In this passage, Paul gives us a clear and sober list of behaviors that are contrary to the life we are called to live in Christ. He contrasts the fruit of the Spirit, which we see earlier in the chapter, with the “works of the flesh,” a term that encompasses actions and attitudes that disrupt our relationship with God and one another.
- Understanding the Works of the Flesh
Paul begins by stating that “the works of the flesh are evident.” This phrase implies that these behaviors are not hidden or subtle; rather, they are obvious signs of a lifestyle that is out of step with God’s calling. When we reflect on our own lives and communities, we recognize that these acts—such as idolatry, strife, jealousy, and anger—create divisions and hinder the unity that Christ desires for us. In a world that often celebrates self-interest and discord, Paul’s words remind us that living according to the flesh ultimately leads to separation from God.
Paul’s list includes behaviors that affect not only our personal morality but also our social relationships. For example, “enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions” highlight how our internal struggles can spill over into conflicts with others. When we allow these works to take root, they not only damage our character but also our witness as a community of believers. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace, builds up the body of Christ and reflects God’s transforming power in our lives.
- A Warning Against a Lifestyle of Sin
Paul’s warning in verse 21 is severe and uncompromising: “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This statement is a call for us to take seriously the consequences of living according to our fleshly desires. It is not a declaration of condemnation for anyone who struggles with sin—rather, it is a reminder that our lifestyle choices have eternal implications. When we choose behaviors that align with the flesh, we are turning away from the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and jeopardizing our inheritance in God’s Kingdom.
This warning is echoed in other parts of Scripture. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 reminds us that unrighteous behaviors exclude us from inheriting God’s Kingdom. Similarly, Romans 8:5-8 contrasts living according to the flesh with living in the Spirit, showing us that those who live by the flesh set their minds on things that will perish, while those who live by the Spirit set their minds on things that endure. These passages collectively urge us to examine our lives and ensure that we are not conforming to the patterns of this world but are instead transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Application: Living by the Spirit
In our walk with God, we are called to make a conscious decision to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. Paul’s list of works of the flesh serves as both a mirror and a warning. It shows us what we must avoid if we desire to experience the freedom and transformation that come from a life led by the Spirit. This is not a call to legalism or self-righteousness; rather, it is an invitation to embrace a new way of living that reflects the love, grace, and unity we have in Christ.
To live by the Spirit, we must first recognize our own shortcomings and seek God’s help in renewing our minds and hearts. Engaging regularly in prayer, studying Scripture, and cultivating relationships with other believers who encourage us in our spiritual growth are practical steps toward this goal. As we grow in our relationship with God, we begin to see a natural transformation in our behavior—a move away from the works of the flesh and a blossoming of the fruit of the Spirit, such as kindness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
We are also reminded that our battle is not fought in isolation. God provides us with the resources we need to overcome these sinful tendencies. His grace is sufficient, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to make choices that honor Him, even in a culture that often promotes the opposite. By relying on His strength, we can resist the allure of behaviors that lead to division and instead work toward unity and love within our communities.
Conclusion: Galatians 5:19-21 challenges us to critically assess the influence of sinful behaviors in our lives. It is a call to reject the evident works of the flesh and to embrace the life-giving power of the Spirit. As we seek to live in a way that reflects Christ, let us remember that our actions have eternal significance, and that by living according to the Spirit, we are not only preserving our own inheritance but also building up the Kingdom of God here on earth.See also: vs. 18-23
Galatians 5:19-21. Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.