Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV) — 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Here, we find a list of the works of the flesh (19). Paul has told us that two elements within Christians, the flesh and the Spirit, are at constant odds. "The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh," he said (Gal. 5:17). Every Christian has a new nature that is alive to the Spirit, but also a flesh that is connected to the old nature. Because of this war within, Paul said it was vital for us to walk in and be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 18). But Paul went on to describe both the works of the flesh, which we will consider now, and the fruit of the Spirit, which we will consider next.
It’s not a total or complete list of the works of the flesh, but it does represent four major categories in which the flesh operates.
So why should we consider these works of the flesh? One reason is our love for God, which should give us a willingness to hear and heed his voice. Another reason is concern for others since, as believers, our lives impact everyone else in one way or another, and the works of the flesh can often destroy a church community. And one more reason is out of healthy care for ourselves. Through the gospel, we are saved from the ultimate penalty of sin and transferred from its power, but this list helps us see what God will continually try to weed out of our lives. All the elements of this list will harm us, so God urges us to walk by the Spirit to avoid the damaging effects of these works of the flesh. In a sense, one of the most self-respecting, health-producing, life-giving things we could do is slow down on a list like this one.
I want to remind you that this is addressed to Christians, and we are all susceptible to the things found in this list. Paul framed the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit as pitted against each other in the believer's life. But what about Paul's statement "that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (21)? Most translations use the word practice, which fits the text and context. If it were impossible for Christians ever to do the things in this list, Paul would not have had to write about them. Instead, he means that people outside the kingdom of God live in and practice these elements.
1. Sexual Misalignment (19)
The first category Paul mentions is found in the first three words: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (19). These words represent sexual misalignment and overlap in meaning and emphasis. Sexual immorality, the first word, comes from the Greek word porneia and refers to sexual activity of many types between unmarried people. Impurity, the second word, refers broadly to moral uncleanness through sensual thoughts, words, and deeds outside the sacred confines of marriage. And sensuality, the third word, speaks to uncontrolled sexuality, an atmosphere that is sensual. By starting here, Paul addresses a significant issue not only in the Greek and Roman world but also in our modern world.
Today, there are many views of sex. Some treat sex as a god that defines, gives life, and is worthy of devotion. Some treat sex as a mere facet of nature to be pursued for personal gratification. Some treat sex as the expected response to feelings of affection. And many within the church have embraced the idea that sex is an unholy activity, dirty and undesirable.
But the biblical view is that God invented sex—it is natural, enjoyable, and intimate. Sex is so powerful that it should only be enjoyed in the safe confines of covenantal marriage because it requires you to give yourself to another. Fire belongs in a fireplace. Similarly, sex is so potent that it is only meant for a marital relationship designed for the giving of one's entire self. If any part of a person is held back, sex is too weighty for that relationship.
Sex is meant to be natural, enjoyable, and powerful, so much so that God authored it for committed marriage between a man and woman. God said the two would become one in marital sexual activity. A married couple cannot quickly ditch each other; the legal intertwining of their lives and finances, the presence of children, and their network of family and friendships all encourage and nudge them toward the very best of what God has planned for them—oneness with their spouse.
By starting his list with sexual misalignment, Paul addressed "the most open and shameless vice of the Greek and Roman world." [1] Our world is swimming in this work of the flesh as well. It has found its way into so many facets of life. It's in our music, movies, curriculums, humor, and advertising. It's everywhere, so we must remain vigilant against our fleshly tendencies.
As Paul said to the Thessalonians, "This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality" (1 Th. 4:3). And it is entirely possible. I want to give you some counsel on how to pursue holiness in this area of your life:
- Do not attempt to struggle alone. There is a reason this set of actions is listed first. The human impulse in this direction is strong, and many Christians are fighting to pursue sexual wholeness and holiness. Paul said:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Light is a powerful disinfectant. Bring your temptations, confusions, or failures into the light with trusted believers (men, if you are a man; women, if you are a woman). As James said:
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. (James 5:16)
Do not be shocked by others. So many of us have experienced overexposure to sexual content or have endured sexual trauma of some kind. Many of our views have been cultivated by people outside the faith. Others of us have been confused by people within the church. This has generated all manner of sexual desire or lack of desire in many. Addictions and broken desires have taken root in so many of us. Have compassion. In our generation, we must give the requisite time for God's Spirit to help us see and submit to the biblical standard God has given.
Receive the grace of God for a fresh start in Christ. When a woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, he said, "I do not condemn you; go—and from now on—sin no more" (John 8:11, paraphrase mine). He did not dismiss her action, but told her to sin no more. Neither did he ruin her with condemnation, but told her he did not condemn her.
Next week, we’ll look at three more categories in which Paul mentions the flesh operates.
[1] Barker, Kenneth L., and John R. Kohlenberger III. 2019. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary the Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old & New Testaments. USA: Zondervan Academic.