Category: Flesh

Christians must serve as “lights” in rejecting the use of intoxicants at any level amidst a world of darkened users. We cannot compromise and begin to justify “just a little” drinking. If we do, our potos may easily become komos, our komos may progress further to methe and our methe may eventually end in oinophlugia. However, even if it does not, we are still involved in sin which condemns the soul with our first step in the process. Be not deceived!

The Bible tells us of the sad effects of drunkenness and how to avoid it. Don’t even start down the road to drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Abstain from drinking parties, for they lead to, and accompany drunkenness (1 Peter 4:3); Maintain a sober vigilant mind so the Devil cannot devour you when your resistance is low (1 Peter 5:8); And be protective of your example so that no action of yours leads another to sin (Romans 14:23). By not drinking alcoholic beverages, you will take the wise step in meeting these demands of God.

Within the text of the Bible willful murder has been distinguished from accidental homicide. The consequence under the law of Moses was capital punishment “And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 24:17; cf. Numbers 35:16,18,21,31). This law in its principle is surely based upon that indelible fact of man’s having been made in the likeness of God, “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:5,6; cf. John 8:44; 1 John 3:12,15).

In order to cure or prevent the evil passion of envy, one needs to seek a renewed heart and dwell often on God’s divine love. We must learn to be content with what we have been blessed with by God. The apostle Paul wrote, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). We need to entertain lowly thoughts of ourselves while at the same time learning to admire the excellence in others, and regarding it as if it were our own.

Faithful Christians may publish a paper or engage in other activities because they “choose” to associate with others who have made the same choice, individually. Collectively, disciples may choose a congregation because of common beliefs. The choosing itself is not heretical because of the common faith that they share. All people make choices. But only those who choose to follow Jesus in the true sense can rightly escape the rightful condemnation of promoting a work of the flesh.

True, we all have opinions and where God has not spoken we have a right to our opinions. We also have a right and a responsibility to keep our opinions to ourselves at times. May God bless us with the wisdom to know when.

Strange indeed it is that the Bible prescribes unity, but we often practice division; It teaches brotherly love and we often practice brotherly hate; it demands truth but we often practice falsehood; the Bible places Christ preeminent in all things (Colossians 1:18), but some brother want to be the center of attention; it says we should have the same care one for another, but we often have parties, clicks and politics; we are to have elders that rule well, but we often have elders that rule from hell.

“Outbursts of wrath” is a major thing with God, though minor with some men. It is listed as a work of the flesh, along with “idolatry” and “sorcery.” For the one who is guilty of it, but comes to a proper understanding of its consequences, he will put it off. The one who does not put it off, will suffer the wrath of God. Therefore, let us not make an excuse for ourselves or others, but put off this work of the flesh.

It is certainly no wonder the Bible declares that “jealousy [is] as cruel as the grave.” Song of Solomon 8:6; and that “jealousy is the rage of man”, Proverbs 6:34. Let us strive to be humbly grateful for the gifts which God has so richly blessed us with, rather then being grumbly hateful over what he has not (yet). Paul said in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

The Scriptures firmly associate strife and faction. We are told in 1 Timothy 6:3-5 that those who “…do not consent to wholesome words…” are “…obsessed with disputes and arguments over words….” These things, we are told, lead to “…envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling….” We are also told in Titus 3:9-11 that we ought to “…avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions [eris], and striving about the Law….” This command is immediately followed by the command to “…reject a divisive man after a first—even a second—warning.”

Hatred towards anything but sin and evil is wrong; it is certainly a work of the flesh and a manifestation of spiritual heart disease. But, God’s word contains the cure. It teaches us that if we would rid our lives of this and other sins, then we must repent of them, resolve to forsake them, and diligently seek to bear the fruits of the spirit. Usually sin won’t easily leave us. For many it is a constant struggle to keep the old man crucified; but the task is well worth the effort. The rewards and blessings both in this life and in the next far outweigh any hardships which we might incur as we are about our Father’s business.

Although translated “sorcery” or “witchcraft,” this work of the flesh involves not only occultism, but also the use of mind-altering drugs. The Christian should avoid both sides of this pernicious coin.

When we read the account of men who were supposed to be the spiritual pillars of Israel, Solomon and Rehobaoam, sanctioning idol worship within the kingdom of God, we shake our heads in disgust (1 Kings 11:7,8; 2 Chronicles 11:15). Do we claim to be better than they? Brethren, the smoke of idolatry is rapidly encircling us today. Shall we heal the brokenness of “Israel” superficially preaching, “Peace, peace, but there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11)? Or shall we point men back to the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16)? Someday there will be no balm in Gilead and sadly enough, it will be much too late (Jeremiah 8:20-22).

This study leads us to an inescapable conclusion: God intends for men and women to be clothed in public. We should realize that the very concept of modesty is tied to the sacredness of the marriage relationship (Hebrews 13:4). Not only is one’s body to be preserved for his or her spouse in the sexual relationship, but the body is also to be covered until one enters into the marital relationship. Sadly, too many people miss the point of modest dress. When a person exposes their body in public, they are exposing something that belongs to their spouse or their future spouse. If you have exposed yourself to others, you have given your mate used goods. You are not giving him/her anything that hundreds of other men/women have not seen before. You cheapen yourself by exposing your body in public.

Too often, liberty in Christ has turned into license. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). Christians must heed the call to avoid uncleanness in their lives. Yes, the term uncleanness is a broad term. That is as God intended. Anything that is not pure; that influences the children of God to profligate activity; that turns our minds away from righteousness; is unclean. It is to be avoided by the Christian.

I know I do not want to be in that number whom God rejects. I do not want to hear Him say, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23). I do not want to hear my Lord tell me, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Therefore, let us avoid the temptations which lead to such sins as fornication, and all the others mentioned in Galatians 5. Let us avoid these that we might stand pure and holy in His sight. Certainly, this is what our Lord wants from us (1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Our responsibility is to be engaged in “the works of God,” (Psalm 78:7; John 6:28-29; 1 John 3:7) not “the works of the flesh”! (Galatians 5:19)

It is important for Christians to understand the nature of this particular sin and to know fully the consequences of committing adultery. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” If we want to have heaven, we must avoid such sin.

Lewdness, sensuality, living to please the senses brings about death. Living by the Spirit of God puts to death the deeds of the body. Gluttony returns to moderation. Drunkenness returns to abstinence, which is God’s plan. Sexuality is expressed in a marriage approved of God. Nakedness is covered. Speech is filled with grace always seasoned with salt. Lewdness is of the flesh. Self control is of God.

This issue constitutes an extensive word study of the list of “works of the flesh” that is found in Galatians 5. I want to express my appreciation to all of the men who have contributed to the study. You will find the writing to be uniformly excellent. Please make note of this issue, as it will be useful resource material in the future.

If you are without Christ, a defenseless pawn in Satan’s game, it is a wretched existence that leads only to a worse eternity. The seventh chapter of Romans closes with a hint that deliverance from this wretched existence is possible and in this lifetime, through the Redeemer.