The Works of the Flesh, Part 3

February 17, 2008

By Jeremy J. Main

     Last week, we continued our study with nine works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20. This week, we conclude with a look at four works of the flesh in Galatians 5:21.

    Do you exercise self-control or are you out of control? The answer to this question is seen in your conversation and conduct. Are you the master of your desires and passions, or are your desires and passions the masters of you? Think of about this as we study these works.

    The fourteenth is “envy.” Solomon poetically wrote that “envy is rottenness to the bones” (Prov. 14:30 NKJV). It is defined as “the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others” (Vine 204). While very similar to jealousy, there is a difference. Paul listed “jealousies” (Gal. 5:20) and “envy” (Gal. 5:21) together as two distinct works of the flesh. Concerning these terms, George Crabb wrote, “We are jealous of what is our own; we are envious of what is another’s. Jealousy fears to lose what it has; envy is pained at seeing another have that which it wants for itself” (Crabb 464). If we are filled with envy, how may we, “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15)?

    The fifteenth is “murders.” One of the most infamous examples of murder is that of the envious Cain murdering his righteous brother Abel (Gen. 4:8; 1 John 3:11-12). The Bible teaches the sanctity of human life, young and old. Man was made in the “image of God” (Gen. 1:27; 9:6). In fact, God hates hands that “shed innocent blood” (Prov. 6:17). By committing murder, we defile ourselves (Matt. 15:19-20). How innocent is the unborn child? Yet how many millions have been killed? God knows!

    The sixteenth is “drunkenness.” Thayer defined the term as “intoxication” (Thayer). Solomon painted a sobering picture of the dangers of drink (Prov. 23:29-35). The one who drinks strong drink is not wise (Prov. 20:1). How would you want to be found drunk or suffering from a hangover when Christ returns to judge the world (Luke 21:34)?

    The seventeenth is “revelries." Mardi Gras is a familiar modern day example of revelry, consisting of noisy partying and merrymaking, often accompanied by drinking and lewdness. The apostle Paul wrote, “Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy” (Rom. 13:13). The apostle Peter wrote, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles; when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Pet. 4:3).

    What are the consequences of practicing the works of the flesh? Paul wrote that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21; c.f. 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:5). Do you want to enjoy the “passing pleasures of sin” or the eternal “reward” of Heaven (Heb. 11:25)?

Work Cited:

Thayer, Joseph. Thayer’s Greek Definitions.

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

Crabb, George. Crabb's English Synonyms. Grosset & Dunlap, 1917.