The Works of the Flesh
Gal 5:19-21

5-13-07 

In this passage Paul continues with the comparison of the flesh and the Spirit which he began to describe when explaining Christian liberty.  Here he lists numerous works of the flesh to show its weakness and its utter corruption.  The law is against these works but is powerless to keep the flesh from doing them.  If a man who is saved does these things he won’t lose his salvation but he suffers the terrible loss of his inheritance.

In this study we will see what the works of the flesh are and what happens to a Christian who does them.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:

Adultery – this is defined as the act as well as the thought; typically the act is committed with a married person – Matt 5:28; Lev 20:10; Hos 4:13

Fornication – this is the act regardless whether the parties are single or married – Matt 5:32; 1 Cor 6:16-18

Uncleanness - comes from the lusts of the heart Rom 1:24; and entails things that are not holy 1 Thes 4:7 – our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost and anything that defiles that temple is unclean

Lasciviousness – wantonness, lewdness, lustfulness - Eph 4:19, who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness

Gal 5:20 Idolatry – worship of false gods and statues and includes covetousness (Col 3:5)

Witchcraft – messing with evil spirits and includes rebellion 1 Sam 15:23

Hatred – intense dislike - we have been instructed to even love our enemies and we have no reason to hate others after what Christ has done for us [Matt 5:44; Eph 4:31-32] - hatred is likened to murder in 1 Jn 3:15

Variance – disagreement, dispute, discord, quarrel – even when Paul rebuked Peter there wasn’t variance [Peter referred to Paul as “our beloved brother”] – there was, however, variance when the Jews tried to impose the law on Gentile converts [Acts 15 – “no small disputation”]

Emulations – jealous rivalries, endeavors to equal or exceed the qualities or actions of another – “anything you can do I can do better” - in honor we are to prefer one above another 

Wrath – violent anger, indignation, fury, rage - this is like vengeance or anger out of control - vengeance is mine saith the Lord Rom 12:17-21

Strife – bitter conflict, lack of harmony or agreement - this is pushing against those with whom you ought to be getting along – we are to be of one mind and one spirit, we are to be likeminded – strife, therefore, is devilish Jas 3:14-16 and carnal 1 Cor 3:3 – those who strive are guilty of sowing discord among the brethren

Seditions – this is a resistance against lawful authority and government [contrary to Rom 13:1-2; 1 Pet 2:17] - Barabbas was a seditionist Lk 23:18-19

Heresies – heretics teach doctrine that is contrary to the doctrine of Christ and they are to be rejected [2 Pet 2:1; Tit 3:10]

Gal 5:21 Envyings – spite and resentment at seeing the success of another, desiring something someone else has and feeling resentment toward them for having it – Jesus, Moses and Joseph were all envied and thus they were despised, killed or cruelly entreated

Murders – killing others 1 Pet 4:15 – this is not self defense (Lk 22:36-38) or war

Drunkenness – this is not just drinking to excess, because the excess is in the wine, Eph 5:18; alcohol is deceiving and makes you think you can drink a little and be all right Prov 20:1

Revellings – like wild parties, riotous feasts – Nabal had one of these the night before his heart attack 1 Sam 25:36-38

And such like – Rom 1:29-32

What happens to a Christian who does these things?

They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  1 Cor 6:9-11; Eph 5:5 – Some believe that these passages mean that you can lose your salvation.  But they don’t say that.  They say that you can lose your inheritance.  And there is an important difference between sonship and inheritance.  When you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior, you become a son of God (Jn 1:12).  As sons of God we are entitled to be joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17).  Your sonship is guaranteed (Jn 6:37), but your inheritance is not.  Just as a child can lose his earthly inheritance, so we can lose our heavenly inheritance.  Likewise, as a son cannot lose his sonship, neither can we lose our sonship with Christ.  Doing the works of the flesh will cost you your inheritance.

 

 

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