The Works of the Flesh, Part 2

February 10, 2008

By Jeremy J. Main

     Last week, we began our study with four works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19. This week, we continue with a brief examination of nine works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20.

    The fifth is “idolatry.” It is “the worship of false gods” (Thayer). Idolatry is from eidolon, meaning “idol” and latreia, meaning “service” (Vine 317). How many people worship someone or something other than God? Jesus said, “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matt. 4:10 NKJV). Only God is worthy! We must “flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14). Keep in mind that not every idol is made of wood, stone, silver, or gold. In fact, covetousness is a form of idolatry (Col. 3:5). Ask yourself this question. What do you place before God?

    The sixth is “sorcery.” It is soundly condemned (Rev. 9:21; 21:8; 22:15). Examples include soothsayers, mediums, spiritists, and diviners (Deut. 18:9-14).  Simon previously practiced sorcery, but later believed and was baptized (Acts 8:9-13). The Ephesians, who previously “practiced magic,” later burned their books (Acts 19:19). Do you trust in God or is your trust in astrologers, psychics and fortune-tellers?

    The seventh is “hatred.” Hatred is often contrasted with loved. For instance, Solomon wrote, “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins” (Prov. 10:12).

    The eighth is “contentions.” For example, Paul rebuked the brethren of the church at Corinth, where there were “contentions” and “strife” (1 Cor. 1:11; 3:3).

    The ninth is “jealousies.” While jealousy may be used in a good sense, it may also be used in a bad sense, as it is here. It is “disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness” and is “hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage” (Merriam-Webster).

    The tenth is “outbursts of wrath.” It is defined as “hot anger, passion” (Vine 688).  Solomon wrote, “A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention” (Prov. 15:18). Are you quick or “slow to wrath” (James 1:19)?

    The eleventh is “selfish ambitions.” It is defined as “ambition, self-seeking, rivalry” (Vine 220). Paul wrote, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3). The Corinthians had problems with contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, and selfish ambitions (2 Cor. 12:20-21). Do you?

    The twelfth is “dissensions.”  Literally, it means “a standing apart” (Vine 556). It is also translated as “divisions.” Paul wrote, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). Are you guilty of causing divisions in the body of Christ?

    The thirteenth is “heresies.” Literally, it means “a choosing, choice” (Vine 303). It is also translated as “sect” (Acts 5:17; 24:14; 26:5; 28:22) and “factions” (1 Cor. 11:19). Vine wrote that “self-willed opinion…leads to division and formation of sects” (Vine 303). Peter said that false teachers would teach “destructive heresies” (2 Pet. 2:1).

    Can you imagine a world without the works of the flesh? Change for the better begins with you! Be resolved to put away these trespasses from your life.

Work Cited:

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

Thayer, Joseph. Thayer’s Greek Definitions.

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