Relational & Social Sins: Works Of The flesh
Galatians 5:19-21
Text: Galatians 5:20-21 - “…hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like…”
Introduction
Some sins hide in the heart.
Others explode in the open.
These are the relational and social sins—sins that don’t just affect you, but everyone around you.
They’re not just private failures. They are public fruit of a flesh-driven life.
Let’s walk through these categories of sin that fracture relationships, destroy communities, and harden hearts.
Point 1: Sins That Tear People Apart
Hatred
- A deep, settled hostility—rooted in offense, bitterness, or prejudice.
- 1 John 4:20 — “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”
Discord
- Stirring up conflict through gossip, slander, or division.
- Some don’t start fires—but they keep handing out matches.
Jealousy
- Wanting what someone else has, and resenting them for it.
- It poisons gratitude and erodes contentment.
Fits of Rage
- Outbursts of uncontrolled anger.
- Anger is not always sin—but explosive, flesh-driven anger is.
Selfish Ambition
- A me-first mindset that’s willing to step on others to get ahead.
- This isn’t drive or vision—it’s ambition without humility.
Point 2: Sins That Divide Communities
Dissensions & Factions
- Dissension: stirring division over preferences or power
- Factions: forming sides, cliques, or echo chambers within the church or relationships
Paul is warning the church: You can’t call yourself Spirit-filled and live like a divided, angry mob.
Titus 3:10 - “Warn a divisive person once… then have nothing to do with them.”
Point 3: Sins That Indulge Without Boundaries
Envy
- It’s deeper than jealousy—envy says, “If I can’t have it, I don’t want you to have it either.”
- It breeds resentment toward others’ blessings.
Drunkenness
- More than a drink—it’s when you surrender control to a substance instead of the Spirit.
- Ephesians 5:18 - “Do not get drunk on wine… instead be filled with the Spirit.”
Orgies
- Not just sexual sin, but wild, unrestrained indulgence of the senses.
- It’s the lifestyle of “no rules, no limits, no accountability.”
Paul ends with, “and the like,” saying: This isn’t the full list. It’s a picture of life without Spirit-led boundaries.
Point 4: The Warning and the Way Out
The Warning
“Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:21
- This isn’t about one-time failure.
- It’s about a lifestyle pattern that proves you are led by the flesh—not the Spirit.
The Way Out
Galatians 5:16 - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
There is no sin too public, too painful, or too rooted for the Holy Spirit to overcome.
Application: How to Root Out Relational & Social Sins
-
Own your part
Don’t blame others for what’s growing in you. -
Repent quickly and completely
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. -
Pursue peace
Be a peacemaker, not a pot-stirrer. -
Surrender control
Let the Spirit lead your relationships, emotions, and desires.
Conclusion
You can’t grow Spirit fruit in soil ruled by flesh.
If hatred, jealousy, or rage are growing—it’s time to do some spiritual gardening.
Tear out what doesn’t belong.
Let the Holy Spirit till the ground.
And plant peace, kindness, and self-control in its place.
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess that we’ve let anger, envy, and division take root in our hearts.
We’ve wounded others with our words and actions.
We repent. Cleanse us. Fill us with Your Spirit.
Help us to be people of peace, love, and unity.
Let the fruit of the Spirit grow where the works of the flesh once ruled.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.