Shofar Stellenbosch | Galatians And PhilippiansSample

Works of Flesh and Fruit of the Spirit 

Paul calls the vices in 5:19–21, "works of the flesh," and the virtues in 5:22, 23, "fruit of the Spirit." 

Why? Keep in mind that "flesh" does not mean "body," as though our bodies were the root cause of our sins. There are some sins listed here that don't come from our bodies (e.g., strife, enmity, jealousy, anger, envy, etc.). 

Flesh is the old ego that is self-reliant and does not delight to yield to any authority or depend on any mercy. 

Read the scripture and then answer the following questions.   

Reflective questions:

1. Why does Paul call the products of our flesh "works" and the products of God's Spirit through us "fruit"?
2. What in this passage challenges you?
3. How can we grow to bear godly fruit?