HINDRANCES TO CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:24

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 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 shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21
In this text, Paul lists the acts of the flesh which reflect the sinful nature of man. He draws the believers attention to the fact that those who live by the desires of the flesh and for that matter not the Christ-like character would miss heaven. This sermon is to encourage believers to overcome the desires of the flesh by yielding their lives to the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul made it clear in his letter to the Galatians that the acts or works of the flesh are clearly noticeable as long as the believer walks in the sinful nature and not in the new nature in dwelt by the Holy Spirit. The sinful nature is characterised by the following acts:

SEXUAL IMMORALITY :which involves "adultery", that is unfaithfulness in marital relationship, and "fornication - the unlawful sexual relationship between unmarried couples". Impurity or uncleanness in thought, word, and deed or sensuality (Ephesians 5:34).

DEBAUCHERY which is also translated "Lewdness" or "Lasciviousness" connotes the open, shameless and bold display of the sins or acts mentioned above (2 corinthians 12:21)

IDOLATRY in this context is not only the worship of idols, but also the immorality that accompanies demonic activities and giving priority to anything other than God (Mathew 4:10).

WITCHCRAFT OR SORCERY means interaction with evil spirits, or the use of magic spells. It may also include superstition.

HATRED is the strong feeling of malice directed towards people. This attitude also leads to discord, contentions, variance, and quarrels among believers.

JEALOUSY is a feeling of ill-will toward someone because of an achievement of advantage that person may have. It also manifests mistrust or suspicions. Fits of rage or wrath is outburst of hot anger or passions at the expense of others. Dissension are the same as "factions" or "heresies" which are divisions caused by disagreements. They also result into sects or groups by people with self willed opinions in an organisation. Envy is displeasure at the success or prosperity of others. In fact, envy and jealousy are related.
Drunkenness refers to habitual intoxication caused by strong drink. Drunkenness was condemned (Genesis 9:20-27,Galatians 5:21)because it made people insensitive, an economic ruin, and morally and spiritually bankrupt. Orgies or revelries as some translations put it are riotous gatherings for entertainment accompanied by drunkenness.
Paul warned his readers (believers), that those who do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In other words, those who lives are characterised by works of the flesh are not saved.

Are you saved?