Text: Galatians 5.19-21
In contrast to the fruit of the Spirit is the list in Galatians 5.19-21, “the acts of the flesh.” Paul uses this list as a “checklist” of sorts, for those who consider themselves spiritual. One of two things is true for those whose lives are characterized by the traits in this list—they are either not a believer or a believer who’s not led by God’s Spirit.
There is no question this is a solemn warning: those who habitually practice these things will never inherit God’s kingdom (Galatians 5.21). Now, this doesn’t mean that if we fall into an isolated sin we’re not saved. Rather, Paul is saying that those who continually practice such sins give evidence of having never received God’s Spirit.
This requires a serious evaluation of our life and heart. Our “spiritual trajectory” is described by one of these two lists in Galatians 5. If you “belong to Christ Jesus,” you’ll live by the Spirit. Today, do a serious evaluation of your heart, based on how you live. Commit again to being led by the Spirit as you faithfully follow Jesus.
