Galatians 5:21

tell . . . before--namely, before the event. I . . . told you in time past--when I was with you. you--who, though maintaining justification by the law, are careless about keeping the law (Rom 2:21-23). not inherit . . . kingdom of God-- (Co1 6:9-10; Eph 5:5).

In this chapter the apostle comes to make application of his foregoing discourse. He begins it with a general caution, or exhortation (Gal 5:1), which he afterwards enforces by several considerations (Gal 5:2-12). He then presses them to serious practical godliness, which would be the best antidote against the snares of their false teachers; particularly, I. That they should not strive with one another (Gal 5:13-15). II. That they would strive against sin, where he shows, 1. That there is in every one a struggle between flesh and spirit (Gal 5:17). 2. That it is our duty and interest, in this struggle, to side with the better part (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:18). 3. He specifies the works of the flesh, which must be watched against and mortified, and the fruits of the Spirit, which must be brought forth and cherished, and shows of what importance it is that they be so (Gal 5:19-24). And then concludes the chapter with a caution against pride and envy.

5:21 Drunkenness has no place in the Christian life (see Luke 21:34; 1 Cor 11:20-22; Eph 5:18). • wild parties: Festivals in honor of pagan gods were often accompanied by drunken orgies (cp. 1 Pet 4:3). • other sins like these: This list is only representative of the vices of the sinful nature (cp. Mark 7:20-23; Rom 1:29-31; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Eph 5:3-5; Col 3:5-8; 1 Tim 1:9-10; 2 Tim 3:2-5; Jas 3:13-18; Rev 21:8). People living that sort of life are not living by the Spirit, and thereby demonstrate no relationship with God by faith. Such people will not inherit the Kingdom of God: They are still slaves of their sinful nature (Gal 4:8-9, 22-25; cp. Rom 6:16-22; 1 Cor 6:9-10) and are not under God’s rule.