Where Are Your Roots

Galatians 5:19-26

Galatians 5:19–26 ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

We talk a lot about the fruit of the Spirit. In nearly every sermon I preach, I refer to the list: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I’ve used this list so much in the raising of my children that they’ve been able to recite the fruit of the Spirit from a very early age. As ministers, this is very familiar territory, and we enjoy delivering messages on these positive traits that naturally blossom in the life that is fully devoted to Christ.

The fruit of the Spirit—that singular fruit that is propagated in us when we are in Christ—is love, is joy, is peace, is patience, is kindness, is goodness, is gentleness, is faithfulness, and is self-control. When we are dwelling in the Spirit and we are functioning in the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) we will exhibit these traits, because as He dwells within us, He is visible by the attributes of His Spirit.

I heard it said—and I’ve seen it to be true—that you can look at the list of attributes and put the word Christ ahead of it and see that it makes perfect sense:

Christ is Love

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

This is the ultimate expression of Christ’s love, as He gave His life for humanity. For me. For you.

Romans 8:38–39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Here we see that Christ is the very expression of God’s unshakeable, unchanging love for us, and he transcends all circumstances.

1 John 4:9–10 “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

This passage explicitly connects Christ’s sacrifice to God’s love for humanity, revealing the depth and origin of true love. The love of God is manifest through Christ’s revelation to mankind. Christ the method of God’s love for us and the vehicle by which that love is delivered.

John Stott said, “The cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough for its sparks to fall on us.

J.I. Packer said, “In the New Testament, grace means God’s love in action toward people who merited the opposite of love. Grace means God sending His only Son to the cross so that we guilty ones might be reconciled to God and received into heaven.”

Christ is Joy

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Here, Jesus speaks about the joy that comes from abiding in Him and following His commands. His joy is not fleeting but complete, offering believers a deep and enduring sense of fulfillment.

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

This verse highlights the joy that comes from being in God’s presence, which is eternal and boundless—a joy found fully through Christ.

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

The Apostle Paul urges believers to find their joy in the Lord, regardless of their circumstances. Christ is a constant source of joy that transcends external situations.

True joy is found in God through Christ, and this joy is not merely an emotion but a deep, abiding satisfaction in the glory and goodness of God.

Christ is Peace

Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah declared Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.” His very role is to bring divine and eternal peace to God’s children.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Jesus reassures His followers with the promise of His own peace, a peace that surpasses anything the world can offer.

Ephesians 2:14 “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility”

Paul clearly shows how Christ, through His sacrifice, brings reconciliation and unity. He is true peace between God and humanity as well as among people.

John Calvin said, “True peace will be found nowhere but in Christ; for He is our peace.”

Christ is Patience

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Christ is the expression of God’s patience toward us in waiting for humanity to turn to Him, showing us His enduring love and desire for our redemption.

1 Timothy 1:16 “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”

Paul showed Christ’s patience in dealing with sinners, demonstrating His willingness to guide even the most lost back to Him.

Thomas Aquinas said, “In Christ’s suffering and endurance, we see the patience of the divine will. For it was not weakness that held Him to the cross, but His strength in infinite patience for the redemption of mankind.”

Christ is Kindness

Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”

Jesus calls us to emulate His kindness, as He is the expression of God’s kindness toward mankind.

Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Christ’s kindness and gentleness shine through as He offers rest and relief to the weary.

Titus 3:4–5 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”

Christ is the very embodiment of God’s kindness, bringing salvation through His mercy and love.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Kindness is the essence of Christ’s dealings with sinners. It is a kindness that sees us at our worst and still chooses to embrace us and redeem us.

Christ is Goodness

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

We see Christ’s goodness through His self-sacrificial care for His people—the ultimate protector and guide.

Acts 10:11 “and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.”

Jesus embodied the goodness of God in His daily ministry—healing, restoring, and uplifting.

Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”

While originally a psalm about the Father, Christ’s life and actions perfectly demonstrate this goodness, standing as the point of tangible connection with God and inviting us to experience His goodness through Christ

Jonathan Edwards said, “Christ is the great medium through which the infinite goodness of God is exercised toward us. His goodness shines brightest in His willingness to suffer for our sake.”

Christ is Faithfulness

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Christ is unwavering constancy and faithfulness, assuring us that He is reliable and unchanging in all circumstances.

Revelation 19:11 “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.”

