“Now the works of the flesh are obvious… envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance–as I told you before–that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19, 21 HCSB).
The final characteristic associated with the “works of the flesh” quoted above is revelrings (ASV), orgies (NIV), or wild parties (CEV), While the term “orgy” is often associated with the kind of unrestrained sexual activity that might take place within a group, (1) this word carried a different connotation in the New Testament era.
In the days of the first century, the concept of wild partying (GW) described a boisterous feast or riotous drinking party that went on until late into the evening. Today we might associate this idea with a group celebration that has gotten out of control or the disorderly conduct of a crowd at a sporting event. This meant more than simply having a good time with a group of friends. Instead, this term served to identify a band of miscreants who were engaged in rowdy and offensive behaviors.
Its also important to note that the list of characteristics given to us in Galatians 5:19-21 are not the only types of behaviors that comprise the works of the “sinful nature” (AMP). You see, the phrase “…and other sins like these” (NLT) serves to identify similar violations of God’s moral will for humanity. (2) As mentioned earlier, this implies that the list given to us here in Galatians 5:19-21 is representative, not exhaustive.
These characteristics (and others like them) are all associated with a mindset that ignores or rejects God. While we have the option to pursue the kind of life that reflects these qualities, there is a payoff involved: “…I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). One Biblical scholar offers a final observation in commentating on these behaviors…
“One’s lifestyle choices reveal the heart. Those who are truly redeemed still struggle with sin, but their lives are not characterized by sin (cf. 1 John 3:6,9). It is not that these sins cannot be forgiven or that true Christians do not commit these sins, but that in a true believer the process of Christlikeness has begun. The Spirit, who drew believers to Christ, is now forming Christ in them (cf. Gal. 4:19; John 16:8-13). Jesus was very clear about the lifestyle of believers in Matthew 7, ‘by their fruits you shall know them.'” (3)
(1) That type of behavior was covered earlier in Galatians 5:19
(2) See Constable, Thomas. DD. Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable Galatians 5 (5:21). https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/galatians-5.html
(3) Dr. Bob Utley. Free Bible Commentary, Galatians 5 [5:21] Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL07/VOL07A_02.html