19-20 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.

21 I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25-26 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:19-26 English Standard Version

Today's section could be spread over a few weeks in order to focus on each of the things Paul lists as 'works of the flesh' and 'fruit of the Spirit'. But I've chosen to just highlight the stark contrast between the two lifestyles they represent. One big contrast is that word 'works' implies something that we as people bring forth by ourselves. They are our deeds. On the other hand, the word 'fruit' implies something that grows in us. And, indeed, the apostle Paul says that this growth is brought about by God's Spirit.

I wonder if the fact that he places sexual immorality, impurity and sensuality together, and first in the list of deeds people do, is because they are the most common expressions of rebellion against God? The list ends with drunkenness and orgies, and one only needs to stroll around the cities of the world after midnight to see that these things are true. But what is the solemn warning Paul gives concerning such a lifestyle? (vs 21)

The Christians he was writing to were not to think that God's grace meant they could still eagerly indulge in those things. They were not to think that God will accept people whose lives are filled with jealousy, fits of anger and strife. Jesus Himself warned that many who expect to enter heaven will hear Him say: ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:23) What does Paul say a true Christian's response ought to be to sinful activities that were once a part of their life? (vs 24)

Becoming a follower of Christ, and being someone who will be raised to eternal life, involves turning away from sin in all its forms. It's as if we nailed to the cross the person we were and the life we had been living. But is that possible? Some of our passions may have been so strong. We may have had a temper that flared up at the slightest provocation. Envy of others may have been what drove us to rush after riches. What is the encouragement Paul speaks of by which we can overcome sinful things that had been such a big part of our life? (vs 22-23)

He tells the Galatians that God's Spirit will bring about a lifestyle that is in total contrast to the one they’d lived before. Once again, it's significant to note what comes first in the list of fruit. The love, joy and peace which the Spirit brings about is surely an outworking of all that God has done for the believer through Christ. God's amazing love, and the peace and joy it brings, is shed abroad in our heart. And it's on this solid foundation that the believer begins to be patient and kind towards other. They are eager to show the same patience and kindness towards others that God has shown to them.

When patience and kindness begin to be the way we respond to others, then doing good, and being faithful and gentle will naturally follow. The Holy Spirit enables a believer to take control of their life so they can overcome the sinful passions that had once dominated them. Now while this is called the 'fruit of the Spirit', because it is God's Spirit that brings about this total change of lifestyle, what does Paul say the believers part in this should be? (vs 25-26)

We are to keep in step with the Holy Spirit's leading in our life. God's Spirit brought about this new life in us, and we must now continue to rely on Him to guide us by all that Jesus taught. We are not to try and seek our own way again, putting ourselves first in everything, but rather to put into practise the patience, kindness, goodness and gentleness God has shown us. What a contrast that will be to the lives of those who don't know God's love, joy and peace!