The fifth chapter of Galatians contains a great contrast written by the apostle Paul. On the one hand are the works of the flesh, and on the other the fruit of the Spirit.
First note their opposition. They are antithetical, and Paul gave the advice, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (5:16). In saying they are antithetical, we do not claim that both can’t be present in our lives. Because of our human nature, it is possible for us to have both of these in some amount. Such presence ensures a great conflict in our inner man. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (5:17).
Such conflict, though common is not necessary, as we have already noted in verse 16. That is not to mean that we mortify our body to weaken it. That is a superstitious ploy that has been practiced by some, but it is of little value. Paul wrote, “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom… but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 3:23). Instead, we are discussing the choices we make. Do we indulge in our own passions, or do we give place to the Holy Spirit? Concerning his own conversion, Paul stated it clearly, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
So, let us consider first the works of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21). They are evident, they are obvious. And, what is obvious as well is that those who “practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (5:21).
In contrast are the characteristic fruit which emanate from the Spirit of God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Simply put, if you fill your life and person with one type of thing, you will be characterized by it. But, if you are double – minded, the scripture makes clear that you will be unstable by having such division (cf. James 1:8). So, make your decision for peace. The bad decision is to be led by your own lust. The good decision is to let the Holy Spirit lead and transform you instead.
As Paul clearly instructed the Galatians, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (5:25).
