INTRO: Nowadays we don't hear too much about the sins of the flesh. The word "sin" has gone out of fashion, and the sins of the flesh are commonly accepted as normal, and not really all that bad. Our new Bible versions have even changed the translation to "sinful human nature." Our culture considers the body to be something basically good, or at least neutral, and it is difficult for us to think of our bodies as intrinsically sinful. But what does the Bible say about the sins of the flesh?

I. The Bible teaches that the human body is sinful.
A. It was not originally so with Adam and Eve.
(Genesis 2:22-25) But after Adam and Eve sinned, they were ashamed, they
hid from God, and tried to cover their nakedness with leaves. God made
clothing for them of animal skins. The pure had become sinful.
B. Paul wrote extensively to the Romans about the sinfulness of the body
(Romans 7:18, 22-25).
C. So here in Galatians, too (Gal. 5:16-17).

II. The Sinful Body is the reason it is hard to live a Christian life.
A. As Paul said in Gal. 5:16-17 and in Romans 7:18, 22-25.
B. There is no sinful "human nature," or spirit for you to contend with.
C. The body includes the mind (the brain), and the emotions (youth, strength,
hormones, health, etc have physical causes).

III. The Sins of the Flesh fall under four classifications.
A. Sexual Immorality (3 Greek words in Gal. 5):
porneia -- a general term for all illicit sex
akatharsia -- uncleanness
aselgeia-- uninhibited sexual excess
(Together, they cover everything imaginable -- see MacArthur on Galatians)
B. Religious Sins
Idolatry
Sorcery
Heresy
C. Human Relationship Sins
Hatred, strife, jealousy, wrath, factions, envy, murder etc.
D. Alcohol related sins
Drunkenness, reveling, the like

IV. The Sins of the Flesh Keep People Out of Heaven (Gal. 5:21).
"They who do such things," may be translated more literally, "Those who
continue to practice such things." Acc. to MacArthur this is a present, active
participle, indicating durative, ongoing action. The constant, habitual
ongoing practice of the sins of the flesh marks a person as unregenerated.

CONCLUSION: Summary: The body is not neutral. Your body has sinful inclinations, and it is your spiritual enemy. You must fight it, resist it, and walk in the Spirit in order to get victory over sin in your life. Those who give themselves over to the sins of the flesh give evidence that they have not been born again, and they will not inherit the Kingdom of God.