Bible Study in Galatians 5

Study Guide in Galatians 5

Definitions from:

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Chapter 5)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness…Uncleanness speaks of impurity of thought or life.Galatians 5:19 (b)…lasciviousness…Lasciviousness speaks of licentiousness—or, literally, doing things without a license. “Who needs a marriage license if we love each other?” people say.Galatians 5:20 (a)Idolatry…Although I’m an athlete, I think one of the biggest idols in our culture is sports. I’m convinced that if we’re not careful, we actually teach our kids the idolatry of athletics whenever we say, “You don’t have to go to church today. You have a game.” Too many believers don’t have time to study the Bible or fellowship with other believers due either to their own athletic pursuits or those of their kids. While I encourage you to keep in shape and to cheer for your kids, if you forsake ministry, worship, or the study of the Word to do so, you are guilty of idolatry.Galatians 5:20 (b)…witchcraft…The Greek word translated “witchcraft” is pharmakeia. Pharmakeia refers to drugs. In Paul’s day, those who were involved in witchcraft would brew potions that were, in reality, hallucinogens. Thus, it is no surprise that the drug culture and the world of the occult remain linked together to this day.Galatians 5:20 (c)…hatred, variance, emulations, wrath…A teenage golfer was killed when he whacked a bench in frustration with his club after a bad shot. The broken shaft pierced his pulmonary vein, and he bled to death.Don’t lose your temper. It will break your heart in one way or another! Most of us can literally feel our blood boil, the hair on the back of our neck begin to stand up, or our veins bulge as wrath manifests itself in our flesh quite literally. When you begin to feel wrath welling up within you, don’t smash a club or lash out at someone else. Instead, walk away from the confrontation. It may save your life.Galatians 5:20 (d)…strife…Closely related to wrath, strife means “being antagonistic.”Galatians 5:20 (e)…seditions, heresies…Why would heresy be a manifestation of the flesh? Because people who propagate heresy do so for one reason: to glorify their flesh. “Look what I have discovered,” they say. “I have been studying the Dead Sea Scrolls, and now I alone have insight into the true Jesus.” Heresies always arise from someone wanting attention, wanting to build a movement around his flesh.Galatians 5:21 (a)Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings…“Revelling” means partying.