Christ is directly referred to as Faithful and True. It is His nature.

2 Timothy 2:13 “if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.”

He is the very embodiment of faithfulness. He cannot deny himself. The concept of faithfulness can no more be separated from Christ than light from the sun.

Christ is Gentleness

Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

We serve a gentle Savior. Gentleness is His nature as He offers rest and reassurance to those who come to Him

Isaiah 42:3 (fulfilled in Christ) “a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.”

This prophecy describes Christ's tender and compassionate approach, caring deeply for the weak and vulnerable.

John 8:10–11 “Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.””

Christ’s response to the woman caught in adultery showcases His gentle mercy and refusal to condemn her, even while calling her to change.

Spurgeon wrote, “In Jesus, we see the gentleness of God. He does not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax, but in tenderness, He revives and restores.”

Christ is Self-Control

Matthew 4:1–4 “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ””

Jesus demonstrated ultimate self-control when faced with temptations through which most of us would have been destroyed. The temptations addressed every area of His felt need, but He withstood the temptation by turning to the Word of God.

Luke 22:42 “saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.””

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ demonstrated perfect self-control by submitting to God’s will, even in the face of immense suffering and the very wrath of the Father.

Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

This prophecy shows Christ’s restraint during His trial and crucifixion, where He endured suffering without retaliation or complaint.

Thomas Aquinas said, “The greatest test of temperance is not in avoiding extremes but in perfectly aligning desire with reason and with the will of God. In this, Christ is the supreme example.”

I’ve heard countless messages on the Fruit of the Spirit. I’ve preached countless messages on the Fruit of the Spirit. It is the description of a life yielded to Christ and indwelt by the Spirit of God.

Of all the messages I’ve heard, taught, and read about the Fruit of the Spirit, one point always comes to mind when I come across this passage.

It is a singular fruit. It’s attributes are neither arbitrary nor optional. When a believer is rooted in the Spirit of God, the attributes of Christ will begin to manifest in his life.

Often, we view the list in Galatians 5 as a list of multiple fruits, much like the Gifts of the Spirit—we imagine nine separate items, each of which might or might not manifest themselves in the life of the believer, depending upon the whim of God or the personality traits of the believer. This view leads to our celebration of the attributes we do display and the downplaying of the importance of the attributes we do not display.

This understanding is completely flawed. What we see in our text is a singular fruit. The fruit is what is produced when the Spirit of God is planted within the believer. The planted Spirit of God produces fruit after His kind. Matthew 7:17 says, “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.”

Every healthy tree… The manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit is inevitable for those whose roots are in Christ.

A portion of Scripture that we spend far less on is slightly before the description of the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:19–21 says, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

In the NIV, the passage starts with the words, “The acts of the flesh are obvious.” We don’t spend much time on this list for three basic reasons. First, it’s a far less pleasant list. Second, we have created a church culture that migrates toward positivity and encouragement. And, third, we are often subtly afraid that we will find ourselves in this list.

The acts of the flesh are obvious… sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

Ouch. Now, some of these words are not commonly used these days. We have a pretty solid idea of what sexual immorality consists of. What about impurity and debauchery? The term Paul uses that we translate as impurity refers to moral corruption, uncleanness, or anything that defiles one’s body or spirit. It is often associated with sinful behavior, particularly those involving sexual immorality or a lack of holiness in one’s actions and thoughts. Impurity encompasses not only outward acts but also internal attitudes that are contrary to the purity God desires.

Impurity involves a rejection of God’s standards of righteousness, leading to thoughts and actions that separate us from Him.

Debauchery is often translated as licentiousness or sensuality, and it points to a reckless, unrestrained indulgence in sinful pleasures. This behavior shows a blatant disregard for boundaries and a lack of self-control, resulting in shameless conduct that dishonors both God and others.

Debauchery reflects a life lived in excess, where personal desires take precedence over God’s commands, leading to a lifestyle that glorifies sin or the sinner rather than glorifying God through a pursuit of holiness.

It is interesting that idolatry and witchcraft are paired up in this passage. Idolatry (eidololatria), as mentioned in Galatians 5, refers to the worship or reverence of created things in place of God. It can involve literal idols or the elevation of anything (e.g., material possessions, status, relationships, etc.) to a position of ultimate value or devotion, which only God deserves. Idolatry is a central theme throughout Scripture as a violation of the first commandment: (Exodus 20:3 ““You shall have no other gods before me.”) The Apostle Paul often warned against it, reminding us that devotion to idols separates them from God (1 Corinthians 10:14).

