Conflict Between the Flesh and The Spirit
Conflict Between the Flesh and The Spirit • Sermon • Submitted
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Scripture Reading:
Scripture Reading:
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Part 1 Conflict Between the Flesh and The Spirit Intro.
Part 1 Conflict Between the Flesh and The Spirit Intro.
1. Because Christians are children of God, we are to live in harmony with our Father’s will – ; .
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
2. Increasingly, Christians are tolerating (if not accepting) the values & lusts of the world (i.e., social drinking, immodest dress, profane speech, dancing, fornication, etc.). a. Not a new problem – , . Victory over sin is attainable – ; .
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3. We must choose to yield our lives to the control of the Spirit of God – (walk in); 5:18 (led by); 5:25 (live in).
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
4. Conflict rages like a tug of war between flesh & the Spirit (5:17): both produce by-products (which we intend study) – .
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
I. THE FLESH & THE SPIRIT: ENEMIES IN A BATTLE FOR THE SOUL –
I. THE FLESH & THE SPIRIT: ENEMIES IN A BATTLE FOR THE SOUL –
. (Both are a matter of choice: Which will we fulfill/satisfy? – )
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
A. Define Terms:
A. Define Terms:
1. The flesh:
1. The flesh:
a. Unholy desires & disregards the law of God.
b. Carnality (); involves both body & mind ().
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
c. Anti-spiritual – Against God, not submissive to God; Services & satisfies sensual lusts – ; , .
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
d. Cannot please God – .
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
e. Produces death – .
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
2. The Spirit (of God):
2. The Spirit (of God):
a. Spirit of God dwells in one who: ()
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1) Sets his mind on the gospel (things of the Spirit) – .
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
2) Lives in harmony with the gospel given us by the Spirit of God – , .
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
3) Submits to law of God (gospel) – (, , ).
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
b. Grants life & peace to those who follow Him – .
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
3. We are servants of whom we serve – (sin or obedience?).
3. We are servants of whom we serve – (sin or obedience?).
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
To which will we give an opportunity? ()
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
II. THE WORKS OF THE FLESH – . (Business, undertaking)
II. THE WORKS OF THE FLESH – . (Business, undertaking)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
A. They Are Well-Known – 5:19 (manifest).
(1 ) -Sensuality, unlawful spiritual things, discord, excesses & the like.
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
B. Those Who Practice These Things are Lost – 5:21.
C. We Must Crucify the Flesh – (2:20; ).
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
III. HOW TO WALK IN, BE LED BY & LIVE IN THE SPIRIT – , , .
III. HOW TO WALK IN, BE LED BY & LIVE IN THE SPIRIT – , , .
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
A. The Spirit of God Does not Lead us by… -Force (overwhelming us in spite of our will); Direct operation (HS baptism); Inward feelings (); the confident assurances of friends & associates.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
B. The Spirit Leads by the Word He Revealed, Inspired & Confirmed.
1. – Live by the Spirit… – Yet, it is the gospel that they had turned away from. It was the standard they were to walk in, be led by & live in (1:8-9)!
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
2. – Receive the Spirit thru hearing of faith (gospel, 1:11, 23).
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3. – Spirit-given truth guides men out of sin, into righteousness & prepares us for judgment.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
4. & – To be filled with the Spirit is to allow the word of Christ to richly dwell in us.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
5. To walk by the Spirit means to obey God’s word of truth – .
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
IV. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – .
IV. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – .
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
A. It is What Living by the Gospel (which the Spirit gave) Produces in One’s Life. (The effect or result of the Spirit on one’s life.)
1. It is His product, “the harvest or outcropping of the Spirit.”
2. Just as the works of the flesh are the visible expressions of a heart following the lusts of the flesh, the fruit of the Spirit is the visible expression of a heart & life that is under the influence of the gospel – cf. .
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
3. The result of one’s fellowship with the Spirit of God is living by the gospel He gave us (, ).
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
B. The Fruit of the Spirit is Comprehensive – 5:22.
1. It is a singular “fruit,” suggesting the unity of character in the Lord.
2. Every part of our life is directly affected when we follow the gospel.
a. The heart ().
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
b. Every thought ().
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
c. Every word & deed ().
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
3. To do less is to be led by the flesh!
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. Christians are new creatures in Christ & should live like it ().
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1. Christians are new creatures in Christ & should live like it (). a. Formerly lived in lusts of the flesh (children of wrath) – . b. Now sit in heavenly places in Christ (new man – 4:24) – Eph. 2:6.2. Cannot serve two masters (). When we become Christians: -Attitudes toward everything change; values are rearranged; words reflect our new nature & choices; lifestyle (deeds) shows who we serve.3. Which opponent is winning the battle in your life: the flesh or the Spirit? Which one are you serving? Which fruit are you bearing?
a. Formerly lived in lusts of the flesh (children of wrath) – .
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
b. Now sit in heavenly places in Christ (new man – 4:24) – .
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
2. Cannot serve two masters ().
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
When we become Christians:
-Attitudes toward everything change; values are rearranged; words reflect our new nature & choices; lifestyle (deeds) shows who we serve.
3. Which opponent is winning the battle in your life:
the flesh or the Spirit? Which one are you serving? Which fruit are you bearing?
Scripture Reading:
Scripture Reading:
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Part 2
Part 2
Works of the Flesh: Sins of Sensuality
Works of the Flesh: Sins of Sensuality
Intro.
Intro.
