Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
The Works of the Flesh
As Christians we are transformed by our relationship with Jesus and begin to grow in the fruit of the spirit. As humans we have to fight against our flesh. We don’t have the strength to overcome any of these works of the flesh on our own. The Holy Spirit in us helps us to have self-control and in His power alone can we win the battle against the flesh. We are all flesh and blood humans, so we fight these battles and we always will until we are made whole in Heaven.
Paul was very specific so we would have no question about what the works of the flesh are. The moral climate was bad at the time so Paul wanted to make sure they understood. If we choose the works of the flesh over a relationship with Him, Paul says we will not inherit the kingdom of God.
I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul often reminded them about the works of the flesh and how they should live as Christians. He uses strong language saying that whoever practices these works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since we all battle with the works of the flesh, it sounds like inheriting the kingdom of God is impossible – much like it was impossible under the old law for anyone to every measure up to 613 laws. What Paul is actually saying is that when we are saved, our life is changed. We start growing in our relationship with Jesus and we will fail at times because we are human. However, we will not stay in these sins if we are saved. By the grace of God when we stumble, we can repent and turn back to God and our relationship with Him. We do not continue to live in the works of the flesh day after day. Paul is saying that if we do that, perhaps we have not believed Jesus to be our Savior, confessed, repented, and accepted His gift of salvation and eternal life. The word practice suggest someone doing the works of the flesh constantly.
Our battle with the works of the flesh might be an inner battle, but the consequences are often outwardly evident. He says they are obvious in the first sentence but knows that it is important that we know specifically how we walk in the flesh and how we are to walk in the Spirit.
Which of these vices do you struggle with? How will the fruit of self-control help you defeat these obstacles to spiritual maturity?
No matter what vice it is that you struggle with, the Holy Spirit in you can help you overcome. In our relationship with Him, we grow more like Him and His fruit is evident in our lives. The Holy Spirit will help us with self-control. It is His power in us that helps us overcome the temptations of the flesh and have the self-control to move on.
