December 2
Read Galatians 4 - 6
In Today's Reading:
The two Covenants of Law and promise; liberty of the Gospel; fruit of the Spirit
The Apostle Paul recorded seventeen sins: Now the works of the flesh are manifest (evident), which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (sensuality), Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (discord), emulations (jealousy), wrath, strife, seditions (dissensions), heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).
Sexual immorality, which includes adultery and fornication, heads the list. These sins include intercourse between any unmarried man and woman, as well as the perversions of sex, such as homosexuality.
However, the works of the flesh also include everything that defiles our mind, body, or spirit, such as sexually explicit magazines, television programs, and movies; immoral jokes; and evil thoughts.
Idolatry includes greed and anything or anyone other than God Himself that determines our conduct. The object of idolatry could include money, an occupation, a person, or personal pleasure and evil habits. Though some of these may not be evil in themselves, if they occupy the time and are given the loyalty which God deserves, they actually become an idol to us. Not to be overlooked is witchcraft, which includes horoscopes, palm reading, hypnotism, seances, and other acts of the occult.
Also on the list are hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies (5:20). Strife and seditions include rivalry and discord, while envyings include jealousy and the obsession to excel above others at any cost. All these spring from selfish attitudes.
We can give thanks to God that they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections (passions) and lusts (5:24). We are no longer enslaved by these works of the flesh, but are endowed with the Holy Spirit and can bear His fruit, which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23)
Cross References:
For Galatians 4:27: See Isaiah 54:1. Galatians 4:30: See Genesis 21:10. Galatians 5:14: See Leviticus 19:18.
Word Studies:
4:4 made = born; 4:6 Abba = that is, Father; 4:12 injured = wronged, taken advantage of; 4:24 gendereth to = leads to; 4:25 answereth = corresponds; 6:6 communicate to = share with the financial needs; 6:12 constrain = compel.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored Sue DeForest · BP Staff: Letha Hash · Government Officials: Sen. Wayne Allard (CO) and Sen. Harry Reid (NV) · Country: Cameroon (15 million) in west-central Africa · Major languages: English and French · Pressure on Christians from authorities and Muslims · 28% Roman Catholic; 23% Muslim; 18% animism, divination, and animal sacrifices; 14% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for understanding of His will as you read the Word of God (Psalm 25:5).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 5:10