1. God’s will for His children is moral purity & holiness – .
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2. Sexual immorality was rampant in Roman empire of the 1st century & viewed as an accepted way of life. Legalized brothels; Paganism incorporated fornication into its rituals; Little/no shame in illicit sexual relations:
a. On purity: “Chastity is simply a proof of ugliness.” (Seneca, On Benefits, 3.16.1-3; cited in Flesh & Spirit, Barclay, p. 25).
b. On adultery: “Roman women were married to be divorced & were divorced to be married. Some of them distinguished the years, not by the names of the consuls, but by the names of their husbands.” (Seneca, Ibid.)
c. On homosexuality: “Of the first 15 Emperors, Claudius was the only one whose taste in love was entirely correct.” (Gibbon in Flesh & Spirit, Barclay, p. 26). [Julius Caesar was notoriously the lover of king Nicomedes of Bithynia, while Nero “married” a youth called Sporus & had a marriage procession thru the streets of Rome! (Ibid., p. 27)]
3. America today: Gay marriages; Churches accepting homosexuals & adulterers; Prominent people openly flaunt their sexual improprieties!
4. – “Manifest” today: We must beware!
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
I. FORNICATION - (immorality, NASV).
I. FORNICATION - (immorality, NASV).
A. Definition of “porneia”… “illicit sexual intercourse in general,” (Thayer, 532). General, inclusive term for all sexual immorality.
A. Definition of “porneia”… “illicit sexual intercourse in general,” (Thayer, 532). General, inclusive term for all sexual immorality.
1. Wrong to say, “adultery is when you’re married; fornication is when you’re single” – cf. .
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
2. Specific kinds of fornication:
a. Adultery (moichao – “to have unlawful intercourse with another’s wife,” Thayer, 417; cf. ). Dishonor of marriage bed (). All adultery is fornication, but not all fornication is adultery (it may take other forms: pre-marital, homosexual, bestiality).
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
b. Homosexuality (arsenokoites – “one who lies with a male as with a female, sodomite, homosexual,” Thayer, 75) – ().
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,
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
c. Bestiality – to lie carnally with an animal (; ).
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
B. Some Characteristics of Fornication:
B. Some Characteristics of Fornication:
1. Lustful (heart) – ; ().
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
To keep thee from the evil woman,
From the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart;
Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread:
And the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Can a man take fire in his bosom,
And his clothes not be burned?
Can one go upon hot coals,
And his feet not be burned?
So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife;
Whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
2. Loveless (not a love affair; innocent pleasures) 1 Ths. 4:6 ().
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
3. Against the body & dishonors it – , , (1 Ths. 4:3-5).
Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
4. Punished by God – 1 Ths. 4:6 ().
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
C. God Provides Ways of Escape ():
C. God Provides Ways of Escape ():
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1. Self-control (; ); .
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
2. Marriage – .
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3. Rendering of due kindness (affection), ().
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Drink waters out of thine own cistern,
And running waters out of thine own well.
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad,
And rivers of waters in the streets.
Let them be only thine own,
And not strangers’ with thee.
Let thy fountain be blessed:
And rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe;
Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times;
And be thou ravished always with her love.
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,
And embrace the bosom of a stranger?
4. Flee fornication – .
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
II. UNCLEANNESS - (impurity, NASV).
II. UNCLEANNESS - (impurity, NASV).
A. Definition of “akatharsia”… “in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living…used of impure motives in 1 Ths. 2:3” (Thayer, 21).
A. Definition of “akatharsia”… “in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living…used of impure motives in 1 Ths. 2:3” (Thayer, 21).
B. “Uncleanness” is Inclusive:
B. “Uncleanness” is Inclusive:
1. Thought – ; (motives, desires, etc.).
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:
Eat and drink, saith he to thee;
But his heart is not with thee.
2. Word – . Impure speech (vulgarity, profanity, “dirty” jokes, swearing, etc.) is uncleanness.
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
3. Deed – . It can be worked (4:20 – But not Christians!).
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
4. Ultimately, it is a greedy & selfish act designed to gratify fleshly lusts through impure means. cf. (Pure in heart see God.)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
III. LEWDNESS (lasciviousness, ASV; sensuality, NASV).
III. LEWDNESS (lasciviousness, ASV; sensuality, NASV).
A. Definition of “aselgeia” … “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence…wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males & females” (Fritzsche), ” (Thayer, 79f).
A. Definition of “aselgeia” … “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence…wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males & females” (Fritzsche), ” (Thayer, 79f).
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
B. Lewdness (like fornication & uncleanness) Starts in the Mind.
B. Lewdness (like fornication & uncleanness) Starts in the Mind.
1. “Unbridled lust” – ; . Craving something (or someone) you have not right to have.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
2. Lewdness is unbridled, unrestrained lust (lasciviousness).
C. Lewdness is Expressed in Shameless & Unrestrained Conduct. (Cf. definitions above) Wanton (indecent) acts/manners…
C. Lewdness is Expressed in Shameless & Unrestrained Conduct. (Cf. definitions above) Wanton (indecent) acts/manners…
1. Filthy words – Unrestrained speech.
2. Indecent bodily movements (dancing).
a. Assoc. w/unlawful desires (lust) & shameless conduct. (Moral restraint & modesty do not characterize modern dance, )
And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
b. The movements & bodily contact of the modern dance are vulgar & indecent without the accompanying music…as well as with it!
c. It destroys Christian influence.
3. Unchaste handling of males & females - cf. fondling, promiscuity, pre-marital sex; Loss of self-control & lack of self-restraint.
4. Immodest apparel – . (Shamefastness: Shame that is rooted in one’s character; Sobriety: Sound judgment; Ability to judge between modest & immodest clothing!
