“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”– Galatians 5:21 (KJV)
“Envy, murder, drinking, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”– Galatians 5:21 (NLT)
“I’ll tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life won’t inherit the Kingdom of God.”– Galatians 5:21 (MSG)
What Does Galatians 5:21 Mean?
The message of Galatians 5:21 is clear and straightforward. It warns us about the consequences of living a life focused on sinful desires. As followers of Christ, we are called to be different. The behaviors listed in the verse—envy, murder, drunkenness, and revelries—are all actions that lead us away from God’s will. When we allow ourselves to succumb to these temptations, we are not only moving away from a life that honors God, but we are also at risk of losing the promise of inheriting the kingdom of God.
This verse challenges us to examine our lives and the choices we make daily. It conveys that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to reflect the love and grace that God has bestowed upon us. It is essential to recognize that the term “inherit the kingdom of God” refers to our eternal place with Him. Those who choose to live according to their sinful nature risk missing out on that beautiful promise.
Galatians 5:21 Explanation and Commentary
As we explore Galatians 5:21 further, we recognize that the Apostle Paul addressed these behaviors to the Galatian church, who were struggling with their relationship with Jesus amidst various influences. The mention of specific sins serves as a reminder that we must choose our path wisely. The context of this scripture offers insight into the battle we face daily between flesh and spirit.
It is not enough to simply acknowledge the existence of sin; we must also understand the importance of resisting those temptations. Sin can take many forms, and sometimes we might find ourselves justifying our actions or saying, “It’s not that big of a deal.” However, Paul emphasizes that these acts are not compatible with a life dedicated to God. As believers, we have a voice and a choice. The call is to break free from the bondage of sin and to seek a life filled with the Holy Spirit, which leads to spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and more, as highlighted earlier in Galatians 5.
In this life, grappling with our humanity and facing our flaws is normal. We should not see this passage as a means to condemn ourselves. Instead, it should empower us to strive for holiness and alignment with God’s will. We will stumble and fall, but through Jesus’s grace, we have forgiveness and the chance to rise again. The heart of this message is to encourage us to pursue a lifestyle reflecting our identity in Christ.
As we reflect on our daily habits, let’s consider the reality of our choices. Are we investing our time in things that bear fruit for the Kingdom? Or are we engaging in activities resonating with the sinful nature? We are called not to conform to the patterns of this world but rather to be transformed by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). In doing so, we find life, and life more abundantly.
Context of Galatians 5:21
Understanding the context of Galatians helps us grasp why Paul wrote this profound statement. The letter to the Galatians was primarily a response to the influence of false teachers who insisted that faith in Jesus was not sufficient for salvation. Instead, they promoted a return to the law, leading many believers into legalism rather than freedom in Christ. Paul chastised the Galatians for abandoning the grace of God and trying to blend faith with cultural norms and legalistic rules.
At the heart of Galatians 5 is the contrast between living by the flesh (our sinful nature) and walking in the Spirit. The behaviors Paul listed are the direct results of living according to our flesh. This encourages us to evaluate who we are and shows us the danger of embracing worldly ways. The Galatians needed clarity and a reminder that their salvation is a gift from God, not derived from their works or adherence to the law.
The surrounding verses examine the fruits of the Spirit—qualities like love, joy, peace, and self-control—that become evident in our lives as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s influence. In this context, Galatians 5:21 serves as an essential checkpoint, challenging and compelling us to live with purpose and intention. Our choices will impact our journey and relationship with God.
As we immerse ourselves in the teachings of Galatians, we learn the significance of grace. In Christ, we have new life and the opportunity to walk away from prior lifestyles. Paul reminds us all that although our past choices may have led us away from God, He continues to extend grace and invites us to a rich relationship with Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Galatians 5:21
The first part of Galatians 5:21 mentions “envyings” and “murders.” Envy can breed discontent and resentment towards others, while murder represents the most extreme outcome of uncontrolled anger and hatred. Both behaviors highlight the undercurrents of the human condition, where the heart is prone to sin apart from God’s influence. It serves as a reminder that harboring ill feelings can manifest into negative actions. Instead, we are encouraged to foster love and unity in the body of Christ.
The next phrases in this passage include “drunkenness” and “revelings.” Drunkenness suggests not only the act of consuming too much alcohol but also participating in excessive behavior that detracts from a sober and clear mind. Revelings point towards wild and inappropriate festivities. These actions can lead individuals away from constructive living and can deeply impact relationships with others and ultimately our relationship with God.
Paul emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in our actions and lifestyles. The practices mentioned aren’t merely casual habits; they reflect a heart that has turned away from God’s ways. The conclusion of this verse reminds us, “that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” In this final statement, we find the serious nature of sin and the outcomes for those who persist in these behaviors.
Lessons to Learn From Galatians 5:21
This scripture teaches us many valuable lessons. First, we learn about the importance of being aware of our surroundings and the influences that may distract us from God. Just as the Galatians faced challenges in maintaining their faith amidst differing ideologies, we encounter distractions in our modern world. It’s essential to ground ourselves in truth and choose Godly influences over worldly temptations.
Secondly, we are reminded that our actions matter. The consequences of our choices can carry significant weight, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. Our testimony and the way we conduct ourselves can influence others, revealing the transformative power of Christ in our lives. In living out our faith, we become a shining light for others searching for hope and direction.
Furthermore, Galatians 5:21 teaches us that freedom in Christ does not grant us the license to indulge in sinful behavior. It is a call to be responsible in how we live our lives. Understanding that grace is extended to us does not excuse us from striving for holiness. We must actively seek to align our hearts and actions with God’s will, embracing the resulting fruits of the Spirit.
Lastly, the message of grace is reaffirmed here. Even though we may stumble from time to time, we can always return to God’s embrace. His love is unconditional and everlasting. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We are continually invited to a deeper relationship with God regardless of our past choices.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Galatians 5:21, let’s encourage one another to pursue a life worthy of our calling in Christ. By concentrating on our actions and aligning them with God’s truth, we cultivate a stronger relationship with Him and those around us. Life can bring numerous challenges, but we have the assurance that God walks alongside us as we seek His guidance and strength.
We can encourage one another to seek wisdom and reflect on our choices, allowing God’s grace to shape our paths. Let us support each other in growing our faith and making choices that honor Him. We invite you to explore more topics that delve into God’s word and enrich your understanding of His love for us. You will find inspiration through the teachings found in 1 Samuel 20 and 1 Corinthians 14. Together, may we strive to embody the fruits of the Spirit and reflect Christ’s love in all that we do.