Walk Like You Are Saved

Galatians 5:19-26

INTRODUCTION: When we consider the works of the flesh, we tend to relegate them to the deeds of the unsaved; however, a careful look into the context of this passage will show that the unsaved are not the main people in view.

I. THE TARGET AUDIENCE

A. Liberated Souls (Galatians 5:1)

1. Paul admonished his audience to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free.
2. He warned them not to be entangled AGAIN with the yoke of bondage.

B. Hindered Souls (Galatians 5:7)

1. They had run well.
2. Someone had hindered them that they should not obey the truth.

C. Conflicted Souls (Galatians 5:16-18)

1. They had lusts of the flesh, but were to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
2. Their flesh lusted against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).
3. They were to be led of the Spirit (Galatians 5:18).

II. THE DIFFERING BEHAVIOUR (Galatians 5:19-23)

A. The Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)

1. The source of the works—“of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19)
2. The identity of the works (Galatians 5:19-21)
a. Adultery (Galatians 5:19)
b. Fornication (Galatians 5:19)
c. Uncleanness (Galatians 5:19)
d. Lasciviousness (Galatians 5:19)
e. Idolatry (Galatians 5:20)
f. Witchcraft (Galatians 5:20)
g. Hatred (Galatians 5:20)
h. Variance (Galatians 5:20)
i. Emulations (Galatians 5:20)
j. Wrath (Galatians 5:20)
k. Strife (Galatians 5:20)
l. Seditions (Galatians 5:20)
m. Heresies (Galatians 5:20)
n. Envyings (Galatians 5:21)
o. Murders (Galatians 5:21)
p. Drunkenness (Galatians 5:21)
q. Revellings (Galatians 5:21)
r. Such like (Galatians 5:21)
3. The association of the works (Galatians 5:21)
a. They which do such things
b. Shall not inherit the kingdom of God

B. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

1. The source of the fruit—“of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22)
2. The identity of the fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
a. Love (Galatians 5:22)
b. Joy (Galatians 5:22)
c. Peace (Galatians 5:22)
d. Longsuffering (Galatians 5:22)
e. Gentleness (Galatians 5:22)
f. Goodness (Galatians 5:22)
g. Faith (Galatians 5:22)
h. Meekness (Galatians 5:23)
i. Temperance (Galatians 5:23)
3. The association of the fruit (Galatians 5:23)
a. Against such [the fruit]
b. There is no law

III. THE CALL TO RIGHT BEHAVIOUR (Galatians 5:24-26)

A. The Right Position (Galatians 5:24)

1. They that are Christ’s
2. Have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts

B. The Need for Right Practice (Galatians 5:25-26)

1. A personal walk (Galatians 5:25)
a. If we live in the Spirit—position
b. Let us also walk in the Spirit—practice
2. A collective walk (Galatians 5:26)
a. Let us not be desirous of vain glory.
b. Let us not provoke one another.
c. Let us not envy one another.

CONCLUSION: As saved people, we must resist the temptation to be led by our flesh, bringing forth the works of the flesh. The contrast is being led of the Spirit and bringing forth His fruit.