Scripture exists to teach us the right way to live and to show us what is wrong in our lives. It works to correct us and keep us walking down the path of salvation. So it’s important for us to frequently compare our lives to the scripture as we read. In order to be sure we align properly with it. When we read that the works of the flesh are evident and are given a list of those works, we need to stop. Taking time to thoroughly evaluate our lives and see if any of what is listed is present in us.
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.
To have the best understanding of the works of the flesh, let’s take a moment to look at this passage in another translation
Galatians 5:19–21 (NLT)
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
When we follow the desires of our flesh they begin to exhibit themselves in our lives. They become evident and can easily be seen by others, as well as ourselves. When we notice them, we start making changes before it is too late. As the final verse of the passage makes abundantly clear no one who has the works of the flesh present in their life will inherit the Kingdom of God.
That is why it is so important we make sure the works of the flesh are not present in our lives. Because if they begin to reappear and become common in our lives, we will miss out on eternity in Heaven. All because we stopped following the leading of the spirit and the fruit thereof was replaced by the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:22–24 (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
As Christians, our lives should always align more with the passage above than with the one we opened with. As we do our best to always follow the leading of the spirit. The works of the flesh may at times pop up but should always be met with repentance. When your life follows the desires of the flesh and never finds itself at an altar, it only ends one way. Eternity spent in the perils of hell.
So don’t breeze past this passage in your Bible. Instead, ask yourself “are the works of the flesh present in my life?” Have the fruits of the spirit vanished and all I am left with is a harvest of sinfulness? Have anger, envy, hate, greed, sexual immorality, lust, and other types of sinful behavior become a regular part of my life? Do this because the consequences are eternal and no one is spared judgment.
If you answered yes to any of these questions then it is time to change while you still can. Turn to God in repentance and seek the forgiveness He is offering. Don’t simply think you are saved. Know you are by living in accordance with God’s word. If you think this doesn’t apply to you then I simply leave you with the words of Paul.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
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