Those who have put off the natural man-what Paul called the ’works of the flesh’-begin to enjoy what he called the ’fruit of the Spirit, ’ namely, ’love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’; they begin to ’walk in the Spirit.’ (Galatians 5:19-25.)
As Benjamin explained, such persons are humble and submissive, eager to know and carry out the will of the Savior, eager to have their own wishes swallowed up in the higher will of God.
The Spirit of God sanctifies-it cleanses and purges filth and dross out of the human soul as though by fire. The Spirit does far more, however, than remove uncleanness. it also fills. It fills one with a holy element, with a sacred presence that motivates the person to a godly walk and goodly works.
These persons do not necessarily plan out how they will perform the works of righteousness; they do not plot and design which deeds and what actions are to be done in every situation. Rather, they embody righteousness. They are goodness.
In their lives, works are seldom a means to some end; good works flow from a regenerate heart and evidence their commitment to Christ. Yes, these persons do have agency. indeed, they are freer than free, because they have given themselves up to the Lord and his purposes.
They choose to do good, but their choices are motivated by the Spirit of the Lord.“ (Robert L. Millet, Life in Christ pp. 98-99.)”