For the flesh luster against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary to the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things ye would.
Galatians 5:17
As a human race, we are naturally sinful. Nothing about us is good. This is the entire reason for Christ, that we might be cleansed by His blood so that we are no longer separated from God by the sins that infect us. Because of this sinful nature, our flesh has certain attributes and happens that do not represent Christ well, because it is not of Christ. In contrast, when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our hearts at salvation, there are outward works that will show how the Spirit is changing your heart and making you more like Jesus. Paul notices the distinction between the works of our flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in chapter 5 of Galatians. It’s important to note that the Holy Spirit and the flesh cannot co-reside. They are at war with one another, both seeking your heart, for better or for worse. Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary to the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
The works of the flesh
In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul describes 17 different works of the flesh. These habits and/or actions are evident in unbelievers and those who have not allowed the Spirit to work in their life. Paul says that those who do these things will not inherit the Kingdom of God without repenting. Paul divides these sins into four groups: the first four relate to sexual immorality, the next two relate to religious sins, the next nine have to do with personal and relational conflicts, and the last two have to do with drunkenness.
Group 1: Sexual Immorality
The first work of the flesh that Paul describes here is adultery. Adultery is defined as the violation of the marriage covenant. Besides being the 7th of the 10 commandments, Jesus also speaks about adultery. Matthew 5:27-28 says, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” The marriage covenant is meant to last for life, therefore anything that violates the sanctity of this covenant is considered adultery.
The second work of the flesh Paul speaks of is fornication. Fornication is sexual immorality between unmarried people. God’s word makes it strikingly clear that sex should be saved for marriage, between one man and one woman. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.” Not only is abstaining until marriage for your purity and for the glory of God, but it is also for your protection. We should honor God with our bodies, which included obeying the commandments that His word sets for us.
The third work of the flesh in this group is uncleanness. Uncleanness is any impurity in body, soul, and mind. We should strive for actions that are pure, thoughts that are pure, and a heart that is pure. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” To keep the heart from being darkened, hardened, or spotted from this world is to remain pure.
The final work of the flesh in this group is lasciviousness. The word lasciviousness is often defined as, “lustful” or “crudeness.” It can be seen as the idea of flaunting uncleanness and impurity to the world, or it can be seen as pride for one’s sin and immorality. James 1:15 says, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Lust of our flesh has the capability to bring forth sin, sin will cause us death.
Group 2: Religious sins
The first religious sin that Paul describes is idolatry. Idolatry is the 2nd of the 10 commandments, and it is the act of worshipping any other god except for the one true God. This does not only include false idols but also ‘worshipping’, in a sense, anything other than God. For example, we should not be idolizing celebrities, even if they are positive role models! It’s also important that we don’t idolize ourselves for things such as our appearance, our job, or our person in general. 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” It’s important as temples of the living God that we don’t actively represent any other false gods in our lives.
The second religious sin found here is witchcraft. Not only is witchcraft the worship of supernatural and spiritual powers that are demonic and not from God, but it also includes drugs and anything that, “takes you out of this world.” The original word for witchcraft in the context is phramakeia and this is where we get our word “pharmacy” from. The Bible strictly forbids the use of drugs because of the demonic powers that they can introduce you to.
Group 3: Personal and relational conflicts
The first sin in this group that Paul discusses is hatred. Hatred is the inner motivation for the ill treatment of others. All in all, it is desiring to do hurtful things to others simply out of the evil in your heart. This sin goes directly against the character of God, because God is love.
The second sin in this group is variance. To be at variance with others is to be difficult to get along with. People will often not want to talk to you or be around you because you are always arguing or complaining about something. This also includes being easily offended. Not only is this sin or a work of the flesh, it is draining to those around you.
The third sin in this group is emulations. Emulations is the idea of competition or rivalry with the desire to surpass others. It is rooted in jealousy of the good fortune of others and resentment for their achievements, success, and/or recognition. This is also fueled by pride or selfishness, which are also both sin. Not only will this lead to unhealthy comparison, but it can also destroy relationships and wreak havoc on the good things going on in your life. This will not help you grow as a believer. Although it is important to note that there can be positive and negative emulations.
The fourth sin in this group is wrath, which is violent forms of anger. Believers in Christ are called to be as “harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) We are not to react uncontrollably with anger (throwing things, slamming doors, physical violence with others, etc.) but to be slow to anger, to be patient.
The fifth sin in this group is strife. Strife is used to describe a deep, often violent, ongoing conflict over a fundamental issue. The disagreements can become so strong that it causes bitterness. To avoid strife is to avoid quarrels and the evil desire to simply argue. Strife is usually developed from oneself having too much pride or either not willing to learn/listen.
The sixth sin in this group is seditions. This would be used to describe divisions within the body of Christ. As believers, we are called to be one body in Christ. The body needs to work together to perform daily functions. Obviously, there will be disagreements within the church, but we should work together towards an agreeable conclusion, rather than letting an issue divide us. Philippians 3:16 says, “Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”
The seventh sin Paul mentions in this group is heresies. At it’s core, heresy is a personal conflict with the very fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. It is believing ideas that go against what the Word of God says plainly. It’s important that as Christian’s, our beliefs and principles come directly from the Bible, which is a true and living word.