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
5. Pornography, cyber-sex, etc.
6. Yet, lewdness disregards shame & decency!“The terrible thing about ‘aselgeia’ is that it is the act of a character which has lost that which ought to be its greatest defense -- its self-respect, and its sense of shame.” (Flesh & Spirit, Barclay, p. 33)
D. Christians must Cease Such Thoughts & Practices – .
D. Christians must Cease Such Thoughts & Practices – .
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1. Practice purity of heart & self-control in conduct ().
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
2. Maintain a sense of shame & the ability to differentiate between modest & immodest activity.
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. All forms of sexual immorality are an affront to the holy God & His holy people! – ; ,
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
2. God’s punishment: Cannot enter heaven – .
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
3. What is the remedy for the sensual sins of the flesh? ()4. (Same 3 words) – Repent & cease such sins ().
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Scripture Reading:
Scripture Reading:
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But unto thy name give glory,
For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
Wherefore should the heathen say,
Where is now their God?
But our God is in the heavens:
He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not:
Eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not:
Noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not:
Feet have they, but they walk not:
Neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them;
So is every one that trusteth in them.
O Israel, trust thou in the Lord:
He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord:
He is their help and their shield.
Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord:
He is their help and their shield.
Part 3
Part 3
Works of the Flesh: False Gods, False Messages
Works of the Flesh: False Gods, False Messages
Intro.
Intro.
1. Second in the list of works of the flesh is idolatry & an associated sin, sorcery (witchcraft).
a. Note that idolatry follows sexual sin in this list; idolatry is spiritual adultery ().
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil,
And multiplied her silver and gold,
Which they prepared for Baal.
Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof,
And my wine in the season thereof,
And will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.
And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers,
And none shall deliver her out of mine hand.
I will also cause all her mirth to cease,
Her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.
And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees,
Whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me:
And I will make them a forest,
And the beasts of the field shall eat them.
And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them,
And she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels,
And she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord.
b. Apostasy to idols was & is unfaithfulness toward God.
2. Idolatry & sorcery (witchcraft) are related to each other because both constitute a rejection of God / displacement of God & His will as supreme.
3. We cannot have fellowship with God & idols simultaneously ().
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
I. IDOLATRY.
I. IDOLATRY.
A. Definition of “eidololatreia” …“the worship of false gods” (Thayer, 174); “image-worship” (Strong’s Greek Lexicon).
A. Definition of “eidololatreia” …“the worship of false gods” (Thayer, 174); “image-worship” (Strong’s Greek Lexicon).
B. The Worship of Idols.
B. The Worship of Idols.
1. On the face of it, it seems hard to understand how one could regard with reverence a piece of wood, stone or metal – cf. .
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals,
And fashioneth it with hammers,
And worketh it with the strength of his arms:
Yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth:
He drinketh no water, and is faint.
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line;
He fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass,
And maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man;
That it may remain in the house.
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak,
Which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest:
He planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
Then shall it be for a man to burn:
For he will take thereof, and warm himself;
Yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread;
Yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it;
He maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
He burneth part thereof in the fire;
With part thereof he eateth flesh;
He roasteth roast, and is satisfied:
Yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha,
I am warm, I have seen the fire:
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image:
He falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it,
And saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
a. Deceived heart – .
They have not known nor understood:
For he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see;
And their hearts, that they cannot understand.
And none considereth in his heart,
Neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say,
I have burned part of it in the fire;
Yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof;
I have roasted flesh, and eaten it:
And shall I make the residue thereof an abomination?
Shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
He feedeth on ashes:
A deceived heart hath turned him aside,
That he cannot deliver his soul, nor say,
Is there not a lie in my right hand?
b. By understanding why idols were made we will understand idolatry better so we can flee from it.
2. Two basic functions of the idol:
a. To localize the god it represented – ; .
And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan.
b. To visualize the god it represented – .
Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
3. Eventually, the worship focused on the object itself – ; .
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
4. To whom will you liken God? – , .
To whom then will ye liken God?
Or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
The workman melteth a graven image,
And the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold,
And casteth silver chains.
He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot;
He seeketh unto him a cunning workman
To prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high,
And behold who hath created these things,
That bringeth out their host by number:
He calleth them all by names
By the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power;
Not one faileth.
C. Here is the Basic Error of Idol Worship (Idolatry):
C. Here is the Basic Error of Idol Worship (Idolatry):
1. The worship of the thing created instead of the Creator of all things!
2. – Idolatry results from failing to acknowledge God’s power & presence through thankful worship.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
a. Invisible, incorruptible God (visible evidence) – Known by man – Refused to worship Him – Image of corruptible things.
b. – Idolatry is a lie: False worship of false god(s).
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
3. Idolatry still exists, because it is the worship of things instead of the worship of God!
4. A man’s god is that to which he dedicates his time, substance & talents (that to which he gives himself) – cf. .
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals,
And fashioneth it with hammers,
And worketh it with the strength of his arms:
Yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth:
He drinketh no water, and is faint.
D. Some Forms of Idolatry:
D. Some Forms of Idolatry:
1. Image worship - . (Icons & images to protect, pray to, represent, etc.)
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
2. Nature worship – . Some turn to the starts for guidance rather than the Creator who made them! –
And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
3. Self-worship – .
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
a. To satisfy one’s own desires rather God’s – .
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
b. – Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
4. Covetousness – .
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
a. Lustful desire of things that gets top priority in one’s life.
b. – No inheritance in the kingdom of Christ.
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
5. Christians can become idolaters by letting anything consume our time, talents & substance! ()
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
II. SORCERY (“Witchcraft” – KJV).
II. SORCERY (“Witchcraft” – KJV).
A. Definition of “pharmakeia” … “the use or the administering of drugs…magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it…metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry” (Thayer, 649).
A. Definition of “pharmakeia” … “the use or the administering of drugs…magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it…metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry” (Thayer, 649).
