In the previous study we discussed some of the works of the flesh. That s the sins listed in Gal. 5:19-21 where the Bible says, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 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. We defined the first few sins on the list and promised to discuss the rest later. Well, it s later so we ll define the remaining sins listed here. We pick up where we left off, with hatred. This and the terms that follow point to problems getting along with others. Hatred is an attitude of hostility. It can manifest itself in actions, but may not always. In other ways, you may not act on your hate, but if you harbor the attitude, you ve still got the sin. Variance means being contentious. It is very similar to wrath and strife. The term strife here points to ideas somewhat similar to hate or variance. It involves the idea of self ambition and self promoting. It deals with causing division between people. This kind of action can have hate and variance as its motivator. The term wrath is hate that s expressed outwardly. It carries the idea of expressing your hate in fits of anger. Seditions and heresies are the kind of divisions and divisive ideas that come with strife. A person could cause seditions by disrupting friendships. A person might advance heresies, divisive ideas, in order to disrupt the peace. Emulations is another word for jealousy. It's similar to envy. Obviously, these attitudes can also be a motive to the above actions. We ve got to watch our attitudes. The wrong kinds of attitudes can swell within us and cause sinful action. But even if we control our actions, the root attitudes can be sin. And remember, these are sins of the flesh. These are things that can cost us our salvation. Now think about this. How many times have you shown these attitudes and actions in your relationships with friends and fellow Christians? Be honest. God knows. Heavy thought, isn t it? In the next study we'll discuss revellings and drunkenness. You know what these mean. But do you know how to apply the principles to your life? Stay tuned.
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 | YIKES ! In the previous study we discussed being angry about things getting in the way of family and church. We talked about being angry in a "righteous sort of way" Given the above thoughts about anger and wrath, is it possible to have a godly anger? What if we get mad for a "good reason" If it's wrong, wouldn't we be in big trouble? |
Question For This Study
Can you think of a Bible example of a character who showed some of the divisive and hateful characteristics discussed in the article above?
Answer to the Last Question
Last time we asked if Abraham had ever been leader of an army, as a general. The answer is yes, in the battle described in Gen. 14:12-16. You wouldn't think this about Abraham, but he did it.