Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!
<< Bible Pathway

Bible Pathways 12/02/2001


December 02

Read Galatians 4 -- 6

Seventeen sins are listed as the works of the flesh . . . Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, 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).

Adultery heads the list. It is one of the most deceptive sins of our day -- breaking marriages, and destroying lives. Second on the list is fornication, which includes intercourse between any unmarried man and woman, as well as the vile perversions of sex, such as homosexuality, sodomy, and lesbianism. These sins are exceedingly serious, since you are the Temple of God. . . . If anyone defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

Third is uncleanness, which is often associated with sexual evils; but its meaning includes everything that defiles our mind, body, or spirit, such as illicit magazines and TV programs, immoral jokes, evil thoughts, etc.

Fourth on the list is lasciviousness, meaning a lack of restraint or lust, regardless of the will of God or how it affects others, and includes indecency, lewdness, and sensuality.

Fifth is idolatry, which includes the worship of anything or anyone other than God. The object of idolatry could include occupation, a person, or personal pleasure. Though these may not be evil in themselves, if they occupy the time and the loyalty which only God deserves, they become idols.

Not to be overlooked is witchcraft, which includes horoscopes, palm reading, hypnotism, and other acts of the occult.

Next on the list are hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, and heresies (Galatians 5:20). Variance means rivalry or discord, while emulations are jealousies and the constant obsession to excel above others at any cost. These all begin with selfish attitudes.

Envy and murder (5:21) are linked together. Envy led to the first murder in the human race (Genesis 4:3-8). To envy means to harbor malice and ill will --to begrudge what another has.

It is impossible to be under the influence of alcohol and the power of the Holy Spirit at the same time (Ephesians 5:18). Alcohol not only destroys the user, it also destroys his relationship with the Lord and with others, for it clouds reason and distorts reality. Every alcoholic began with just one drink. Consequently, drunkenness, revelings, and such like are included in sins that inevitably lead to an eternity in hell. The warning is clear; they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).

Cross References:

For Galatians 4:27: See Isaiah 54:1. Galatians 4:30: See Genesis 21:10. Galatians 5:14: See Leviticus 19:18.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Sen. Wayne Allard (CO) and Sen. Harry Reid (NV) · Pray for Stephen Wike, Media Management · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mantych · Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish · Fierce harassment of non-Muslims · 96% Muslim; 3% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy (Numbers 12:11-14).

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:21



More Bible Pathway Articles