December 2, 2005
Read Galatians 4
In Today's
The two Covenants of Law and promise; liberty of the Gospel; fruit of the Spirit
The Apostle Paul recorded seventeen sins that send people to hell unless they confess them and forsake their evil ways: Now the works of the flesh are manifest (evident), which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings (carousing), 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 (Galatians 5:19-21)
Sexual immorality, including adultery and fornication, heads the list. These sins include intercourse between any unmarried man or woman.
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 governs our conduct. The object of idolatry could include money, an occupation, a person, personal pleasure, or an evil habit. Though some of these may not be evil in themselves, if they occupy the time and are given the loyalty and love which only God deserves, they could become an idol. 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. 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.
Thank God for the victory 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 includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 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; 5:19 uncleanness = immoral conduct; lasciviousness = immodesty, vulgarity; 5:20 variance = divisions; emulations = antagonism, rivalry; seditions = apostasy, disloyalty; 6:6 communicate unto = share with the financial needs; 6:12 constrain = compel.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Letha Hash · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon · Government Officials (Listed on their Birthdays): Sen. Wayne Allard (CO) and Sen. Harry Reid (NV) · Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean · Major languages: English and local dialects · Religious freedom · 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will keep you from speaking evil (Psalm 34:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: James 2:26