Galatians 5:21
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
and envy
The word "envy" in Greek is "phthonos," which refers to a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. Historically, envy has been seen as a destructive force, leading to division and strife within communities. In the biblical context, envy is often contrasted with love and contentment, virtues that are fruits of the Spirit. Envy is a sin that can corrode relationships and hinder spiritual growth, as it focuses on self rather than on God and others.

drunkenness
The term "drunkenness" comes from the Greek word "methē," which denotes intoxication and a loss of self-control. In the ancient world, as today, drunkenness was associated with moral and social decay. The Bible consistently warns against excessive drinking, as it impairs judgment and leads to behavior that is contrary to the will of God. Drunkenness is seen as a surrender to the flesh, rather than living by the Spirit, which calls for sobriety and self-discipline.

carousing
"Carousing" is translated from the Greek word "komos," which refers to wild, riotous behavior, often associated with feasting and revelry. In the Greco-Roman culture, such behavior was common in pagan festivals and was marked by a lack of restraint. The Bible calls believers to a life of holiness and moderation, avoiding the excesses that lead to moral compromise. Carousing is indicative of a life not submitted to the Spirit, but rather indulging in the desires of the flesh.

and the like
This phrase indicates that the list provided is not exhaustive. The Greek "kai ta homoia toutois" suggests that there are other similar behaviors that are also contrary to the Spirit-led life. This implies that the Christian life requires discernment and vigilance, as there are many ways in which one can deviate from the path of righteousness. The call is to be aware of anything that resembles these vices and to avoid them.

I warn you
The phrase "I warn you" is a translation of the Greek "prolegō," which means to say beforehand or to forewarn. Paul is emphasizing the seriousness of his message, reminding the Galatians of the consequences of living according to the flesh. This warning is not just a casual remark but a solemn reminder of the spiritual dangers that accompany such behaviors.

as I did before
This indicates that Paul had previously addressed these issues with the Galatians. The repetition underscores the importance of the message and suggests that the Galatians were struggling with these very issues. It serves as a reminder that spiritual growth requires ongoing attention and correction.

that those who practice such things
The word "practice" comes from the Greek "prassontes," which implies a habitual or ongoing action. This is not about occasional lapses but a lifestyle characterized by these behaviors. The emphasis is on the pattern of life, suggesting that those who continually engage in such actions are not living in accordance with the Spirit.

will not inherit the kingdom of God
"Inherit" is translated from the Greek "klēronomeō," which means to receive a share or portion, often used in the context of receiving an inheritance. The "kingdom of God" refers to the realm where God's will is perfectly done, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future eschatological sense. This statement is a sobering reminder that a life dominated by the flesh is incompatible with the values and realities of God's kingdom. It calls believers to examine their lives and align themselves with the Spirit, ensuring that their actions reflect their identity as heirs of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia with a message of warning and instruction.

2. Galatia
A region in modern-day Turkey where the recipients of the letter were located. The churches here were struggling with issues of legalism and moral conduct.

3. The Galatian Churches
Early Christian communities facing challenges related to false teachings and moral behavior.

4. The Kingdom of God
A central theme in Christian theology, representing the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future eternal state.

5. The Works of the Flesh
A list of sinful behaviors that Paul warns against, contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Works of the Flesh
Recognize that the behaviors listed in Galatians 5:21 are manifestations of a life not led by the Spirit. They are contrary to the character of God and the life He calls us to live.

The Seriousness of Sin
Paul’s warning is clear—those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This underscores the gravity of sin and the need for repentance and transformation through Christ.

Contrast with the Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:21 should be read in the context of the following verses, which describe the fruit of the Spirit. Believers are called to exhibit love, joy, peace, and other virtues as evidence of the Spirit’s work in their lives.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Emphasize the necessity of walking by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers believers to live in a way that pleases God.

Practical Holiness
Encourage believers to examine their lives for any of these behaviors and seek God’s help in overcoming them. Holiness is not optional but a requirement for those who belong to Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day examples of "carousing" and "drunkenness," and how can Christians avoid these behaviors in their daily lives?

2. How does understanding the original Greek word for "envy" (phthonos) deepen our comprehension of this sin and its impact on relationships within the church?

