Introduction:

1. Before considering each of the fruits of the spirit individually, it seems prudent to understand what is at stake in this section.

2. The section in view highlights the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit (cf. Romans 13:13-14; 1 Peter 2:11).

Discussion:

I. The Solution to Fleshly Lusts

A. Fleshly lusts may be legalism (5:2-12) or libertinism (5:13-15).

B. Four times in this chapter, Paul enjoins walking, following, and living in and by the Spirit (5:16, 18, 25a, 25b).

II. The Contrast of Flesh and Spirit

A. Everyone is led by and lives in one spirit or another (Matthew 6:24).

B. Paul named 17 specific works of the flesh (vv. 19-21).

C. The “and the like” of verse 21 shows the list is representative, not exhaustive and demands further discernment (Hebrews 5:12-14).

D. Walking by and producing the fruit of the Spirit is the cure for the disease of fleshly lust (5:16, 24).

E. We cannot gratify the fleshly lusts and produce the fruit of the Spirit at the same time (5:17; Matthew 12:33-35; Romans 8:5-8; James 4:4).

III. Crucifying the Flesh

A. Three times in Galatians Paul invokes crucifixion to describe the complete transformation in Christ (2:20; 5:24; 6:14).

B. This results in Christ living in the believer (2:20), the believer living in the Spirit (5:24), and worldly desires being squelched (6:14).

C. The gravity of this situation is seen in verse 21 as it is clear we cannot continue in the flesh and inherit the kingdom of God.

1. Having identified the problem, the solution, and the gravity of the situation, we must produce the fruit of the Spirit (John 15:1-6).

2. To do this, we must crucify the flesh and keep in step with the Spirit (vs. 25; ESV; march in military rank-Strong).