Galatians 5:21
“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.”
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)
This verse is part of a larger passage where the apostle Paul is addressing the Galatian believers and discussing the contrast between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit. He lists a number of sinful behaviors that characterize a life driven by the flesh, and then warns that those who engage in such behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God.
To fully understand this verse, let’s break it down and explore its key themes:
Envyings:Envy is a strong desire to possess what belongs to someone else, often accompanied by a feeling of resentment. Envy is a sin that can lead to strife, bitterness, and division among people. It reflects a lack of contentment and gratitude for what one has been given by God.
Murders:This refers to the act of intentionally taking someone’s life. Murder is a grave sin that violates the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God. It includes both physical murder and the harboring of hatred and anger towards others.
Drunkenness:This refers to the excessive consumption of alcohol or the habitual state of being intoxicated. Drunkenness can impair judgment, lead to foolish and sinful behavior, and cause harm to oneself and others. It is associated with a lack of self-control and can be an escape from dealing with life’s challenges.
Revellings:Revellings refer to wild, unrestrained behavior often associated with parties, feasts, and excessive indulgence. It includes indulging in sensual pleasures without regard for moral boundaries or the well-being of others. Such behavior often leads to moral degradation and can distance individuals from God’s plan for their lives.
Paul emphasizes that these behaviors are not exhaustive but are representative of a broader category of sins. He makes it clear that those who habitually practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. This means that those who continue in unrepentant sin will not be partakers of the eternal life and blessings that God has prepared for His faithful followers.
It is important to note that this passage does not imply that salvation is earned through good works or perfect behavior. Instead, it highlights the transformation that should occur in the lives of believers as they yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the need to live by the Spirit, who produces godly fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
In summary, Galatians 5:21 serves as a warning against a lifestyle characterized by sinful behaviors. It reminds believers to continually yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives, allowing Him to produce godly fruit. While our salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, the evidence of genuine faith is a transformed life marked by the fruit of the Spirit.
