Galatians 5:21 – “And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is continuing his list of “acts of the flesh,” describing behaviors that come from following sinful desires instead of the Holy Spirit. In this verse, he highlights three more types of sin:

1. Envy – A deep resentment toward others for what they have, whether it be possessions, success, or relationships. Unlike jealousy, which wants what another person has, envy also seeks to take it away or see the other person suffer.
2. Drunkenness – The abuse of alcohol that leads to reckless, sinful behavior. Paul warns that getting drunk dulls the mind and leads to bad decisions.
3. Orgies and the like – This refers to wild, uncontrolled partying, especially involving immoral sexual behavior, drunkenness, and other excesses.

After listing these sins, Paul adds the phrase “and the like,” meaning this is not an exhaustive list. There are many other sinful behaviors that follow the same pattern of self-indulgence, rebellion against God, and harming others.

Then Paul gives a serious warning:

“I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This is not just a suggestion—Paul is making it clear that people who practice these sins as a way of life are not part of God’s kingdom. This doesn’t mean a Christian will never struggle with sin, but it does mean that someone who is continually living in sin without repentance is showing that they are not truly following Jesus.

Historical Context

The Galatians were living in a highly immoral society. Many of them had come from pagan religions that encouraged sinful lifestyles, including drunken feasts, temple prostitution, and idol worship.

At the same time, the Galatian church was divided—some people were teaching that following religious laws (like circumcision) was the way to be saved, while others thought grace meant they could live however they wanted.

Paul is confronting both errors:

• Legalism (trusting in rules instead of Jesus) – Paul had already made it clear that the law cannot save anyone (Galatians 3:11).
• Lawlessness (using grace as an excuse for sin) – Now he warns that those who live in unrepentant sin will not inherit God’s kingdom.

Paul is reminding the Galatians that true salvation leads to a changed life. If someone is truly following Jesus, they will turn away from these sinful behaviors and live by the Spirit.

Theological Implications

This verse carries several major spiritual truths:

1. Salvation leads to transformation. A true believer may struggle with sin but will not live in unrepentant sin.
2. God’s kingdom is not for those who reject Him. If a person chooses to live in rebellion against God, they are rejecting His kingdom.
3. Sin has consequences. Many people think they can live however they want and still go to heaven, but Paul warns that persistent sin is evidence of a heart that has not been changed by God.

This verse does not mean that Christians who struggle with sin will lose their salvation. But it does mean that someone who is habitually living in sin with no repentance is showing that they do not truly belong to Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse is strong and direct.

• “I warn you, as I did before” – Paul is not saying something new. He has already warned them that sinful living leads to destruction.
• “Those who live like this” – The Greek verb here refers to a continuous lifestyle of sin, not someone who stumbles and repents.
• “Will not inherit the kingdom of God” – This is a clear warning that unrepentant sin separates people from God’s promises.

Paul’s message is not meant to condemn believers who struggle with sin—it is meant to wake up those who think they can live in sin without consequences.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers… nor drunkards… will inherit the kingdom of God.” Paul gives a similar warning about those who live in sin.
• Ephesians 5:5 – “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person… has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
• 1 John 3:6 – “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” A true believer does not continue in sin without repentance.
• Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” Jesus warns that faith without obedience is false.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today believe in a watered-down version of Christianity where they think they can live however they want and still go to heaven. Paul’s warning is clear:

1. Sin separates people from God. If someone’s life is marked by continual sin without repentance, they should seriously examine their heart.
2. Grace is not a license to sin. Some people think that because they are “saved by grace,” they can do whatever they want. But true salvation leads to a changed life.
3. Christians are called to live differently. The world promotes drunkenness, immorality, and selfish ambition—but believers are called to walk by the Spirit.

This verse challenges every believer to ask: Am I truly following Jesus, or am I still living by the desires of the flesh?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people might say, “If God is loving, why would He keep people out of His kingdom?” The answer is simple:

• God’s love offers salvation to everyone. But those who reject His grace and choose to live in sin are rejecting His kingdom.
• God’s love includes holiness. A loving God will not allow sin to go unchecked because He knows that sin leads to destruction.
• God’s love is transforming. He does not just forgive—He changes hearts and leads His people into a new way of life.

A loving God invites everyone into His kingdom, but those who refuse to repent choose to separate themselves from Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus came to save sinners. The good news is that anyone who repents can receive forgiveness (Luke 5:32).
2. Jesus offers true freedom from sin. We are no longer slaves to the flesh—we are set free in Christ (Romans 6:6).
3. Jesus’ kingdom is for the righteous. Only those who have been transformed by the Spirit will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:34).

Jesus did not die just to forgive sins—He died to change sinners into saints. That is the power of the gospel.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul gives such a strong warning about these sins?
2. What is the difference between struggling with sin and living in sin?
3. How does this verse challenge modern ideas about grace and holiness?
4. What are some practical ways to walk by the Spirit instead of following the flesh?
5. How does Jesus’ work on the cross offer both forgiveness and transformation?

Paul’s message in Galatians 5:21 is clear: God’s kingdom is for those who follow Him, not for those who continue in rebellion. But the good news is that anyone can be transformed by the power of the Spirit. True freedom is found in Christ alone.