Free Bible Commentary
“Galatians 5:16-26 (Part 3)”
Categories: Galatians“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”
---End of Scripture verses---
“The deeds of the flesh are evident” (verse 19). The word “evident” means “manifest”, “clear”, “visible”, “obvious”. That the sins on this list are “works” or “deeds of the flesh” should be a surprise to no one. These things are clearly carnal, fleshly transgressions that are antagonistic to our spiritual relationship with God, and that proceed from the base, corrupted part of our makeup.
The sins listed in verses 19-21 are divided into four categories. The first category is sins of sexuality which include “immorality, impurity and sensuality”. The second grouping consists of “religious” sins: “idolatry, and sorcery” (or witchcraft). The third class of infractions is sins against our fellowman. They consist of “strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions”. The final category is sins of “indulgence” and include “drunkenness, carousing” (or “partying”).
“And things like these” (verse 21). Just because our “favorite sin” is not named in this list does not mean that we are walking by the Spirit and not indulging in the deeds of the flesh. Paul could have compiled a much lengthier list of vices here, but he identified 15 by name to represent all the “deeds of the flesh” that will condemn us eternally if we practice such things. He says clearly that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul compiled another list of sins in his first letter to the Corinthians and arrived at the same conclusion: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
The bottom line is that when we get caught up in a sin (any sin) that we refuse to let go of, turn from, repent of and beg forgiveness for, we will be spiritually lost, severed from Christ (verse 4). This letter was written to Christians. Paul was writing to baptized believers who had been washed in the blood of Christ (Galatians 3:27). Do not be deceived! If a Christian chooses to live like the devil on earth, he will not reign with the Father in heaven! Self-deception is the worst kind of deception! “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (verse 24).
Stay with Galatians 5:16-26 for one more day. We will look at “the fruit of the Spirit” tomorrow Lord willing.
Have a blessed day!
-Louie Taylor
