Understanding the Works of the Flesh in Galatians 5

Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21 provides a definitive list of the "works of the flesh," which are the outward manifestations of a corrupt, unsanctified heart that is in direct opposition to the law of GodPTUK July 13, 1893, page 225.8+1. These behaviors are described as "evident" because they proceed naturally from the sinful nature that mankind inherits from AdamFACC 43.1+1.

The Nature of the Works of the Flesh 📋

The works of the flesh represent active wickedness and are violations of the divine lawPTUK July 13, 1893, page 225.8+1. While the list provided by the apostle Paul is long, it is not exhaustive, as he includes the phrase "and such like" to indicate that any behavior identical in character to these is also a work of the fleshSWE 9.2+1.

• Sexual Immorality: The list begins with sexual sins such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness Galatians 5:19. Even the attempt of the "old man" or the fleshly nature to work the works of God is characterized as a form of spiritual adulteryPTUK February 22, 1894, page 119.3.

• Spiritual and Social Evils: Idolatry and witchcraft (sorcery) represent a rejection of God for false powers or divinationBDOC 36.23+1. Social sins like hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, and envyings are grouped with murder because they stem from the same carnal root 1 John 3:15ARSH September 25, 1900, page 617.6+1.

• Intemperance: Drunkenness and revelings are forms of self-indulgence that strengthen animal propensities and lessen spiritualityRH May 27, 1902, Art. A, par. 4+1.

The Root Cause: The Carnal Mind 🧠

These evils are not merely acquired habits but are inherent in the very nature of man Mark 7:21-23. The "flesh" or the "carnal mind" is the source of these impulses, and it constantly lusts against the Spirit of God Galatians 5:172MCP 516.2+1. Following natural inclinations without divine grace inevitably leads to doing what is evil, as the fleshly mind is vainly puffed up and does not hold to the head, which is ChristPTUK November 22, 1894, page 742.1+1.

The Severe Consequence ⚠️

The most solemn warning attached to this list is that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God Galatians 5:21BDOC 36.23+1. This exclusion is certain because flesh and blood, in its corruptible state, cannot inherit an incorruptible kingdom 1 Corinthians 15:50SBBS 314.10+1. Those who sow to the flesh will ultimately reap corruption and the second death Galatians 6:7-8ARSH March 18, 1858, page 142.9+1.

The Divine Solution: Crucifying the Flesh ✝️

Victory over these works is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit and a connection with Jesus Christ2MCP 516.2+1.

• Crucifixion of Self: Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts Galatians 5:24CH 69.2+1.

• A Change of Heart: To inherit the kingdom, a great and sudden change must be wrought in both soul and body, replacing the works of the flesh with the fruit of the SpiritSBBS 314.10+1.

• Eating the Word: Daily spiritual strength is maintained by "eating the flesh and drinking the blood" of the Son of God, which means receiving and practicing His Word John 6:54-632MR 93.2+1.

• Subjection of the Body: Every thought must be brought into captivity to Christ, and the lower passions must be subjected to the higher powers of the soul through self-denial 1 Corinthians 9:271MCP 236.2+1.

By receiving Christ by faith, the "bondwoman and her son"—the flesh and its works—are cast out, and the believer is delivered into the glorious liberty of the children of God Galatians 4:30GTI 192.2.