3. In what ways can the church support individuals struggling with the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:21?

4. How does the promise of inheriting the kingdom of God motivate you to pursue a life led by the Spirit rather than the flesh?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the Holy Spirit's help in overcoming a sinful behavior. How can this experience encourage others in their spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Paul similarly warns that those who engage in unrighteous behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for a transformed life.

Ephesians 5:5
This passage reiterates the exclusion of immoral individuals from the kingdom of Christ and God, highlighting the importance of holiness.

Romans 13:13
Paul advises believers to live decently, avoiding behaviors like drunkenness and carousing, which are mentioned in Galatians 5:21.

Colossians 3:5-6
Paul instructs believers to put to death earthly natures, including behaviors similar to those listed in Galatians 5:21, due to God's coming wrath.
Shall not Inherit the Kingdom of GodBishop Beveridge., H. W. Beecher.Galatians 5:21
Sin and DeathT. Guthrie, D. D.Galatians 5:21
Sin Cuts Men Off from GodHare.Galatians 5:21
Sin's Dominion Fatal to the SoulStarke.Galatians 5:21
Freedom Sustained by the SpiritR. Finlayson Galatians 5:13-26
Christian Progress Realized Through AntagonismR.M. Edgar Galatians 5:16-26
AdulteryGalatians 5:19-21
All Sin is Seen by GodPicture Paper.Galatians 5:19-21
AngerJ. Beaumont, M. D., Bishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
DrunkennessBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
Drunkenness, RevellingsStarke.Galatians 5:19-21
EmulationBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
EnvyingsBishop Beveridge., G. Brooks., Socrates.Galatians 5:19-21
Evil of HatredPlutarch.Galatians 5:19-21
Fleshly SinsEmilius Bayley, B. D.Galatians 5:19-21
FornicationBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
Hatred (Of GodBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
Hatred (Of ManBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
HeresiesH. W. Beecher.Galatians 5:19-21
IdolatryGalatians 5:19-21
LasciviousnessBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
Murder is not Mere Blood-SheddingJ. Parker, D. D.Galatians 5:19-21
MurdersC. A. Goodheart.Galatians 5:19-21
Remedy for SelfishnessCanon Scott Holland.Galatians 5:19-21
Result of Walking After the FleshCanon Scott Holland.Galatians 5:19-21
SeditionsBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
St. Paul's Conception of The FleshCanon Scott Holland.Galatians 5:19-21
StrifeBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
The List of VicesJohn Eadie, D. D.Galatians 5:19-21
The Old LifeCanon Scott Holland.Galatians 5:19-21
The Spirit Above NatureJ. H. Godwin.Galatians 5:19-21
The Works of the FleshBishop Beveridge., Bishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
The Works of the Flesh Our OwnC. H. Hall, D. D.Galatians 5:19-21
UncleannessBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
VarianceBishop Beveridge.Galatians 5:19-21
WitchcraftGalatians 5:19-21
People
Galatians, Paul, Philippians
Places
Galatia
Topics
Already, Beforehand, Carousing, Clearly, Drinking, Drunkenness, Drunkennesses, Envy, Envying, Envyings, Feasting, Forewarn, Forewarned, God's, Guilty, Inherit, Kingdom, Murders, Orgies, Past, Practice, Practise, Reign, Revelings, Revellings, Revels, Riotous, Share, Uncontrolled, Warn, Warned
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Galatians 5:21

     4434   drinking
     8492   watchfulness, leaders

Galatians 5:2-25

     6511   salvation

Galatians 5:9-21

     6026   sin, judgment on

Galatians 5:16-21

     8777   lust

Galatians 5:16-23

     3248   Holy Spirit, conviction

Galatians 5:16-24

     6746   sanctification, means and results

Galatians 5:16-25

     3203   Holy Spirit, and assurance
     5110   Paul, teaching of
     6030   sin, avoidance

Galatians 5:16-26

     3233   Holy Spirit, and sanctification

Galatians 5:17-21

     6022   sin, causes of

Galatians 5:17-24

     6166   flesh, sinful nature

Galatians 5:19-21

     2377   kingdom of God, entry into
     4185   sorcery and magic
     5786   ambition, negative
     5850   excess
     5975   violence
     8273   holiness, ethical aspects
     8733   envy

