Les Feldick Bible Study

Who is Paul addressing when he lists the works of the flesh?

Paul is addressing primarily the unbeliever and his lifestyle, because the works of the old Adamic nature are manifest and obvious in them. Yet he also includes the believer who, in a moment of weakness, lets old Adam take over.

Les explains that Paul is dealing mostly with the unbeliever and his lifestyle when listing the works of the flesh. The works of old Adam are manifest and obvious. Les notes that whether it is a believer who in a moment of weakness lets old Adam take over, or the unbeliever, the fleshly works are evident. He also points to examples like Esau, a fornicator destitute of faith, and Ishmael, who lacked the unction to obey God's will. Les observes that sexual immorality is almost always number one in Paul's classifications of human sins.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

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More Questions

What is the relationship between the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh?

The fruit of the Spirit is a total inversion of the activities of the previous verses, which describe the works of the flesh.