The Deeds of the Flesh (versus) the Fruit of the Spirit

Posted by Pastor Pat on August 20, 2009

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, but the fruit of the Spirit is . . .”

(Galatians 5:19-23)

The contrast could not be more dramatic.  Even the word used to describe the outworking of both is telling: “Deeds/Works” versus “Fruit.”  In the context of Galatians the irony of the setting should not escape us.  The deeds of the flesh are those activities produced by seeking to gain spirituality through a system of rules and regulations whereas the fruit of the Spirit are those activities produced by resting in His finished work.   Let us consider for just a moment the two lists.

Deeds of the Flesh	Fruit of the Spirit
Immorality Impurity Sensuality Idolatry Sorcery	Love Joy Peace
Enmities Strife Jealousy Outbursts of anger Disputes	Patience Kindness Goodness
Dissensions Factions Envying	Faithfulness Gentleness
Drunkenness Carousing	Self-control
And things like these Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God	Against such there is no law Heirs according to promise (3:29)

The two groups are clearly marked.  The contrast is established through opposites.  For example, the opposite of love, joy, peace is immorality, impurity and sensuality.  The person who is filled with enmities, strife and jealousy is not exhibiting patience, kindness, and goodness.  Likewise, the drunkard and carouser do not have self-control.

Only law works whereas grace rests.  Because it is the fruit of the Spirit it is not something the believer can do.

The tragedy of this is in trying to produce the fruit of the Spirit.  Any attempt on our part to produce the fruit of the Spirit manufactures fake fruit which is, in reality, a work of the flesh.  Hence what we hope to do in producing spiritual fruit in the end turns against us and will stand as our accuser.  The emphasis is not on trying to produce spiritual fruit.  The quest or real struggle is to rest in Him believing He will complete the work He began.  We are to assume and rest in knowing fruit is being born by the Spirit in and through the life of His people.

The question needing to be addressed is what am I to do if I am seeing the works of the flesh being manifested in me?  Because I still have within me an “old nature” I am going to sin.  At some point in time you will, against your desires, exhibit “flesh.”  So what is a believer suppose to “do” with sin?  Several actions are stated in the Scripture.  Each one of the following is to be viewed as a Fruit of the Spirit.  No one apart from the inward working of the Holy Spirit can “do” these actions.  In the midst of my personal inabilities and spiritual failures I am to be resting in the confidence of His divine strength in performing that which He promised (Phil. 1:6; 2 Thess. 5:23, 24).

There are more expressions of fruit than I am listing, but these seven are characteristic of the kinds of actions He is producing in me and through me concerning my response to the “flesh.”

First, we will see the fruit of laying aside the deeds of darkness (Rom. 13:12).

Second, we will see the fruit of making no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom. 13:14).

Third, we will see the fruit of cleansing ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit (2 Cor. 7:1).

Fourth, we will see the fruit of laying aside the old self (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9).

Fifth, we will see the fruit of considering the members of our earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, etc. (Col. 3:5; Rom. 8:13).

Sixth, we will see the fruit of abstaining from fleshly lusts which wage war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11).

Seventh, we will see the fruit of agreeing with God concerning the nature of our sin knowing He has is and always will be forgiving us (1 John 1:9).

• Please do not see the Fruit of the Spirit as a work to be performed or a standard to be attained.
• Keep your focus on the author and finisher of your faith.
• Believe that He has and will take care of your sin issue for you.
• Learn to celebrate all that you are in Him and He is for you.
• Learn to stop trying to do what has already been done.

Grace enables us to live within the family of our fellowship with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Truly, against such there is no law.  May grace continue to reign at WBC.

By Pastor Patrick J. Griffiths.  For more information see the Waukesha Bible Church series on Galatians.