The eighth sin in this group is envying. Now before, we looked at emulations, which can be positive or negative. For example a positive emulation would be the ambition to seek God much like other believers. Envying, on the other hand, are always negative. It is the desire for others possessions or advantages. Envy causes resentment of others for what they have or what they have done. It is the act of unthankfulness for what God has done in your life and comes from a heart of jealousy.
The ninth and final sin Paul mentions in this group is murders. Murder is the intentional taking of a human life. As we read, hatred is a sin, as it is the motivation for the ill will of others. To hate someone so much it is as if you murdered them in your heart. Jesus sees this as the same as murdering the person in reality. Human life, from conception, has inherent value because humans are created in the image of God. We as humans have no right to take the life another.
Group 4: Drunkeness and Partying
The first sin in the group is drunkenness. This is to be intoxicated with strong drink. Alcohol, like the use of drugs, is mind-altering and has the power to control a person if not used in wise moderation. Alcohol is a destructive substance if it is abused. There have been arguments in churches for years about whether or not it is okay in moderation. What the bible clearly says is that we should not engage in anything that takes away our self control which can include many other things besides alcohol. The important thing is that we are filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) which would prevent us from being filled with anything worldly.
The last sin that Paul mentions is revellings. This can be described as disorderly merrymaking, as well as loud and frivolous behavior. Let’s be clear, this does not mean that Christians cannot have fun! Maybe a better explanation of revellings would be to say that it is “going wild.” Any celebrations or events that have characteristics of the world, are not guided by the Holy Spirit. It is important to listen to your convictions when you are invited to places or events, and ask yourself if being in that location will glorify God.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
Paul makes it strikingly clear that those whose lifestyles are characterized by the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Obviously, even though we have surrendered our lives to Christ, we will still sin, it is human nature. But the goal is to mortify any sin that we see in our lives. This life of a believer will not be characterized by these works, but rather by the next set of works which he describes as the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” As we always said in youth group, if you’re gonna walk the walk, you need to talk the talk. This might be better translated to say that if you’re going to associate yourself with the name of Christ, you must allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and to sanctify you so that you would be a good representation of Jesus to the world. Living by the Spirit is allowing the Spirit to work in you so that you become less like yourself and more like Jesus. This is represented in the following ‘fruits’.
The fruit of the Spirit
Love
This love is meant to be agape love, which is pure, selfless, and self-sacrificing. This love seeks to serve others, to give to others, and choosing to love even if they are undeserving. Agape love is the love that God exemplified for mankind when He sent His only Son to die, so that we might live (John 3:16).
Joy
This joy is deeper than temporary happiness. Joy from Christ is not based upon circumstances, it simply comes from the delight in living for God. This joy remains despite undelightful challenges in our lives. You will not be able to find joy within the world as everything on this earth is temporary, joy only comes from Jesus Christ.
Peace
This peace is above all understanding because it allows the believer to remain calm and comforted even in times of difficulty (Philippians 4:7). This peace doesn’t falter at any sign of trouble. Peace is not the absence of chaos, but the presence of blessing and goodness despite chaos. I may be a little biased but I argue that while God is so beautiful and vast, the peace that He gives, even when it feels like everything is falling apart, is a peace that is absolutely priceless.
Longsuffering
The synonym for longsuffering is patience. This patience in a believer is the evidence of love, joy, and peace even when someone or something is testing it. This patience waits in spite of adversity, setback, and temptation. It is not easily irritated, but gentle and collected.
Gentleness
This gentleness requires strength and self-control. It is humble. Being a gentle person is forgiving others and loving them although they don’t deserve it. Gentleness is not weakness but rather strength to treat others well despite their actions or attitudes.
Goodness
This goodness is shown through action by good morals and motives. It strives to do good things for others in word and action, such as being a generous giver. Goodness in the life of the believer is virtue and holiness shown in his/her actions.
Faith
This type of faith is loyal, dependable, constant, and trustworthy. It is the ability to serve God through various trials and temptations. A faithful believer serves God despite the challenges he/she faces and continuously seeks His hand everywhere and in everything.
Meekness
This meekness is comparable with a teachable spirit. A believer who is meek is not less than or weak, he/she is humble and not egotistical (1 Peter 3:3-4). Meekness does not think too much of itself. Meekness is allowing God to have control over our lives, knowing that He has a plan that is far greater than something we could come up with.
Temperance
The final fruit is self-control. Temperance chooses not to act on sin, but rather knows when to stop participating in something that us not glorifying God. Without self-control, a person will lead themselves to their own destruction (Proverbs 25:28).
‘Fruit isn’t achieved by working, but it is birthed by abiding.’ When I first read this statement I had to sit and think about it. Knowing this is so important to the life of a believer. We cannot bear these fruits in our lives without the work of the Holy Spirit in us. But when we sit with Jesus and we learn from the life He lived, the fruit will start to grow and be evident within us and around us.
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