Note 12 at Gal. 5:18: In verse 16, the subject was walking in the Spirit (see note 6 at v. 16, p. 1082). Now, Paul is speaking of being led by the Spirit. He is using these terms interchangeably, thereby giving us the further insight that being led by the Spirit is walking in the Spirit.

Note 13 at Gal. 5:18: The Galatians were still trying to live the Christian life, but were going about it by self-effort, self-dependence, and by the principle of the law. The Spirit and the law are contrasted and shown to be opposed to one another. The Spirit's ability to deliver from sin is quite different from the law's ability of self-effort. This verse is saying that we do not have to keep the requirements of the law to earn God's approval.