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Daily Devotions

Galatians

Galatians 
Day 
Day 97

"Now the works of the flesh are evident..."

Text: Galatians 5:19a

A SOBERING DESCRIPTION

In direct contrast the apostle Paul described the works of the flesh in this sobering text.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:
adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies,
outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which
I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past,
that those who practice such things will not inherit
the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

1. An important context to bear in mind

a) This list is akin to what Paul wrote in Romans 1:18-32.
b) It is a sobering description of the state of those who have not received salvation in Christ.
c) The teachings of the Judaizers are powerless against the works of the flesh.
d) Ritualistic religion offers no answer to the works of the flesh.

2. “The works of the flesh are evident”

a) Each description is self-explanatory.
b) These works are in direct contrast to the work of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer.

3. “Of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past”

a) This was not something new to the Galatians.
b) Paul had spoken on this subject many times before.
c) He was simply repeating himself for emphasis.
d) The works of the flesh are deadly and thus cannot be taken lightly.
e) Religious practices in themselves will provide no answer to the problem of the flesh.

4. “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”

a) This was a pointed statement against the Judaizers and the teachings they promoted.
b) Keeping the law would provide no solution to the works of the flesh for there is no power therein.
c) Those who do the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God- this is the thrust of it.
d) Nothing could be more important than entering into the Kingdom of God.
e) The Judaizers will never be able to cause anyone to inherit the kingdom of God.