The Works of the Flesh: A Wake-Up Call for Christians

In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul gave a powerful and sobering warning to Christians about the danger of living according to the flesh. In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul outlines the behaviors that separate us from God and declares plainly: “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This isn’t just a list of bad behaviors—it’s a spiritual mirror. When Paul talks about the “works of the flesh,” he’s exposing what it looks like when someone chooses the world over Christ. For those who claim to walk in the Spirit, this passage is a call to honest reflection and spiritual vigilance.

A Closer Look at the Four Groups of Fleshly Works

Paul divides these sinful behaviors into four broad categories:

1. Sexual Sins

These include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness. In every generation, sexual immorality is a clear indicator of rebellion against God's design. Whether it's unfaithfulness in marriage or unrestrained lust, these behaviors reflect a life ruled by the flesh—not by the Spirit.

2. Spiritual Blindness

Idolatry and sorcery (witchcraft) are examples of substituting man-made or demonic power for the sovereignty of God. Today, these may manifest in more subtle forms—such as an obsession with material wealth, celebrity culture, occult practices, or prioritizing anything over the Lord in our lives.

3. A Divisive Spirit

Hatred, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, and factions reveal the rotten fruit of a heart that has not been transformed. While sexual sins are often condemned outright, divisive behaviors are tolerated far too often—even in the church. Yet Paul makes clear that these, too, are the marks of a worldly life.

4. Insobriety

Drunkenness and carousing show a lack of self-control. Paul’s point isn’t just about alcohol—it’s about addiction, recklessness, and any behavior that sacrifices godliness for momentary pleasure.

The Point of the List: A Heart Check

Paul’s intent isn’t to catalog every sin, but to show us what the flesh looks like in action. He says, “and such like,” because there are countless other attitudes and actions that fall under these categories. The key question is: What do our lives reflect—flesh or Spirit?

If these sinful habits are part of our regular behavior—not isolated moments of weakness, but defining patterns—then we are not walking in the Spirit, and Paul warns that we will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Good News

This teaching may sound heavy, but it’s not without hope. Galatians 5 doesn’t end with the works of the flesh—it leads into the fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22–23). When we walk by the Spirit, we leave the flesh behind. Our salvation in Christ is a transformation that begins with faith and continues in obedience.

As Paul said, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). It’s not enough to believe in Jesus—we must also walk in the new life He gives us.

Reflection Questions:

1. Which “works of the flesh” do you see creeping into your heart or life?

2. Are there areas where you’ve tolerated sin because it’s socially acceptable?

3. What steps can you take to “walk in the Spirit” more faithfully this week?