Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God
In this passage from Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul outlines a stark contrast between the acts of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit. He catalogues various behaviors and attitudes that are characteristic of a life lived in opposition to God’s will, including sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, and selfish ambition. These vices reflect a fundamental rejection of God’s authority and a prioritization of selfish desires over righteousness. Paul’s warning to the Galatians serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that accompany a lifestyle marked by such behaviors, emphasizing that those who persist in living according to the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.
However, Paul’s admonition is not merely a condemnation of sinful behavior; it is also an invitation to embrace a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit. In the verses that follow, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By cultivating these qualities through a relationship with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers can experience true freedom and abundant life. Paul’s exhortation underscores the transformative power of God’s grace, which enables believers to overcome the bondage of sin and walk in obedience to God’s will, ultimately inheriting the eternal blessings of the kingdom of God.
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