Deeds of the Flesh Contrasted to Fruits of the Spirit

One of the more fascinating sections of this great letter to the Galatians is Paul's discussion about the works of the flesh and contrasting them to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-26.

The deeds of the flesh are talked about in Galatians 5:19-21. Paul puts together a list of things that he says "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." I don't think he meant for the list to be exhaustive. In other words, Paul is not saying "if you stay away from these things then your OK." The list is an example of the types of thoughts and actions that demonstrate an unrepentant life.

A couple of thoughts I had as studying these verses come to mind.

1. Paul says warns us about those who "practice" such things. This brings to mind a lifestyle that is built around sin. Romans 7 describes a life that wrestles against sinful actions, but Paul appears to be talking about a life that is marked and characterized by sin. As noted above, a life given over to sin is an indication of an unrepentant life.
2. It is interesting that Paul says "the deeds of the flesh are...," while "the fruit of the spirit is..." The reason why I've been thinking about this is from an earlier discussion I have had with a pastor about this passage. 

I had a conversation with Alan Lockerman, the pastor at First Baptist Church of Cleveland, about the fruit of the spirit. He noted that Paul used a singular verb "is" with "fruit of the spirit" to indicate that all of these should viewed as a complete set, not individual parts. In other words, the Holy Spirit will develop in a believer all of the fruits, not just some and not just the ones that are easy for us.

Contrast that with the deeds of the flesh. He notes the deeds of the flesh "are,", as if any single one of those deeds keep people from inheriting God's kingdom. This makes even more sense when viewed in light of passages like Galatians 3:10-14 and 5:3 that talk about failing at any part of the Law leads to condemnation.

I note all of that to say this, Christ brings us freedom! The deeds of the flesh are like chains that entangle us and hold us down. Depending upon our own works to save us is like a criminal on the run from justice. Everyday is spent wondering if today is the day I'm confronted with my past, and I have to pay for my past.

On the other hand, the fruit of the spirit is like spring flowers that signal life is present. It is not that the ugliness of our past is completely gone, but in Christ we can see the fruit of the spirit as the indications that the work God has begun in us is working in our lives. In Christ, we are set free to look for those shoots of life that spring up knowing that salvation is not dependent on earning my salvation but resting in faith in the work of Christ.

There is so much more that can be said on this section. Spend time reading it. Examine your life and think about what evidence there is in your life. Are you marked by the deeds of the flesh, or do people see spiritual fruit? If there is a spiritual problem in your life, it is not about working harder but surrendering more to Christ.