At its core, idolatry is a betrayal of God’s sovereignty and an attempt to replace Him with something finite. It distorts worship, redirecting what is due to the Creator toward creation. This not only dishonors God but also leads to spiritual emptiness and bondage.

Witchcraft, or pharmakeia, in Galatians 5 refers to the practice of magical arts, sorcery, or the use of spells and potions to manipulate spiritual forces. The term pharmakeia is also associated with the misuse of substances, as in ancient practices of using drugs to induce spiritual experiences, control others, or achieve an altered state of consciousness. Scripture vehemently condemns witchcraft of any kind. It consistently describes it as an abomination before God. For instance, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly prohibits divination, sorcery, and similar practices, warning that they are detestable to the Lord.

Witchcraft seeks to bypass God’s authority by manipulating the spiritual realm, to change one’s reality to achieve one’s own desires. It reflects a lack of trust in God’s providence and turns to forbidden means for control or power, undermining God’s sovereignty.

Paul places idolatry and witchcraft together in Galatians 5 because they share significant theological similarities and represent a profound rejection of God’s rightful place in our lives. Both involve subverting God’s authority. Idolatry replaces God with created things, robbing Him of His place as the sole object of worship. Witchcraft seeks to manipulate spiritual or mental forces, undermining God’s authority and providence. Both practices reflect humanity’s desire to assert control instead of submitting humbly to God. They both reflect misplaced trust. They both lead to spiritual bondage.

Hatred (echthra) is a deep-seated enmity, hostility, or animosity toward others. It is the deliberate fostering of division and ill-will, often rooted in unresolved anger or bitterness. I didn’t think I hated anybody until I began to look into this definition. I found that I had harbored a deep seated animosity toward many people. It’s something that God has been delivering me from and something that constantly drives me back to the cross. Hatred corrupts relationships, creating barriers to reconciliation and a life of peace. It feeds on the desires of the flesh by valuing pride and vengeance over humility and grace.

Discord (eris) is the state of conflict, often arising from selfish ambition or divisive attitudes. It reflects a lack of harmony in relationships, whether personal, communal, or within the church. Discord is what causes us to look around us and internally snarl our noses, thinking, “I could do it better than he does.” It, like all sin, is a result of pride. Discord undermines the work of the Spirit by sowing division and strife, hindering a person’s witness of God’s love and peace.

Jealousy is easy to define, but often hard to recognize in ourselves.

Fits of rage… (thymos) I’ve struggled with this one. A lot. Sudden, uncontrolled outbursts of anger. This behavior is driven by impulsiveness and a lack of self-control, often resulting in harm to others and to oneself. We’re warned about anger that leads to sin (Ephesians 4:26-27) and are called to cultivate self-control and patience. Fits of rage are destructive and disrupt both personal and communal harmony. What I’ve had to learn—the hard way—is that fits of rage reflect a failure to submit our emotions to the Spirit’s guidance, damaging trust and relationships. They show how unchecked anger prioritizes pride and selfishness over humility and love.

Hatred and discord destroy unity, the very thing Christ calls His followers to preserve (John 17:21). Jealousy and fits of rage stem from an overemphasis on self and a disregard for the needs and feelings of others and the provision and sovereignty of God.

Selfish Ambition (eritheia) is a focus on self-centered goals and actions that prioritize personal gain over the call of God, over the well-being of others, and over the strict adherence to the will of God. It leads to a sort of moral relativism in which, though we externally acknowledge what Scripture says, causes us to turn a blind eye to it in our personal lives.

Dissensions (dichostasia) point to disagreements, disputes, and divisions that arise when people prioritize their own opinions or desires over unity. We preachers often run into this when we slip into the habit of using the Word of God to support our statements or opinions. We do this, often, as a way of influencing others, of puffing ourselves up, or of—ultimately—making Scripture fit our agendas. Dissensions describe a spirit of contention that breaks the bonds of fellowship. Romans 16:17 warns us to “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.” Dissensions often stem from pride and an unwillingness to reconcile differences in a Christlike way.

