Read the Word:
Galatians 5:16-25
Meditate on the Word:
Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously wrote in his opinion in a 1964 obscenity case (Jacobellis v. Ohio), “I know it when I see it.” It seems that Paul has a similar opinion about “the works of the flesh.” He calls them obvious. Then he goes through to list 15 different sins along with “anything similar.” Paul’s list here is not meant to be inclusive, it is simply to contrast the sinful “works of the flesh” with the fruit of the Spirit. People will often try to argue against particular behaviors as being sin, but in reality, it is God who makes the determination about what offends Him.
Instead of being focused on sin, Paul encourages people to live spirit-filled lives. The character that those who do exhibit stands in direct contrast to the works of the flesh. This is because when we live as spirit-filled people, we develop the character of Christ, who also did not commit the works of the flesh. We crucify the works of the flesh. We do not have to analyze sin or try to justify it; we simply do the things that demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to point out any works of the flesh in your life so that you may repent of them.
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