B. God Completely Condemns Sorcery with its Presumed Power of Imparting Knowledge to Man.
B. God Completely Condemns Sorcery with its Presumed Power of Imparting Knowledge to Man.
1. - Witchcraft vs. God’s prophet: False knowledge vs. obtaining true knowledge from God. ()
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.
2. – It is rebellion against God’s method of giving man knowledge (revelation from God). (, OT – death)
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord,
He hath also rejected thee from being king.
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
3. – When converted, many burned magical arts books.
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
C. Modern-Day Sorcery:
C. Modern-Day Sorcery:
1. Astrology: “The study which assumes & professes to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs.” (Random House Dictionary, 92) - – Cannot save! (Babylon)
Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels.
Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators,
Stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them;
They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame:
There shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth:
They shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.
a. It is “probably the major divination technique in current use in the Western world” (Charles S. Baden, cited by J. K. Van Baalen, The Chaos of Cults, 20).
b. cf. Nostradamus (Frenchman of Jewish ancestry, 1503-1566).
2. Modern-day witchcraft. (Gaining respectability)
3. The occult; Satanism.
4. Crystal ball reading, palmistry, fortune telling, messages from the dead, etc.
D. Why Sorcery is Sin:
D. Why Sorcery is Sin:
1. Divination vs. Divine – , , .
And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
2. Pseudo-power vs. God’s power – .
For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
3. Pretense vs. prophetic knowledge ().
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. Idolatry includes anything whereby one’s devotion & energy is given to the created rather than the Creator…rejection of God in one’s life.
2. Turn to God & flee idolatry! –
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Scripture Reading:
Scripture Reading:
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Part 4
Part 4
Works of the Flesh: Rivalry (I)
Works of the Flesh: Rivalry (I)
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
:20Intro.1. Freedom in Christ does not mean free to sin/do as we please ().2. The next group of words in the list of the works of the flesh is given more prominence than any other group (eight words).3. Reason: – Thru love we are to be servants of each other & thereby avoid the biting, devouring & consuming that destroys relationships & souls.4. There is a general progression in these words: attitudes, actions & results.5. With this in mind, we begin to study works of the flesh that destroy friendships, marriages, churches & the influence of the Spirit in our lives: Hatred, contentions, jealousies: Traits of rivalry (competition, challenge, opposition & contention) that destroy souls! I. ATTITUDES OF (THAT PROMOTE) RIVALRY. A. Hatred (enmities, ASV; quarrels, NEB) - [echthra]. 1. “It is the opposite of agape, love.” (Vine, 201) 2. “Intense ill-will; enmity, hostility, malevolence; wishing evil upon another.” It is feuding, hostility. 3. Working definition of echthra: Hateful attitude. 4. Wm. Barclay: “Echthra (hatred, enmities) is the attitude mind & heart which puts up the barriers & which draws the sword.” 5. One with such an attitude is a murderer in God’s sight: a. While the world may hate us, we must not hate each other – 1 . Love opens doors for the influence of the gospel, but hatred throws open the gates of hell! – 6. Liar if we say we love God & hate our brother – 1 . Marriage & the home, neighbors…we must be motivated by goodwill, not hatred! B. Contentions (variance, KJV; strife, ASV; contentious temper, Moffatt translation) – [eris]. (Squabbling, quarrelsome, argument) 1. “The disposition to wrangle or quarrel.” (wrangling, Jer. Bible) a. “When a man begins to argue to demolish his opponent rather than to win him, then eris comes in.” (Wm. Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, p. 44) b. “Eris, strife, is the outcome in actual life of that state of mind (echthra, enmity, hatred – jrp).” (Ibid., 42) 2. Hatred engenders strife; it puts one in the “kickitive” mood – . 3. Used to describe contentions among brethren that indicates carnality (domination of the flesh) – & 3:3. 4. Eris divided the Corinthian church into sects & parties, claiming to be of Cephas, Apollos, Paul & Christ. 5. Strife has a disposition to wrangle & causes a dividing in two among those who should be one: a. Brethren (). b. Marriages, families, businesses, neighbors, etc. c. Strife promotes division where unity ought to exist. 6. Barclay correctly notes: “Eris invades the church and becomes characteristic of the church, when the leaders and the members of the church think more about people and about parties and about slogans and about personal issues than they do about Jesus Christ. Here is our warning. Whenever in a church Jesus Christ is dethroned from the central place, all personal relationships go wrong.” (Flesh and Spirit, 44) 7. Strife is a trait of the pagan world the Christian is called out of & that we are to put to death – ; . C. Jealousies (emulations, KJV) - [zelos]. 1. Often associated with strife (; ; ). 2. Envious & contentious rivalry (the competitive spirit gone awry…one-upmanship). 3. “Jealousy desires to have the same or same sort of thing for itself.” (Vine, 204; quoted in STS, XX:8:12) 4. When one hates another, strife is generated, which can cause one to be jealous of what that person has or is. a. Jealousy promotes vengeance (settling the score) – (). b. Jealousy resides in the heart; its companions are selfish ambition, arrogance & dishonesty – . 5. Present-day applications include: a. Ambition to “keep up with the Jones.” (When admiration turns to envious rivalry, jealousy is present.) – . Preachers, elders, song leaders locked in bitter rivalry [cf. – eris (strife) & phthonos (envy)]. c. When we become competitors against each other instead of co-workers! – ; . When we cannot rejoice when one is honored, or weep together – ; . Conclusion1. So far, what we have considered are attitudes that reflect the control of the flesh over one’s heart.2. Put the flesh to death & walk in the Spirit – , -26.3. Next lesson: How the spirit of rivalry shows / displays itself in our actions toward others, & its inevitable results.
