prayerful intercession.

Spiritual Weapons Against Negative Thoughts

The Power of God's Word

Emphasizes the importance of using spiritual weapons to combat negative thoughts, advocating for reliance on God's word which states believers are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

Encourages individuals to choose faith over medical opinions, suggesting that one's belief in scripture can lead to a more positive mindset.

Understanding Reality Beyond the Flesh

Discusses the distinction between physical reality and spiritual reality, asserting that true understanding comes from the word of God.

Quotes Jesus, highlighting that His words are spirit and life, reinforcing the idea that scripture should define personal identity.

The Bible as a Spiritual Mirror

Compares the Bible to a mirror, stating it reflects one’s true self and encourages continuous engagement with its teachings for personal growth.

Warns against relying solely on feelings or emotions when seeking God's presence; instead, one should affirm faith based on scriptural truths.

Approaching Prayer with Faith

Suggests a proactive approach in prayer by acknowledging God's omnipresence according to scripture rather than expressing doubt about His presence.

Defines a carnal mind as one focused on earthly concerns rather than spiritual truths, referencing Romans 8 regarding mindset orientation.

Evaluating Thoughts: Spirit vs. Flesh

Explains how one's focus determines whether they are operating in the flesh or spirit; emphasizes aligning thoughts with God’s promises rather than worldly circumstances.

Challenges listeners to prioritize biblical truths over medical diagnoses or physical sensations for a stronger faith experience.

Personal Testimony of Faith Over Fear

A Personal Health Challenge

Shares an anecdote about undergoing a treadmill test where initial results suggested serious heart issues but were met with disbelief and rejection of fear-based conclusions.

Confronting Medical Opinions

Describes an encounter with a doctor who initially diagnosed him with potential heart problems; he firmly rejected this diagnosis based on his faith.

Affirmation of Health Through Faith

Concludes by sharing how subsequent tests revealed no health issues, illustrating the power of faith and belief over negative medical assessments.

Understanding the Battle Between the Flesh and the Spirit

The Nature of Carnal vs. Spiritual Mindset

The speaker emphasizes that being influenced by physical circumstances rather than God's word indicates a mindset focused on the flesh, which can be identified by where one's thoughts are directed.

A key verse states, "For to be carnally minded is death," highlighting that mental focus is crucial in spiritual battles; our spirits are perfect upon rebirth, but our minds and bodies present challenges.

The distinction between carnal and spiritual thinking is made clear: while carnal thinking leads to death, spiritual thinking results in life and peace.

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

Just as planting tomatoes yields tomatoes, focusing solely on spiritual thoughts will produce life and peace; one’s mindset directly influences their outcomes.

The speaker asserts that observing someone's thoughts can reveal what they have been 'planting' in their lives spiritually.

Walking in the Spirit vs. Walking in the Flesh

Although believers have been born again and are not inherently in the flesh, they can still choose to live according to fleshly desires instead of recognizing their true identity in Christ.

Emphasizing Romans 12:2, transformation comes through renewing one's mind with God’s word; this renewal allows individuals to discern God's will effectively.

Living Out God’s Word

By prioritizing God's word over emotions or physical realities, believers can respond with scripture when faced with challenges—this reflects walking in the spirit.

Overcoming sin isn't about struggling alone but understanding what Jesus has accomplished for us; a focus on His work changes how we perceive ourselves.

Community Support and Encouragement

Gratitude is expressed towards community members who support learning God’s truth; together they aim to make a positive impact on the world through shared faith.