Introduction: The Great Contrast

Before we can fully appreciate the beauty of the Fruit of the Spirit, we must first understand what it stands in contrast to—the works of the flesh. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Galatians, presents a stark comparison between two ways of living: according to the flesh, or according to the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

This conflict is real in every believer's life. The flesh represents our old nature—the sinful tendencies that remain even after salvation. The Spirit represents the new life we have in Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)

Paul lists seventeen specific works of the flesh, which can be grouped into four categories:

1. Sexual Sins

• Adultery - unfaithfulness in marriage
• Fornication - sexual immorality outside of marriage
• Uncleanness - moral impurity in thought and deed
• Lasciviousness - sensuality, shameless conduct

2. Religious Sins

• Idolatry - worship of anything other than God
• Witchcraft - (Greek: pharmakeia) sorcery, occult practices

3. Social Sins

• Hatred - enmity, hostility toward others
• Variance - strife, contention, quarreling
• Emulations - jealousy, envious rivalry
• Wrath - outbursts of anger
• Strife - selfish ambition, faction
• Seditions - divisions, dissensions
• Heresies - sects, divisive opinions
• Envyings - resentment of others' success
• Murders - taking of life (includes hatred, 1 John 3:15)

4. Sins of Excess

• Drunkenness - intoxication, loss of self-control
• Revellings - wild parties, carousing

The Serious Warning

This is a solemn warning. Those who practice these things as a lifestyle—not those who stumble but repent—demonstrate that they have not truly been born again. True believers will struggle against the flesh, but they will not be characterized by these works.

The Solution: Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

The answer to the works of the flesh is not self-effort or legalism—it is walking in the Spirit. As we yield to the Holy Spirit's leading, He produces His fruit in us. This is what we will study in the following lessons.

Conclusion

The works of the flesh are the natural result of living according to our sinful nature. But praise God, we have been given a new nature through Christ! As we learn to walk in the Spirit, we will see the beautiful contrast—instead of these destructive works, the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, and all the other aspects of His fruit in our lives.