Galatians 5:19-21

In verses 19–23, Paul contrasts the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The acts of the flesh symbolize spiritual death, but the fruit of the Spirit is evidence of spiritual life. Since a Christian has the same sinful nature they possessed before salvation, they may fall prey to the sins that nature produces if they do not live by means of the Spirit.

Paul now lists some of the ugly “works of the flesh” (similar lists in Mark 7:20–23; Rom. 1:29–32; 1 Tim. 1:9–10; 2 Tim. 3:2–5). The flesh is able to manufacture sin but it can never produce the righteousness of God. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9).

The person who continually practices these sins shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul is not talking about an act of sin, but a habit of sin. There is a false assurance of salvation that is not based on the Word of God. The fact that the believer is not under Law, but under grace, is no excuse for sin (Rom. 6:15). If anything, it is an encouragement to live in obedience to the Lord.

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NASB)