Pastor Billy Myron continues the Christian Life series on the sin nature in Galatians 5, wrapping up the list of works of the flesh in verses 19-21. The remaining items are drunkenness and revelings (carousings), followed by “and such like things.”
Drunkenness refers to intoxication by alcohol or similar substances that impair judgment, reasoning, and decision-making. Scripture distinguishes between moderate use (e.g., 1 Timothy 5:23, “use a little wine for your stomach”) and excess (“not given to much wine” in 1 Timothy 3:8 and Titus 2:3). Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being drunk with wine (excess leading to dissipation) with being filled by the Spirit. Romans 14 stresses not causing a brother to stumble regarding personal convictions on food or drink, prioritizing love. 1 Corinthians 5 calls for church discipline of a professing believer who is a drunkard, distinguishing this from judging outsiders.
Revelings (carousings) describe wild, out-of-control partying that often involves excess alcohol, disregard for property, or riotous behavior—appearing in Romans 13:13 and 1 Peter 4:3 alongside other sins of the old life. Believers are called to cast off works of darkness and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The phrase “and such like things” allows for similar sins not explicitly listed (e.g., covetousness equated with idolatry in Colossians 3:5; also anger, wrath, blasphemy, extortion). The list in Galatians is not exhaustive but illustrative to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). Its purpose is to show the nature of fleshly living versus Spirit-led living, avoiding checklist legalism. Paul encourages setting the mind on things above, putting off the old man, and putting on the new—focusing on positive growth in Christ rather than mere abstinence.
This equips believers to identify fleshly temptations, maintain victory through positional truth in Christ (as covered in Romans 6-7), and discern differences from satanic attacks for future study. The goal is walking by the Spirit, producing fruit, with no law against such things. Those practicing works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.
