What are the works of the flesh?

Answer

Galatians 5:19–21 discusses the deeds of the flesh, listing them as “evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and similar things.”

Paul then cautions that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The deeds of the flesh are behaviors that humans naturally incline towards, which are contrary to God’s intended purpose for us (Romans 1:28-29). Individuals who lead lives marked by immorality, anger, discord, drunkenness, etc., are indicating that they lack salvation, as seen in Matthew 7:20.

When the Bible mentions the “flesh,” it often refers to our inherent sinful tendencies. We are all born with a sinful nature «Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: », (Romans 5:12). Our natural inclination is to gratify ourselves in any way we desire. While we can learn to act in ways that are socially acceptable and even derive pleasure from being kind to others, without God’s power, we remain self-absorbed. Our actions, even if good, are driven by selfish motives. Any action not rooted in faith or love for God—any deed not guided by the Holy Spirit—is considered a “work of the flesh” (Romans 8:8;Romans 14:23).

Upon salvation, the Holy Spirit takes residence in the repentant heart, enabling us to make choices that align with the Spirit rather than the flesh (Galatians 5:16;Ezekiel 36:27;Romans 8:4;Colossians 3:5-8).

Galatians 5:16; Ezekiel 36:27; Romans 8:4; Colossians 3:5-8). We are to consider ourselves “crucified with Christ” «I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. », (Galatians 2:20) and our old sin nature dead «God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? », (Romans 6:2,11) «Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. », (Romans 6:2,11), but the flesh does not die easily. A battle still rages within even the most dedicated follower of Christ. The apostle Paul wrote eloquently of this battle in Romans 7. Verses 21–23 say, “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”

Works of the flesh are not always as obvious as the ones listed above. They can even be found within Christian ministry, as people try to gain popularity or self-worth under the guise of serving Christ. Diotrephes was rebuked for this in 3 John 1:9. Trying to please God from selfish motivation leads to unhealthy competition, slander, bitterness, and eventual burnout «For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. », (Galatians 1:10).

The works of the flesh are in total contrast with the fruit of the Spirit, detailed in Galatians.

According to Galatians 5:22–23, what brings pleasure to the Lord in our lives is not considered a “work” but rather a “fruit” that only the Spirit can produce. We can avoid engaging in works of the flesh by maintaining continual submission to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide every aspect of our lives (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:25).