Intro.
Intro.
1. Freedom in Christ does not mean free to sin/do as we please ().
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2. The next group of words in the list of the works of the flesh is given more prominence than any other group (eight words).
3. Reason: – Thru love we are to be servants of each other & thereby avoid the biting, devouring & consuming that destroys relationships & souls.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
4. There is a general progression in these words: attitudes, actions & results.
5. With this in mind, we begin to study works of the flesh that destroy friendships, marriages, churches & the influence of the Spirit in our lives:
Hatred, contentions, jealousies: Traits of rivalry (competition, challenge, opposition & contention) that destroy souls!
I. ATTITUDES OF (THAT PROMOTE) RIVALRY.
I. ATTITUDES OF (THAT PROMOTE) RIVALRY.
A. Hatred (enmities, ASV; quarrels, NEB) - [echthra].
A. Hatred (enmities, ASV; quarrels, NEB) - [echthra].
1. “It is the opposite of agape, love.” (Vine, 201)
2. “Intense ill-will; enmity, hostility, malevolence; wishing evil upon another.” It is feuding, hostility.
3. Working definition of echthra: Hateful attitude.
4. Wm. Barclay: “Echthra (hatred, enmities) is the attitude mind & heart which puts up the barriers & which draws the sword.”
5. One with such an attitude is a murderer in God’s sight:
a. While the world may hate us, we must not hate each other – 1 .
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
b. Love opens doors for the influence of the gospel, but hatred throws open the gates of hell! –
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
6. Liar if we say we love God & hate our brother – 1 .
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
7. Marriage & the home, neighbors…we must be motivated by goodwill, not hatred!
B. Contentions (variance, KJV; strife, ASV; contentious temper, Moffatt translation) – [eris]. (Squabbling, quarrelsome, argument)
B. Contentions (variance, KJV; strife, ASV; contentious temper, Moffatt translation) – [eris]. (Squabbling, quarrelsome, argument)
1. “The disposition to wrangle or quarrel.” (wrangling, Jer. Bible)
a. “When a man begins to argue to demolish his opponent rather than to win him, then eris comes in.” (Wm. Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, p. 44)
b. “Eris, strife, is the outcome in actual life of that state of mind (echthra, enmity, hatred – jrp).” (Ibid., 42)
2. Hatred engenders strife; it puts one in the “kickitive” mood – .
Hatred stirreth up strifes:
But love covereth all sins.
3. Used to describe contentions among brethren that indicates carnality (domination of the flesh) – & 3:3.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
4. Eris divided the Corinthian church into sects & parties, claiming to be of Cephas, Apollos, Paul & Christ.
5. Strife has a disposition to wrangle & causes a dividing in two among those who should be one:
a. Brethren ().
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
b. Marriages, families, businesses, neighbors, etc.
c. Strife promotes division where unity ought to exist.
6. Barclay correctly notes: “Eris invades the church and becomes characteristic of the church, when the leaders and the members of the church think more about people and about parties and about slogans and about personal issues than they do about Jesus Christ. Here is our warning. Whenever in a church Jesus Christ is dethroned from the central place, all personal relationships go wrong.” (Flesh and Spirit, 44)
7. Strife is a trait of the pagan world the Christian is called out of & that we are to put to death – ; .
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
C. Jealousies (emulations, KJV) - [zelos].
C. Jealousies (emulations, KJV) - [zelos].
1. Often associated with strife (; ; ).
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
2. Envious & contentious rivalry (the competitive spirit gone awry…one-upmanship).
3. “Jealousy desires to have the same or same sort of thing for itself.” (Vine, 204; quoted in STS, XX:8:12)
4. When one hates another, strife is generated, which can cause one to be jealous of what that person has or is.
a. Jealousy promotes vengeance (settling the score) – ().
For jealousy is the rage of a man:
Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
b. Jealousy resides in the heart; its companions are selfish ambition, arrogance & dishonesty – .
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
5. Present-day applications include:
a. Ambition to “keep up with the Jones.” (When admiration turns to envious rivalry, jealousy is present.) –
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
b. Preachers, elders, song leaders locked in bitter rivalry [cf. – eris (strife) & phthonos (envy)].
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
c. When we become competitors against each other instead of co-workers! – ;
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
d. When we cannot rejoice when one is honored, or weep together – ; .
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. So far, what we have considered are attitudes that reflect the control of the flesh over one’s heart.
2. Put the flesh to death & walk in the Spirit – , .
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
3. Next lesson: How the spirit of rivalry shows / displays itself in our actions toward others, & its inevitable results.
