56. Gal_5:19-24
Galatians 5:19-24, “Drunkenness and temperance.” The Apostle Paul draws a striking contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit. Of the former he says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” Of the latter he says, in immediate connection and contrast, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Temperance, which is self-restraint from, and not in, the use of whatever is injurious, is here placed in opposition to drunkenness. To be safe—abstain. See Notes onActs 24:25 and 1 Corinthians 9:25.