“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:19-23
A sobering catalogue of qualities are listed when life is governed by the flesh. Some of these qualities are external actions, which can possibly be controlled by self-restraint. But others are attitudes, which are far more difficult - if not impossible - to control. Ultimately, the only solution is that of the Spirit. And, to punctuate the urgency and priority of mastery over these fleshly qualities, Paul states: “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
If our immediate reaction is panic over lapsing in one or more of these areas, the key word here is “practice.” If any of these qualities have gained mastery over our life and, worse yet, we are not stirred by a desire to overcome them, we are in danger of missing the kingdom. Could there be any worse tragedy or disaster?
The remedy is the work of Holy Spirit within, which manifests itself in God-pleasing fruit. The singular, “fruit,” is significant. These are not “fruits,” but unified character that the Spirit produces. Were they “fruits” then this might sound like some ala cart option. Rather, the “fruit” is the overall character manifested when the Spirit freely works.
A key consideration as the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are compared and contrasted is the question, “What controls my life?” As I make daily decisions, what directs me?
It will not do for us to merely fight sinful behavior. True victory is not trying harder but yielding more to the Spirit. The prescription here is not, “stop doing bad things,” but “walk by the Spirit” (verse 16). Merely subtracting bad behavior is ineffective unless we add Spirit fruit.
Spirit fruit takes time; there is no instant maturity. As we yield to the process, Holy Spirit transforms desires as well as behavior. It’s not about what I’m trying to avoid, but what and who am I becoming.
©Steve Taylor, 2026 --Used by permission
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