The Works of the Flesh, Part 1

February 3, 2008

By Jeremy J. Main

     The apostle Paul listed seventeen “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21 NKJV).  These are made “evident” by the light of the Scriptures. While long, the list is not exhaustive. This is clearly indicated by the phrase, “and the like.” In a series of three articles, we will briefly study these works of the flesh which are so very much a part of the world today. In part one of the series we will focus on the works found in Galatians 5:19.

    The first four works of the flesh are all sins against purity. These particular sins include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lewdness. All are prevalent today! Deplorably, in our modern society, immorality is a common theme of television and radio programming, internet websites, books and magazines. There was a time when obscene material was at least concealed from view, placed in separate rooms, or confined to adult locations. No longer! Today, one cannot even buy groceries from the supermarket without first being exposed to lewd magazines. Do you suppose they know they are inciting lust?

    What is marriage? Marriage is the scriptural union of a man and woman, husband and wife. The Bible says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). Despite the message which is propagated today, sex outside of marriage is a transgression of the word of God!

    The first work of the flesh is the sin of “adultery.” Adultery is “unlawful intercourse with the spouse of another” (Vine 14). The Law of Moses commanded, “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14). However, Christ not only forbids adultery, He forbids the lust which precedes the act of adultery! Jesus said, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28). Furthermore, divorce is forbidden except for the reason of sexual immorality (Matt. 5:31-32; 19:8-9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18).

    The second work of the flesh is the sin of “fornication.” Fornication includes any “illicit sexual intercourse” (Vine 252). Homosexuality, sodomy, and incest are all forms of fornication or sexual immorality (Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9-11). Paul instructed the Corinthians: “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18). An excellent example of a young man who literally fled from adultery is Joseph (Gen. 39:11). Paul frequently wrote against fornication (Eph. 5:3-5; Col. 3:5-7).

    The third work of the flesh is the sin of “uncleanness.” Uncleanness refers to being “morally or spiritually impure” (Merriam-Webster). Rather than being people of filthy conduct, let us strive to be people of good, holy, honorable, and chaste conduct. “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thess. 4:3).

    The fourth work of the flesh is the sin of “lewdness.” Lewdness is “sexually unchaste or licentious” (Merriam-Webster). Lewdness denotes “excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness” (Vine 353).

    Are you part of the problem or the solution to the moral situation of the world? If you practice or condone these works of the flesh, you are part of the problem. Repent! Moreover, work to expose such with the light of the gospel. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph. 5:11).  Remember, Jesus said that these things “defile a man” (Mark 7:21-23).

Work Cited:

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Merriam-Webster Incorporated, 2000.

Vine, W.E. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.