What does "those who practice such things" imply about habitual sin? Setting the phrase in context • Galatians 5:19-21 lists “the works of the flesh” and ends with this sober warning: “envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” • Paul is contrasting two lifestyles: flesh-driven living (vv. 19-21) and Spirit-driven living (vv. 22-25). • The phrase “those who practice such things” (prassontes in Greek) becomes the hinge that separates momentary failures from a settled pattern of life. What “practice” (prassontes) means • The verb tense points to continuous, habitual action, not a one-time lapse. • It describes a lifestyle that is embraced, defended, and repeated. • Compare 1 John 3:9—“No one born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning” (cf. vv. 4-10). Habitual sin versus isolated failure Habitual sin (prassontes) – Ongoing pattern – Refusal to repent – Sin becomes identity – Conscience grows dull (1 Timothy 4:2) Isolated failure (hamartano) – Momentary yielding (e.g., Peter’s denial) – Followed by conviction and repentance (Psalm 51:1-4) – Opposed by inner war of the Spirit (Galatians 5:17) Fruit reveals root • Jesus: “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:17-18) • Persistent works of the flesh expose an unregenerate heart (Romans 8:7-8). • Conversely, the Spirit produces consistent fruit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Consequences spelled out • “Will not inherit the kingdom of God” is an exclusion, not a loss of rewards. • Parallel warnings: – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10—“Do not be deceived… neither the sexually immoral… will inherit the kingdom of God.” – Ephesians 5:5-6—“No immoral or impure or greedy person… has any inheritance…” • A settled life of sin proves a person remains outside saving grace. Hope and exhortation for believers • “Such were some of you, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified.” (1 Corinthians 6:11) • Genuine believers may stumble, yet the Spirit convicts and restores (Hebrews 12:6-11). • The call: – Examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). – Walk by the Spirit so we “will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Put sin to death by the Spirit’s power (Romans 8:13). |
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