Works of the flesh: sins of intemperance

As Paul wraps up his unfolding of the works of the flesh, he comes to the sins of intemperance, drunkenness, and carousing. Though both sins include the excessive use of alcohol, important distinctions exist. Drunkenness is the use of alcohol or drugs to the point that one loses self-control (moral, physical, emotion, spiritual control), while carousing is excessive drinking in public settings with the intent to engage in other kinds of immoral behavior. The sobering thought Paul uses to reinforce the warning and prohibition against such sins is found in the concluding clause of verse 21 that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God.