Works of the Flesh

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 5:19-21 • August 14, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul instructed the Galatians to walk by the Spirit so they would not satisfy the cravings of the flesh. He made them aware that the desires of the Spirit are against the desires of the flesh. And the cravings of the flesh are against the Spirit.

Paul’s explanation clarified the opposing forces in that battle within a believer. Paul would then enumerate the works of the flesh. The list was not meant to be exhaustive but to highlight specific examples.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

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.

Notes

Paul instructed the Galatians to walk by the Spirit so they would not satisfy the cravings of the flesh. He made them aware that the desires of the Spirit are against the desires of the flesh. And the cravings of the flesh are against the Spirit. Paul’s explanation clarified the opposing forces in that battle within a believer. Paul would then enumerate the works of the flesh. The list was not meant to be exhaustive but to highlight specific examples.

  1. Obvious manifestations

    Paul stated that the works of the flesh are evident. He then enumerated a list of what the flesh does. Paul started with sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality. All pertain to sex outside of marriage (5:19).

    19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

  2. Idolatry and strife

    Paul listed idolatry as one of the deeds of the flesh, which is worshiping false gods or anyone equal to or higher than God. Any form of sorcery is evil and is a work of the flesh. Strife and sins that divides the community (5:20).

    20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,

  3. Excluded from the kingdom

    Paul mentioned envy, which is like jealousy but probably with spite. Drunkenness and orgies are works of the flesh. Moreover, Paul explained that those who do such would not inherit the kingdom of God (5:21).

    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.


Application

  1. Know your sinful inclinations

    If we are unaware that the flesh still exists, we will fail in our Christian walk. Thus, it is imperative to have a heightened awareness of ourselves. What sins are we prone to committing? Let us exercise honesty and truthfulness.

  2. Guard your heart and mind

    The only way to guard our hearts and minds is by walking in the Spirit, which is faith in His word. And it is by crucifying the flesh by starving its inclinations, which means neglecting and rejecting the inclinations.

  3. Heed the warning

    Paul’s warning is clear that those who practice the deeds of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Our lifestyle differentiates us from the lifestyle of the flesh. It is according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh.


Reflection & Discussion

  1. What are the deeds of the flesh?

  2. How may we NOT satisfy the cravings of the flesh?

  3. Who will not inherit the kingdom of God?