Scripture Reading:
Scripture Reading:
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Part 5
Part 5
Works of the Flesh: Rivalry (II)
Works of the Flesh: Rivalry (II)
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
:20Intro.1. Last lesson: Began to study the traits of rivalry that destroy souls (competition, challenge, opposition & contention): Hatred, contentions, jealousies.2. These are attitudes that reflect the control of the flesh over one’s heart.3. We must put the flesh to death & walk in the Spirit – , -26.4. How this spirit of rivalry shows / displays itself in actions toward others, & its inevitable results. I. RIVALRY ON DISPLAY. A. Outbursts of Wrath - (Wraths, ASV; Outbursts of anger, NASB) – [thumos]. 1. Plato defined thumos as “a violent impulse without reason.” (Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, p. 51) 2. Aristotle didn’t separate thumos from reason, but he said, “Anger does hear reason, but it hears it wrongly, like a servant who dashes out of the room, before his master’s order is completed.” (Ibid. 51-52) – 3. Bible uses 2 words for anger & wrath (): a. Orge – indignation that rises gradually & becomes a settled trait. b. Thumos – “rage” (A&G); “passion, angry heat…anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again” (Thayer, 293). 4. Thumos is explosive, violent temper; displays of temper. a. Uncontrolled temper: Lack of self-control – . b. Companion of selfish ambitions & conceit – . c. Prevents / eliminates righteousness – . Hindrance in rearing children – (). 5. We must not claim, “I can’t help my outbursts of temper…that’s just the way I am.” (We must see through our rationalizations.) a. Uncontrolled anger is not just a little quirk or peculiarity; it is sin. b. We must put away wrath – ; ; . B. Selfish Ambitions - (factions, ASV; strife, KJV) – [eritheia]. 1. Disputes (NASV); Selfish ambitions (NEB); Disputes that arise from selfish ambitions. 2. “A desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and factious spirit” (Thayer, 249). a. “Constant effort to get the best for yourself” (Living Letters, The Paraphrased Epistles, Taylor; cited by Jenkins, Flesh & Spirit, A Word Study, 35) b. Self-will…an underlying idea in the word; hence it denotes partymaking…derived from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers…factions.” (Vine, 220) 3. – Avoid among brethren by realizing our common heritage, fellowship & goals! 4. – Some allowed envy of Paul to “proclaim Christ of selfish ambition,” NKJV; (faction, ASV). 5. When personal goals become more important than the church’s welfare, we are being motivated by factionalism – . C. Dissensions (divisions, ASV; seditions, KJV) – [dichostasia]. 1. “The word denotes a state of things in which men are divided, in which feuds flourish, & in which unity is destroyed.” (Barclay, F&S, 56) 2. – Destroys fellowship, togetherness & peace. “Dichostasia…literally means ‘a standing apart’’ that is, a state in which all community, all fellowship, & all togetherness are gone.” (Barclay, 57) 3. – Believers should & can be one (not divided). 4. Several types of division: a. Class division (). b. Party division. Cliques, etc. within a church – 3 . c. Racial division (). d. Denominational division (). e. Personal division (where 2 people won’t meet or speak; brethren who won’t speak to each other!). 5. – Unrepentant are to be marked & turned away from! D. Heresies (parties, ASV; party intrigues, NEB) – [hairesis]. 1. “Sect, party, school…heretical sect…dissension, a faction ; …opinion, dogma…” (A&G, 23) 2. “Dissensions arising from diversity of opinions & aims.” (Thayer, 16) 3. “Denotes a choosing, choice...hence, an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the powers of truth, & leads to divisions & the formation of sects.” 4. The choosing of opinions over truth – . (Manifests truth & error, ) 5. – Avoid after 1st & 2nd warning.
Intro.
Intro.
1. Last lesson: Began to study the traits of rivalry that destroy souls (competition, challenge, opposition & contention): Hatred, contentions, jealousies.
2. These are attitudes that reflect the control of the flesh over one’s heart.
3. We must put the flesh to death & walk in the Spirit – , .
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
4. How this spirit of rivalry shows / displays itself in actions toward others, & its inevitable results.
I. RIVALRY ON DISPLAY.
I. RIVALRY ON DISPLAY.
A. Outbursts of Wrath - (Wraths, ASV; Outbursts of anger, NASB) – [thumos].
A. Outbursts of Wrath - (Wraths, ASV; Outbursts of anger, NASB) – [thumos].
1. Plato defined thumos as “a violent impulse without reason.” (Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, p. 51)
2. Aristotle didn’t separate thumos from reason, but he said, “Anger does hear reason, but it hears it wrongly, like a servant who dashes out of the room, before his master’s order is completed.” (Ibid. 51-52) –
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding:
But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
3. Bible uses 2 words for anger & wrath ():
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
a. Orge – indignation that rises gradually & becomes a settled trait.
b. Thumos – “rage” (A&G); “passion, angry heat…anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again” (Thayer, 293).
4. Thumos is explosive, violent temper; displays of temper.
a. Uncontrolled temper: Lack of self-control – .
He that hath no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
b. Companion of selfish ambitions & conceit – .
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
c. Prevents / eliminates righteousness – .
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
d. Hindrance in rearing children – ().
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
5. We must not claim, “I can’t help my outbursts of temper…that’s just the way I am.” (We must see through our rationalizations.)
a. Uncontrolled anger is not just a little quirk or peculiarity; it is sin.
b. We must put away wrath – ; ; .
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:
Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
B. Selfish Ambitions - (factions, ASV; strife, KJV) – [eritheia].
B. Selfish Ambitions - (factions, ASV; strife, KJV) – [eritheia].
1. Disputes (NASV); Selfish ambitions (NEB); Disputes that arise from selfish ambitions.
2. “A desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and factious spirit” (Thayer, 249).
a. “Constant effort to get the best for yourself” (Living Letters, The Paraphrased Epistles, Taylor; cited by Jenkins, Flesh & Spirit, A Word Study, 35)
b. Self-will…an underlying idea in the word; hence it denotes partymaking…derived from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers…factions.” (Vine, 220)
3. – Avoid among brethren by realizing our common heritage, fellowship & goals!
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
4. – Some allowed envy of Paul to “proclaim Christ of selfish ambition,” NKJV; (faction, ASV).
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
5. When personal goals become more important than the church’s welfare, we are being motivated by factionalism – .
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
C. Dissensions (divisions, ASV; seditions, KJV) – [dichostasia].
C. Dissensions (divisions, ASV; seditions, KJV) – [dichostasia].
1. “The word denotes a state of things in which men are divided, in which feuds flourish, & in which unity is destroyed.” (Barclay, F&S, 56)
2. – Destroys fellowship, togetherness & peace. “Dichostasia…literally means ‘a standing apart’’ that is, a state in which all community, all fellowship, & all togetherness are gone.” (Barclay, 57)
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
3. – Believers should & can be one (not divided).