Galatians 5:19-24

     8311   morality, and redemption

Galatians 5:19-25

     6166   flesh, sinful nature

Library
March 28. "The Fruit of the Spirit is all Goodness" (Gal. v. 22).
"The fruit of the Spirit is all goodness" (Gal. v. 22). Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. Goodness is just "Godness." It is to be like God. And God-like goodness has special reference to the active benevolence of God. The apostle gives us the difference between goodness and righteousness in this passage in Romans, "Scarcely for a righteous man would one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die." The righteous man is the man of stiff, inflexible uprightness; but he may be
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 1. "The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness" (Gal. v. 22).
"The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness" (Gal. v. 22). Nature's harshness has melted away and she is now beaming with the smile of spring, and everything around us whispers of the gentleness of God. This beautiful fruit is in lovely harmony with the gentle month of which it is the keynote. May the Holy Spirit lead us, beloved, these days, into His sweetness, quietness, and gentleness, subduing every coarse, rude, harsh, and unholy habit, and making us like Him, of whom it is said, "He shall not strive,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Works of the Flesh and Fruits of the Spirit.
Text: Galatians 5, 16-24. 16 But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Church Officers Warned of Vain-Glory.
Text: Galatians 5, 25-26 and 6, 1-10. 25 If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. 26 Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another. 1 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

'Walk in the Spirit'
'Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.'--GAL. v. 16. We are not to suppose that the Apostle here uses the familiar contrast of spirit and flesh to express simply different elements of human nature. Without entering here on questions for which a sermon is scarcely a suitable vehicle of discussion, it may be sufficient for our present purpose to say that, as usually, when employing this antithesis the Apostle means by Spirit the divine, the Spirit of God, which he triumphed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Makes a Christian: Circumcision or Faith?
'In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.'--GAL. v. 6. It is a very singular instance of imaginative misreading of plain facts that the primitive Church should be held up as a pattern Church. The early communities had apostolic teaching; but beyond that, they seem to have been in no respect above, and in many respects below, the level of subsequent ages. If we may judge of their morality by the exhortations and dehortations which
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fruit of the Spirit
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance'--GAL. v. 22, 23. 'The fruit of the Spirit,' says Paul, not the fruits, as we might more naturally have expected, and as the phrase is most often quoted; all this rich variety of graces, of conduct and character, is thought of as one. The individual members are not isolated graces, but all connected, springing from one root and constituting an organic whole. There is further to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Faith the Sole Saving Act.
JOHN vi. 28, 29.--"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." In asking their question, the Jews intended to inquire of Christ what particular things they must do, before all others, in order to please God. The "works of God," as they denominate them, were not any and every duty, but those more special and important acts, by which the creature might secure
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Walking with God.
(Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.) GALATIANS v. 16. "Walk in the Spirit." The life of a Christian must be one of progress. S. Paul says, "Walk in the Spirit;" he does not say, stand still. It is not enough for us to have been born again of Water and the Holy Ghost, and to have received the Gifts of the Spirit from time to time through the different means of grace. We are bidden "to stir up the gift that is in us;" we are told to "grow in grace." God has set us upon our feet in the right
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

Sixth Day for the Spirit of Love in the Church
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit of Love in the Church "I pray that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them and Thou in Me; that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me ... that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them."--JOHN x"The fruit of the Spirit is love."--GAL. v. 22. Believers are one in Christ, as He is one with the Father. The love of God rests on them, and can dwell in them. Pray that the power of the Holy
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Brokenness
We want to be very simple in this matter of Revival. Revival is just the life of the Lord Jesus poured into human hearts. Jesus is always victorious. In heaven they are praising Him all the time for His victory. Whatever may be our experience of failure and barrenness, He is never defeated. His power is boundless. And we, on our part, have only to get into a right relationship with Him, and we shall see His power being demonstrated in our hearts and lives and service, and His victorious life will
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

