The Blessed Hope Podcast -- Episode Twelve: "Works of the Flesh v. Fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16-26)

In the last half of Galatians 5, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. In comparing the two lists, its sounds very much like the Apostle is describing two warring factions, which he is–the flesh against the Spirit. The works of the flesh are the visible outcome of what it means to have a sinful nature. Because we are “flesh,” apart from God’s grace, this is what our lives will often look like–characterized by the behavior mentioned here. Yet when we are delivered from our bondage to the flesh by the death of Jesus and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the change from living “in the flesh” to living in the Spirit manifests itself in the presence of the “Fruit of the Spirit.” If we walk in the Spirit, the Spirit will produce his fruit in us. So what are these fruit? What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? We’ll tackle these questions and a few more in this episode of the Blessed Hope.

Bibliography for Episode Twelve:

R. C. Sproul: "The Fruit of the Spirit"

Tim Keller: Definitions of the Fruit of the Spirit

Tom Schreiner: Works of the Flesh and Fruit of the Spirit

Julius Kim: "Sanctification and the Fruit of the Spirit" (mp3)

Bibliography for the Series:

F. F. Bruce, Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free

Guy Waters, The Life and Theology of Paul

Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians

Moo, Galatians (Baker Exegetical Commentary)

J. V. Fesko, Galatians, Lectio Continua Series

Music (Shutterstock): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op 92m, second movement, Allegretto (A minor)