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
4. Several types of division:
a. Class division ().
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
b. Party division. Cliques, etc. within a church – 3 .
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there.
c. Racial division ().
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
d. Denominational division ().
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
e. Personal division (where 2 people won’t meet or speak; brethren who won’t speak to each other!).
5. – Unrepentant are to be marked & turned away from!
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
D. Heresies (parties, ASV; party intrigues, NEB) – [hairesis].
D. Heresies (parties, ASV; party intrigues, NEB) – [hairesis].
1. “Sect, party, school…heretical sect…dissension, a faction ; …opinion, dogma…” (A&G, 23)
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
2. “Dissensions arising from diversity of opinions & aims.” (Thayer, 16)
3. “Denotes a choosing, choice...hence, an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the powers of truth, & leads to divisions & the formation of sects.”
4. The choosing of opinions over truth – . (Manifests truth & error, )
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
5. – Avoid after 1st & 2nd warning.
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
II. THE ANATOMY OF DIVISION (Jenkins, 39).
II. THE ANATOMY OF DIVISION (Jenkins, 39).
HATRED (echthra) Ill-will, hostility
HATRED (echthra) Ill-will, hostility
CONTENTIONS (eris)Strife, contentious temper
CONTENTIONS (eris)Strife, contentious temper
JEALOUSIES (zelos)One-upmanship; rivalry
JEALOUSIES (zelos)One-upmanship; rivalry
OUTBURSTS OF WRATH (thumos) Angry displays of temper
OUTBURSTS OF WRATH (thumos) Angry displays of temper
SELFISH AMBITIONS (eritheia) Factious spirit of partisanship
SELFISH AMBITIONS (eritheia) Factious spirit of partisanship
DISSENSIONS (dichostasia)Division& standing apart
DISSENSIONS (dichostasia)Division& standing apart
HERESIES (hairesis) Sects; parties are formed
HERESIES (hairesis) Sects; parties are formed
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. – Where there is self-seeking (eritheia): Confusion (instability, disturbance) & every evil (base, wicked) thing.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
2. – Division is carnality & not the proper behavior of saints ().
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Scripture Reading:
Scripture Reading:
Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the Lord;
And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
Trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light,
And thy judgment as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:
Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,
Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:
Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
For evildoers shall be cut off:
But those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be:
Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
But the meek shall inherit the earth;
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Part 6
Part 6
Works of the Flesh: Envy
Works of the Flesh: Envy
Galatians 5:21 Intro.1. Review: “The Anatomy of Division” (). HATRED (echthra)Ill-will, hostilityCONTENTIONS (eris)Strife, contentious temperJEALOUSIES (zelos)One-upmanship; rivalryOUTBURSTS OF WRATH (thumos)Explosive displays of temperSELFISH AMBITIONS (eritheia)Factious spirit of partisanshipDISSENSIONS (dichostasia)Division & standing apartHERESIES (hairesis)Sects; parties are formed 2. The inevitable companion & result of rivalry is envy (). When division occurs, envy contributes to it & follows in its wake: Names are slandered; reputations are defamed; the cause of Christ is harmed.3. A person may be diligent to attend, give, live morally clean life -- Yet by harboring envy in his heart, damn his soul to hell.4. Envy is a common sin that we all struggle with to some degree; yet it is often disregarded as sin! (Envy must be put away – ) I. WHAT IS ENVY? (phthonos) A. Embittered Resentment (Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, 48). 1. “The feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others....envy desires to deprive another of what he has...." Vine, 204. (Jealousy wants the same thing; Envy wants to deprive). 2. “Chagrin or discontent at the excellence or good fortune of another; resentful, begrudging” (Webster). 3. Hating that others do well (Roberts, The Works of the Flesh, 19). B. Envy Illustrated: Toward Isaac (); Toward Jesus (); Toward Paul (). -In each case, the envious tried to deprive its object of success. II. THE NATURE OF ENVY. A. It is a Worldly Reaction to the Advantages of Others – . 1. – Proceeds from a heart not given to God – Selfishness. 2. While most Christians shrink from these sins, we often think little of envious attitudes toward others! Just as despicable, disgraceful & soul damning! 3. – Sees the good fortunes of others as hurtful to itself! 4. We must learn a different reaction to the good experienced by others. B. It is Most Destructive – . 1. Destroys peace; rottenness of bones – Cancer on physical & spiritual health! 2. Even toward evildoers - , , . 3. More dangerous than seems evident. C. Becomes a Deceptive Motive - . 1. Envy (evil) can even be the motive for doing good things!! 2. Envy proceeds from faction (1:17) & pretence (1:18), & produces affliction (1:16), although Christ was being preached! III. GOD’S PROHIBITION AGAINST ENVY. A. Lay it Aside – . 1. Obstacle to spiritual growth – Discard like a filthy garment. 2. – Inconsistent with the spirit given us. B. Envy Must not be at Work in the Lord’s Church – . 1. Members: One-talent member toward the five-talent member; Praise, give just recognition, encouragement for job well done. 2. Preachers: Ability, knowledge & reputation. Such can lead to remarks & /or misrepresentations aimed at jeopardizing the influence of another – . Congregations - Size, $, building. 4. - Learn to rejoice with others! IV. HOW TO OVERCOME ENVY. A. Practice Love – . 1. Love rejoices instead of disparage & sneer at blessings of others. 2. Love must be our motive. B. Fear & Trust God – ; . 1. Reverence & trust His faithfulness. 2. There is reward for those who do so! C. See the Big Picture – . (Keep perspective) 1. 73:23-26 – Remember what God has done for you! 2. – Count your blessings! D. Crucify Self – ; . 1. Envy is born of pride & selfishness. 2. Envy sees another's blessings as a curse upon self! Not so! E. Remember we are Members of the Same Body – . 1. Hands don’t envy feet because of their ability & potentials. 2. 12:26 - Likewise, honor together. Conclusion1. Grow in love, in fear & trust of God, keep an eternal perspective, crucify self & see each other as members of the same body.2. Have compassion on those lost in sin – don’t envy them.3. Put away envy from our hearts & constantly guard against it.