Factions (hairesis) refer to cliques or divisions within a group, often resulting from differing opinions or allegiances. This term is linked to heresies, where groups split based on false teachings or misaligned priorities. 1 Corinthians 1:10 calls believers to “be perfectly united in mind and thought,” discouraging divisions that splinter the body of Christ. Factions often arise when individuals seek power or control, rather than unity in Christ.

Envy (phthonos) is a resentful desire for what others have, such as their success, possessions, relationships, or status. It’s an internal, corrosive attitude that leads to bitterness and dissatisfaction. James 3:16 warns us, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Envy flows from a lack of gratitude and trust in God’s provision, leading to strife and division. It shifts focus away from God’s blessings and creates unhealthy comparisons. It erodes community and fosters destructive attitudes that oppose the Spirit’s work.

Drunkenness, orgies and the like refers to an overindulgence that leads to a lack of self-control. It could be an overindulgence in alcohol, pharmaceuticals, or anything that we might use to alter or mask our reality. Orgies (komos) refers to wild, excessive revelry or carousing, often involving immoral behavior. It isn’t limited to sexual immorality but includes any form of unrestrained partying that disregards moral boundaries.

These things are obvious signs of the works of the flesh. These are the counterfeit for the Fruit of the Spirit. These are the things that are replaced—blotted out—as the Fruit of the Spirit begins to gradually manifest in us. The common themes I see in these works of the flesh are a lack of self-control, excess and indulgence, relational damage, and pride.

Paul’s warning is clear: these behaviors and attitudes are incompatible with the kingdom of God. They contrast sharply with the Fruit of the Spirit which always draws us closer to Christ.

I want to talk to you about your roots.

Colossians 2:6–7 says, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” This reminds us to be deeply rooted in Christ as the foundation of a strong and enduring faith. Just as roots anchor a tree and provide nourishment, being spiritually rooted in Christ strengthens us and helps us grow.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 tells us, ““Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”” Roots represent a deep trust in God, which sustains and nourishes us during difficult times, just as a tree remains fruitful despite harsh conditions.

Matthew 13:20–21 “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” Roots in this passage symbolize the depth of our faith. Without being deeply rooted in the Word of God, faith can wither when challenges come.

Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” When our roots are in the wrong place, rooted in the wrong things, feeding on the wrong things, the whole plant is poisoned.

A couple of observations—because this is getting far longer than I intended—

First, if any of these things tweak you and you feel conviction, you have to remember that conviction is always God’s attempt to change your future, not address your past. We often dwell on past things. That’s what most psychology is about, looking at the past. What got you here, who did you wrong, etc. That’s also why, in my opinion, most psychological care is largely fruitless, because it causes us to focus so closely on what’s behind us that we rarely reach forward to what’s ahead. We should find our answers, not in the wisdom of man or in the pharmaceutical alteration of our thought processes, but in the Word of God. When we go to the word to search out the Truth rather than to prepare to school someone else, it’s mind-blowing what we find and it’s shocking how much healing is available.

I heard a preacher once who said, “A lot of the time when we’re facing trouble, it’s not the ‘enemy’ messing with us. It’s the ‘inner me.” We have to remember that the devil can’t be everyplace at once. A lot of times we blame him for stuff when he’s far too busy to mess with me. I’m not that important. But my own choices, habits, lack of faithfulness, and cowardice are the source of most of my problems.

My unfiltered evaluation after a lot of prayer and thought is this: Where you plant your roots is where you get your nourishment. Brother, at the risk of angering you, I’m not going to hold back. When we rely on man’s wisdom for answers that should come from God, we miss the mark. We open ourselves up to influence that is not of God.

It is my strong impression that you will not find healing in psychology. You will not find healing in pharmaceuticals. Those things might mask symptoms, but they don’t point us to the healer.

I’m not trying to use cliches, but I’m trying to provoke you to truth. In my opinion, it would be better for you to reevaluate some things. I know you love to teach, but I think you need to submit to a teacher. I know you love to lead, but I think you need to submit to a leader. I think you need to recalibrate. Dial in your spiritual walk.

I am an expert at presenting a powerful, Godly image. So are you. We know how to talk the talk. We know how to own a room. But, I’m discovering that when I rely on that ability, I become one who had a form of godliness, but because my roots aren’t where they need to be and I rely on other sources of strength, courage, and truth, I deny the power thereof.

You asked me to help you find the reason you’ve found yourself stuck, the reason you haven’t been able to move forward. I think this is it.

I love you, my friend. I pray for you and I am here for you.