According to the Apostle Paul, we often find ourselves caught in an internal struggle between two opposing forces: the Spirit and the flesh. This battle, vividly described in the book of Galatians, shapes our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and relationships with others.
In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul starkly contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. This list serves as a mirror, reflecting our own behaviors and attitudes and challenging us to examine how we walk through life.
The Works of the Flesh: A Sobering Reality
Paul doesn’t mince words when describing the works of the flesh. His list is extensive and brutally honest, including everything from sexual immorality (fornication, adultery, etc.) and idolatry to hatred, envy, and drunkenness. But he doesn’t stop there. He adds a haunting phrase: “and such like.” This addition suggests that the list is not exhaustive – there are countless ways our flesh can lead us astray.
One particularly interesting aspect of this list is the inclusion of “revelings.” This term, closely tied to drunkenness, paints a picture of wild, unrestrained behavior, often occurring under the cover of darkness. It brings to mind riotous processions, excessive feasting, and public disturbances fueled by alcohol and a lack of self-control.
The gravity of these behaviors is underscored by Paul’s warning: “they which do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This isn’t about losing salvation, but rather about the stark reality that those who habitually engage in these behaviors are choosing to live as though they are lost i.e., not saved. Paul addresses this in Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
The Fruit of the Spirit: A Beautiful Contrast
In beautiful juxtaposition to the works of the flesh, Paul presents the fruit of the Spirit. Notice the singular “fruit,” suggesting that all these qualities come as a package deal when we walk in step with the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance – these are the hallmarks of a life yielded to God’s Spirit.
This fruit doesn’t grow overnight. It’s cultivated through a daily choice to “walk by the Spirit” rather than gratifying the desires of the flesh. It’s a moment-by-moment decision to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s word rather than our selfish impulses.
The Daily Battle: Choosing Our Path
The reality is, as believers, we still face this internal conflict. Paul acknowledges this struggle in Romans 7:9, lamenting, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” This honest admission resonates with all of us who have found ourselves slipping into old patterns or giving in to temptation despite our best intentions.
However, we are not left without hope or help. Paul exhorts us to “put off concerning the former conversation the old man” and to “be renewed in the spirit of your minds” (Ephesians 4:22-23). This renewal is an ongoing process, requiring intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace.
Walking as Children of Light
As believers, we are called to walk as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). This means making conscious choices to distance ourselves from the “unfruitful works of darkness” and instead to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ.
This may require difficult decisions. We might need to reevaluate certain relationships, change our habits, or avoid situations that tempt us to indulge the flesh. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary for our spiritual growth and witness to the world.
The Power of Choice
Every day, we face countless decisions. Will we react in anger or respond with patience? Will we indulge in gossip or speak words of encouragement? Will we give in to selfish desires or serve others in love? These choices, seemingly small in the moment, shape the overall direction of our lives.
We must remember that while we have been freed from the power of sin, we still can choose the follow the stinking thinking of the flesh. Christ is in us, but the world constantly pulls at us. In each situation, we must decide: Will we walk by the Spirit or gratify the desires of the flesh?
A Call to Vigilance and Grace
As we navigate this ongoing battle, we’re called to be vigilant. The apostle Peter admonished the Little Flock to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). We must be aware of our weaknesses and the tactics of the enemy.
At the same time, we must extend grace, both to ourselves and to others. None of us achieves perfect sanctification this side of eternity. We will stumble, we will fail, but the key is to get back up, agree with God concerning the nature of our shortcomings, and continue pressing forward in our walk with Christ.
Remember, our standing before God is not based on our perfect performance, but on the finished work of Christ. Our daily choices to walk in the Spirit flow from gratitude for what He has done, not from a place of earning God’s favor.
As we close, let’s reflect on Paul’s encouragement in Galatians 5:16: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” This is both a command and a promise. As we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power, He will produce His fruit in our lives, transforming us more and more into the image of Christ.
May we be people who consistently choose to walk in the Spirit, allowing His light to shine through us in a world desperately in need of hope and truth.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
April 25, 2025
Resources For Further Study
63) Galatians 5:21 The Works Of The Flesh, Part 8 (Revellings & Such Like) (YouTube Video)
What Is The Flesh? (Blog Article)
The War Within: Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, & Lasciviousness) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 2 (Witchcraft) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 3 (Hatred, Variance, & Emulations) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 4 (Wrath, Strife, & Sedition) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spritual Checklist, Part 5 (Heresy) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spritual Checklist, Part 6 (Envyings & Murders) (Blog Article)
The Word of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist: Part 7 (Drunkeness) (Blog Article)