In our journey through life, we often find ourselves wrestling with desires and behaviors that seem at odds with our new identity in Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul provides us with a profound insight into this struggle, delineating what he calls “the works of the flesh”. (Gal. 5:19) This list serves as a spiritual checklist, a mirror in which we can examine our own lives and motivations.
Paul begins by reminding us of the constant tension between the flesh and the spirit. He writes in Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” This internal conflict is something every believer experiences, a battle between our new nature in Christ and the residual thought patterns and desires of the flesh.
The apostle then proceeds to enumerate specific works of the flesh, starting with sexual immorality. He mentions adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness. These terms cover a spectrum of sexual sins, from marital infidelity to general sexual impurity and unbridled lust. It’s crucial to note that Paul doesn’t create a hierarchy of these sins; in God’s eyes, they are all equally works of the flesh.
Adultery and Fornication: The Corruption of God’s Design
The first two works of the flesh mentioned are adultery and fornication. These sexual sins represent a deviation from God’s intended design for human sexuality. Adultery, specifically, involves the violation of the marriage covenant – a sacred bond established by God. It’s not just a physical act, but a betrayal of trust and a breaking of vows.
Adultery in the Bible is not just about marital unfaithfulness but can also refer to spiritual unfaithfulness. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of Israel’s “adultery” when they turned to false gods. This reminds us that our relationship with God demands the same fidelity we expect in human relationships.
Fornication, while often associated exclusively with premarital sex, encompasses a broader range of sexual immorality. It’s any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage. In both cases, these acts corrupt the beautiful gift of sexuality that God has given us.
It’s crucial to note that in God’s eyes, these sins are not ranked in order of severity. Whether it’s adultery, fornication, or any other sexual immorality (including pornography) they all stem from the same source – the flesh – and all fall short of God’s standard of holiness. Paul’s writings to the Corinthians reveal how prevalent and accepted this was in ancient culture, much like today. Yet, the call to sexual purity remains unchanged for believers.
Uncleanness and Lasciviousness: The Descent into Moral Impurity
Next on the list are uncleanness and lasciviousness. Uncleanness refers to moral impurity in a general sense. It’s a state of being defiled, not just physically, but spiritually and morally. This can manifest in various ways, from impure thoughts to unclean actions.
Lasciviousness takes this a step further. It represents unbridled lust and extreme forms of sexual perversion. It’s the far end of the spectrum of moral depravity, where individuals give themselves over completely to their basest desires without restraint.
Uncleanness and lasciviousness encompass a broad range of impure thoughts and actions. These terms speak to a general state of moral impurity and extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures. Paul’s letter to the Romans provides a sobering picture of where such unrestrained behavior can lead: “God gave them up unto vile affections” (Rom. 1:26). These works of the flesh remind us of the slippery slope of sin. What starts as a “small” compromise can, if left unchecked, lead to a complete abandonment of moral standards.
The Path Forward: Walking in the Spirit
It’s important to remember that as believers, we are not “spiritual Siamese twins” or “schizophrenic saints.” So, what hope do we have in the face of these works of the flesh? The answer lies in Paul’s exhortation to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25). As believers, we are new creatures in Christ. “Old things have passed away,” and “all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17). We are no longer slaves to sin, but we still battle with the residual “stinking thinking” of the crucified “old man” (Rom. 6:6).
Walking in the Spirit involves a daily, moment-by-moment choice to yield to God’s word rather than our fleshly desires. It’s about renewing our minds with God’s truth and taking every thought captive “to the obedience of Christ” (II Cor. 10:5).
This doesn’t mean we’ll achieve perfection in this life. We’ll still stumble and fall. But as we consistently choose to walk in the Spirit, we’ll find ourselves growing in holiness, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and manifesting Christ “in our mortal flesh” (II Cor. 4:11).
A Call to Self-Reflection
Why does Paul provide this list in Galatians 5? Is it merely to condemn or to instill guilt? Far from it. This catalog serves as a diagnostic tool, a way for believers to examine their own lives and recognize areas where they might be walking according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. The apostle’s ultimate goal is encouraging believers to “walk in the Spirit.” He assures us that if we do so, we “shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19) This is not about perfection or never stumbling but about the overall direction and desire of our lives.
Considering these works of the flesh, it’s important to approach the topic with humility and self-reflection. None of us are immune from these temptations. The flesh doesn’t play favorites – it seeks to ensnare us all. Let’s take time to examine our hearts honestly before God. Are there areas where we’ve been giving in to the flesh? Are there idols we need to tear down? Relationships we need to reconcile? Impure habits we need to break?
As we reflect on this passage, let’s not fall into the trap of thinking, “Well, I’ve never committed adultery or practiced witchcraft, so I’m doing fine.” The breadth of Paul’s list, as we will see in future articles in this series, ensures that we all find areas where we need growth and transformation. Whether it’s dealing with hatred, struggling with envy, or battling with less “obvious” sins, we all have work to do in aligning our lives with the Spirit’s leading, according to the word of God. Remember, conviction is not condemnation. If the Holy Spirit is highlighting areas of struggle in your life, it’s not to shame you but to lead you to repentance i.e., a change of mind and freedom.
As we navigate this journey of faith, let’s encourage one another to walk in the Spirit, to resist the works of the flesh, and to pursue the fruit of the Spirit. For it’s in this pursuit that we find true freedom, joy, and the abundant life that Christ promised.
May we all grow in our understanding of these truths and in our ability to live them out daily, for the glory of God and the good of the body of Christ. May we continually yield ourselves to the Spirit’s work, allowing Him to produce His fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. For “against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-13).
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
February 28, 2025
Resources For Further Study
56) Galatians 5:19-20 Works Of The Flesh (Adultery, Fornication, Unclean., Lascivious., Idolatry) (YouTube Video)
What Is The Flesh? (Blog Article)
The War Within: Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit (Blog Article)