The Dove and the Lamb
Victorious living and effective soul-winning service are not the product of our better selves and hard endeavours, but are simply the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We are not called upon to produce the fruit, but simply to bear it. It is all the time to be His fruit. Nothing is more important then, than that we should be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit, or to keep to the metaphor, that the "trees of the Lord should be continuously full of sap"--His sap. How this may be so for us is graphically
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces of Character.
There is a singular charm, a charm that one can scarcely explain, in the words of Paul in Gal. v. 22, 23, R. V., "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance." What a catalogue we have here of lovely moral characteristics. Paul tells us that they are the fruit of the Spirit, that is, if the Holy Spirit is given control of our lives, this is the fruit that He will bear. All real beauty of character, all real Christlikeness in us,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Routing of Giant Doubt
THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT Doubts! doubts! doubts! Just a company of them around me all the time worse than Job's miserable comforters. What can I do with them? I should like to dismiss them, but it seems I can not. They make me much trouble, but it seems I can not get them to leave me. Especially are the doubts concerning my entire consecration aggravating, and those, too, concerning my entire cleansing. I fear to come out boldly and declare that I believe that Christ fully saves me now. I believe
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Conflicts with Giant Mistake
CONFLICTS WITH GIANT MISTAKE I make so many mistakes, it seems I am just a bundle of contradictions. I try to do good; but at times my efforts are so crude that I seem to do more harm than good. What shall I do? And though all the time I try hard not to make mistakes, yet I still make them. It seems to me that surely I am not sanctified, or else I should be more perfect. Do not the Scriptures command us to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect? I am not perfect; far from it. Really I
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

I have Said This, Lest Haply Married Fruitfulness Dare to vie with virgin Chastity...
7. I have said this, lest haply married fruitfulness dare to vie with virgin chastity, and to set forth Mary herself, and to say unto the virgins of God, She had in her flesh two things worthy of honor, virginity and fruitfulness; inasmuch as she both continued a virgin, and bore: this happiness, since we could not both have the whole, we have divided, that ye be virgins, we be mothers: for what is wanting to you in children, let your virginity, that hath been preserved, be a consolation: for us,
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Inward Warfare. Gal 5:17

John Newton—Olney Hymns

And on this Account That, Which, the Parts that Beget Being Bridled by Modesty...
5. And on this account that, which, the parts that beget being bridled by modesty, is most chiefly and properly to be called Continence, is violated by no transgression, if the higher Continence, concerning which we have been some time speaking, be preserved in the heart. For this reason the Lord, after He had said, "For from the heart go forth evil thoughts," then went on to add what it is that belongs to evil thoughts, "murders, adulteries," and the rest. He spake not of all; but, having named
St. Augustine—On Continence

All we Therefore, who Believe in the Living and True God...
18. All we therefore, who believe in the Living and True God, Whose Nature, being in the highest sense good and incapable of change, neither doth any evil, nor suffers any evil, from Whom is every good, even that which admits of decrease, and Who admits not at all of decrease in His own Good, Which is Himself, when we hear the Apostle saying, "Walk in the Spirit, and perform ye not the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: For these are opposed
St. Augustine—On Continence

And Also, when He Exhorts Us, that we Live not after the Flesh...
9. And also, when he exhorts us, that we live not after the flesh, lest we die, but that by the Spirit we mortify the deeds of the flesh, that we may live; surely the trumpet which sounds, shows the war in which we are engaged, and enkindles us to contend keenly, and to do our enemies to death, [1832] that we be not done to death by them. But who those enemies are, it hath set forth plainly enough. For those are they, whom it willed should be done to death by us, that is to say, the works of the
St. Augustine—On Continence

Here Therefore These Men Too Evil, While they Essay to Make Void the Law...
9. Here therefore these men too evil, while they essay to make void the Law, force us to approve these Scriptures. For they mark what is said, that they who are under the Law are in bondage, and they keep flying above the rest that last saying, "Ye are made empty [1715] of Christ, as many of you as are justified in the Law; ye have fallen from Grace." [1716] We grant that all these things are true, and we say that the Law is not necessary, save for them unto whom bondage is yet profitable: and that
St. Augustine—On the Profit of Believing.

The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 23.) Differently to be admonished are those that are at variance and those that are at peace. For those that are at variance are to be admonished to know most certainly that, in whatever virtues they may abound, they can by no means become spiritual if they neglect becoming united to their neighbours by concord. For it is written, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Gal. v. 22). He then that has no care to keep peace refuses to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Hence Paul
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

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