Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. Galatians 5:19-21 WEB
We serve a God of holiness and righteousness. The deeds of the flesh are sin and offensive to our Creator. Sin separates us from God who will not tolerate wickedness in his presence. As we read in Isaiah 59:2, “But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. WEB” Paul’s words to the Galatians serve to warn them that those who live lifestyles of wickedness and sin will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
That God hates the deeds of the flesh Paul lists may indeed seem obvious to any Christian. Yet, many people profess belief while still practicing immorality. Although genuine faith in Christ saves us, there is proof that we love the Lord and are not just sinners but repentant sinners. That proof is obedience to the will of God.
The Will of God
Jesus says in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. WEB” In other words, Christ teaches the same as Paul, that salvation is achieved through faith and proven by obedience to the will of God.
James teaches the same principle. Our faith must be alive and in active service to the Lord. He writes in James 2:18-20, “Yes, a man will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? WEB”
Keep Your Heart
Our actions demonstrate our beliefs. Saved, we demonstrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit. But the unsaved continue to live in sin. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. KJV” The immorality, envy, and violent thoughts and acts listed by Paul in his letter to the Galatians serve to warn those of us who struggle with these behaviors that we are in danger of God’s ultimate judgment.
The good news is that when we repent from our sins and turn to serve God in obedience to his will, with faith in Christ we are cleansed from sin and restored to right standing with God. The deeds of the flesh condemn us to an eternity separated from God but the love and God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ made a way for believers to live in eternity with our heavenly Father.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the clarity of your word. Thank you for my salvation in Jesus Christ. Forgive me for my sins. Help me to walk according to your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Will Convict the World
