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THE SPIRIT AGAINST THE FLESH

GALATIANS 5:19-21

In the New Testament, the term "flesh" (from the Greek sarx) describes the human nature with its evil desires. Most of the Scriptures deal with this reality in the lives of the children of God. The fact is that the flesh remains in the believers after their conversion and it is their mortal enemy until the day they depart this world (Romans 8:6-8, 13; Galatians 5:17, 21).

The temptation the believer must fight is to succumb to the lusts of his flesh to the point of becoming, once again, a slave to sin. The consequence of such a rebellion is eternal condemnation.

Those who practice the works of the flesh can not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).

Paul said: "the works of the flesh are manifest", which means, "evident, permanent, or known".

Works (ergon ): "An act, or thing that is done".

The works we must do, must be done for the glory of God (Mat. 5:16).

We must avoid the works of the world (Jn. 7:7).

Galatians 5:21

Adultery (moicheia)

Fornication (porneia): illicit sexual relation 1. Cor. 6:18

Uncleanness (akatharsia): A life filled with the impure motives. St. 1:21

Lasciviousness (aselgeia): uncontrolled passions, excessive desires. Ro. 1:27; Ef. 4:19.

Idolatry (eidololatreia): worship of false gods, or putting a person or object in the place of God.

Witchcraft (pharmakeia): sorcery, magic, occult, satanism, etc. Dt. 18:10-12.

Hatred (echthra): hostility

Variance (eris): contentions, Pr. 25:8

Emulations (zelos): Suspicion or anxiety to the possibility that a loved one will love someone else instead. Emulations and contention. St. 3:16

Wrath (thumos): anger, St.1:20; Pr. 19:19.
Strife (dichostasia): division – Rom. 16:17-18
Heresies (hairesis) It means: election or a group of believers. It’s a school of thought. 1 Pet. 2:1

Envying (phthonos): Angered sadness or disgust for the wellness of a fellow or for the love and care that others enjoy. Pr. 14:30
Murders (phonos): 1 Jn. 3:15
Drunkenness (methes): intoxication
Revelings: A feast in which people eat and drink immoderately and other excesses are committed. 2. Vicious satisfaction of appetites or uncontrolled lusts.

“And such like”. This expression shows that the list Paul mentions is not the totality of all the works of the flesh.
He who practices things like these, is the one who becomes a slave to sin. Ro. 6:12-13.

The fruit of the Spirit
The flesh is about “works”, but the Spirit produces “fruit”. The christian character is produced by the Holy Spirit, not by the effort of the believer (Jn. 15:1-5; Gá. 2:20).

Love – ἀγάπη= agapē 1 Jn. 4:7-10
Joy– χαρά= chara; calmed delight, gladness. Ro. 14:17.
Peace – εἰρήνη= eirēnē ; prosperity, quietness, rest. Col 3:15
Longsuffering– μακροθυμία= makrothumia; patience. Col. 1:11

Gentleness – χρηστότης= chrēstotēs; moral excellence. Col. 3:12
Goodness – ἀγαθωσύνη= agathōsunē ; virtue. Ef. 5:9
Faith – πίστις= pistis. 2 Te 1:3
Meekness -πρᾳότης= praotēs; humility. Tit. 3:1-2
Temperance -ἐγκράτεια= egkrateia; self control, continence. 2 Tim. 1:7; Pr. 16:32