In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul warned the church a second time that if anyone makes a practice of the deeds of the flesh, they will not inherit the kingdom of God. This has been interpreted to mean that those who practice the deeds of the flesh will not receive rewards after they are admitted to heaven. It has also been interpreted to mean that those who practice the deeds of the flesh will only fail to inherit the power and authority of God. But that is not how the text reads. Rather, the Scriptures doubly warn Christians that those who practice the deeds of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God itself, not just the rewards or authority in the kingdom. The Greek word translated kingdom is “basileia”, which does not only mean royal power, kingship, or dominion but also the territory (or place) subject to the rule of a king. It also refers to the reign of Christ, and this definitely includes the reign of Christ when He returns to reign over the earth in the Millennium and beyond (see Revelation 11:15, Revelation 20:4-6). The word translated “inherit” is the Greek word “kleronomeo”, which also means to become an heir as well as to become partaker of”. Thus, in Galatians 5:19-21, the Scriptures admonish the church that to make a practice of the deeds of the flesh is also to deny yourself the blessing of partaking of the actual place or territory where God rules, called heaven (Isaiah 66:1 2 Corinthians 12:2) as well as the reign of Christ and the Father in the Millennium and beyond (Revelation 20:4-6, Revelation chapters 21 &22). In other words, to live by the deeds of the flesh, without repentance, is to exclude yourself from heaven, the Millennium, and the new earth and heaven, and choose for yourself a place in hell and the lake of fire. This is a direct repetition of what Jesus taught: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21). So, how do we overcome living according to the deeds of the flesh?
The Bible gives us the answer in Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” . How do we practically walk by the Spirit? The Bible shows us how in Romans 8:5: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit”. Here, we are shown that where we set or fix our minds determines where we walk, either in the Spirit or according to the flesh. Having your mind set on the things of the Spirit is the characteristic feature of those who walk by the Spirit, and by this we are able to stop carrying out the desires of the flesh. Jesus said in John 6:63 that “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life (from the life-giving Spirit)”. Thus, to set your mind on God’s Word is to set your mind on the things of the Spirit. As you do this you move into the realm of walking by the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.
Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit or on God’s Word is not supposed to be a passive affair. Rather, we are to intentionally and actively fill our minds with God’s Word daily and mediate on it. By so doing, we make God’s Word the operating system on which our minds run. Consequently, our lives conform to the image of the Word, who is Jesus, and we overcome the dictates of the flesh. Meditating on God’s word also empowers us to obey what it says so that we can receive its benefits: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
So, take charge of your mind and do not let it run wild, for as a man thinks in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Cast down vain imaginations and every high and lofty thing that rises itself against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5). As you set your mind the things of the Spirit, looking unto Jesus and His Word (Hebrews 12:2, John 1:1, John 6:63), you will walk by the Spirit. And you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh but inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21).
Dr. Kwadwo Omari
October 19, 2022.
A Very Important Message
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Therefore, If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you to put your faith in Him. Pray the prayer below to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour: “I come to you God in Jesus’ name and surrender my life unto you. I repent of my sins and I ask You to forgive me all my sins. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe with my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. I thank you God for saving me, in Jesus name, Amen”. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, believe and be assured that you are saved, for the Bible says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31). Find a Bible believing church to attend so that you can be discipled to grow in the ways of God. You can also email me ([email protected]) and I will be happy to grow together with you in Christ.