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Intro.
Intro.
1. Review: “The Anatomy of Division” ().
1. Review: “The Anatomy of Division” ().
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
HATRED (echthra)Ill-will, hostility
CONTENTIONS (eris)Strife, contentious temper
JEALOUSIES (zelos)One-upmanship; rivalry
OUTBURSTS OF WRATH (thumos)Explosive displays of temper
SELFISH AMBITIONS (eritheia)Factious spirit of partisanship
DISSENSIONS (dichostasia)Division & standing apart
HERESIES (hairesis)Sects; parties are formed
2. The inevitable companion & result of rivalry is envy (). When division occurs, envy contributes to it & follows in its wake: Names are slandered; reputations are defamed; the cause of Christ is harmed.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
3. A person may be diligent to attend, give, live morally clean life -- Yet by harboring envy in his heart, damn his soul to hell.
4. Envy is a common sin that we all struggle with to some degree; yet it is often disregarded as sin! (Envy must be put away – )
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
I. WHAT IS ENVY? (phthonos)
I. WHAT IS ENVY? (phthonos)
A. Embittered Resentment (Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, 48).
A. Embittered Resentment (Barclay, Flesh & Spirit, 48).
1. “The feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others....envy desires to deprive another of what he has...." Vine, 204. (Jealousy wants the same thing; Envy wants to deprive).
2. “Chagrin or discontent at the excellence or good fortune of another; resentful, begrudging” (Webster).
3. Hating that others do well (Roberts, The Works of the Flesh, 19).
B. Envy Illustrated: Toward Isaac (); Toward Jesus (); Toward Paul (). -In each case, the envious tried to deprive its object of success.
B. Envy Illustrated: Toward Isaac (); Toward Jesus (); Toward Paul (). -In each case, the envious tried to deprive its object of success.
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
II. THE NATURE OF ENVY.
II. THE NATURE OF ENVY.
A. It is a Worldly Reaction to the Advantages of Others – .
A. It is a Worldly Reaction to the Advantages of Others – .
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
1. – Proceeds from a heart not given to God – Selfishness.
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
2. While most Christians shrink from these sins, we often think little of envious attitudes toward others! Just as despicable, disgraceful & soul damning!
3. – Sees the good fortunes of others as hurtful to itself!
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
4. We must learn a different reaction to the good experienced by others.
B. It is Most Destructive – .
B. It is Most Destructive – .
A sound heart is the life of the flesh:
But envy the rottenness of the bones.
1. Destroys peace; rottenness of bones – Cancer on physical & spiritual health!
2. Even toward evildoers - , , .
Truly God is good to Israel,
Even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone;
My steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Behold, these are the ungodly,
Who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain,
And washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued,
And chastened every morning.
Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:
Thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
3. More dangerous than seems evident.
C. Becomes a Deceptive Motive - .
C. Becomes a Deceptive Motive - .
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
1. Envy (evil) can even be the motive for doing good things!!
2. Envy proceeds from faction (1:17) & pretence (1:18), & produces affliction (1:16), although Christ was being preached!
III. GOD’S PROHIBITION AGAINST ENVY.
III. GOD’S PROHIBITION AGAINST ENVY.
A. Lay it Aside – .
A. Lay it Aside – .
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1. Obstacle to spiritual growth – Discard like a filthy garment.
2. – Inconsistent with the spirit given us.
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
B. Envy Must not be at Work in the Lord’s Church – .
B. Envy Must not be at Work in the Lord’s Church – .
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
1. Members: One-talent member toward the five-talent member; Praise, give just recognition, encouragement for job well done.
2. Preachers: Ability, knowledge & reputation. Such can lead to remarks & /or misrepresentations aimed at jeopardizing the influence of another – .
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
3. Congregations - Size, $, building.
4. - Learn to rejoice with others!
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
IV. HOW TO OVERCOME ENVY.
IV. HOW TO OVERCOME ENVY.
A. Practice Love – .
A. Practice Love – .
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1. Love rejoices instead of disparage & sneer at blessings of others.
2. Love must be our motive.
B. Fear & Trust God – ; .
B. Fear & Trust God – ; .
Let not thine heart envy sinners:
But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.
For surely there is an end;
And thine expectation shall not be cut off.
Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
1. Reverence & trust His faithfulness.
2. There is reward for those who do so!
C. See the Big Picture – . (Keep perspective)
C. See the Big Picture – . (Keep perspective)
When I thought to know this,
It was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:
Thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
1. 73:23-26 – Remember what God has done for you!
2. – Count your blessings!
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
D. Crucify Self – ; .
D. Crucify Self – ; .
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
1. Envy is born of pride & selfishness.
2. Envy sees another's blessings as a curse upon self! Not so!
E. Remember we are Members of the Same Body – .
E. Remember we are Members of the Same Body – .
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1. Hands don’t envy feet because of their ability & potentials.
2. 12:26 - Likewise, honor together.
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. Grow in love, in fear & trust of God, keep an eternal perspective, crucify self & see each other as members of the same body.
2. Have compassion on those lost in sin – don’t envy them
.3. Put away envy from our hearts & constantly guard against it.