September 26, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Overcoming The Conflict by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_02.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Overcoming The Conflict

INTRODUCTION
  1. We saw in our previous lesson that to prevent turning our freedom in Christ into opportunities for the lust of the flesh, we need to "walk in the Spirit"
  2. We considered five reasons Paul gave to "walk in the Spirit", instead of engaging in the "works of the flesh"...
    1. The Spirit and the flesh are contrary to one another - Ga 5:17
    2. If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law - Ga 5:18
    3. Fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and you will not inherit the kingdom of God - Ga 5:19-21
    4. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh - Ga 5:24
    5. Since we live in the Spirit, we should also walk in the Spirit - Ga 5:25
    -- With a sixth reason found in Ga 6:7-8 (We reap what we sow!)
  3. But it is one thing to know we should "walk in the Spirit", and another thing to actually do so
    1. Therefore I hope to illustrate how the Christian can be victorious in this spiritual "conflict" between the Spirit and the flesh
    2. The basis for our study will once again be Ga 5:16-26

[From these verses we can glean four points related to "Overcoming The Conflict". I will save what I believe to be the most important point for last, and therefore start with the idea...]

  1. VICTORY COMES THROUGH AN AWARENESS OF THE CONFLICT - Ga 5:17
    1. KNOWING THE STRENGTH OF THE ENEMY IS NECESSARY TO WIN ANY WAR...
      1. Jesus understood this principle - cf. Lk 14:31
      2. Paul wants us to be aware of the strength of the enemy - Ga 5:17
        1. The flesh is in opposition to the Spirit
        2. Neither side is content with some sort of truce
        3. One or the other is going to be in control!
    2. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE BATTLE WILL BE ON-GOING...
      1. The flesh sets it desire against the Spirit
      2. As long as we are in the flesh, there is going to be warfare!
      3. Unless, of course, we totally surrender to the flesh!

      [With awareness of the conflict that exists, we are on the road to victory. Sadly, many people lose the battle because they assume that whatever the flesh wants must be right.

      For those who desire to win, though, it is also helpful to know that...]

  2. VICTORY COMES THROUGH AN AWARENESS OF THE ENEMY AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEFEAT - Ga 5:19-21
    1. THE ENEMY IS "THE WORKS OF THE FLESH"...
      1. Briefly defined, the "works of the flesh" include:
        1. Sins of immorality
        2. Sins of idolatry
        3. Infractions of the law of love
        4. Sins of intemperance (i.e., excesses)
      2. Each of these we will examine more closely in future lessons
    2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEFEAT ARE GRAVE...
      1. In our text, we learn that they can cause one to forfeit the kingdom of God
      2. In Ga 6:7-8, we learn they also produce "corruption" (both physical and spiritual)

      [Awareness of the enemy and the consequences of defeat help us to focus our attack and to provide the motivation to attack forcefully. Otherwise, our attempts will be aimless and half-hearted. Next...]

  3. VICTORY COMES THROUGH HAVING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE - Ga 5:24-25
    1. NO VICTORY IS WON WITH A DEFEATIST ATTITUDE...
      1. If we approach the conflict by saying...
        1. "There is no hope"
        2. "I am too weak"
        3. "I cannot win"
      2. The battle is over before it even starts!
    2. CHRISTIANS CAN APPROACH THIS CONFLICT WITH OPTIMISM...
      1. Because they have "crucified the flesh with its passion and desires" - Ga 5:24
        1. As we saw in the previous lesson, that occurred when we were crucified with Christ through baptism into His death - Ro 6:3-8
        2. They are therefore not "indebted to the flesh" - Ro 8:12
        3. This is not to say the conflict with flesh ceases to exist, but that in Christ the conflict can be overcome!
      2. Because they "live in the Spirit" - Ga 5:25
        1. The Spirit has given us new life in Christ! - Tit 3:5-6; cf. Ro 8:2, 11
        2. Living in the Spirit, it now becomes possible to "walk in the Spirit"

        [This leads to the last and perhaps most important point when it comes to "Overcoming The Conflict", which is found toward the beginning of our text...]

  4. VICTORY COMES THROUGH "WALKING IN THE SPIRIT" - Ga 5:16
    1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "WALK IN THE SPIRIT"?
      1. The term "walk" suggests one's conduct, or manner of life
      2. The phrase "in the Spirit" (or "by the Spirit", ASV) suggests two possibilities:
        1. That one's conduct be in accordance to the Spirit - Ro 8:1
        2. That one's conduct be aided by the Spirit - Ro 8:11-13
        -- Since both of these are supported by Paul in his writings, I assume that "walking in the Spirit" involve both concepts
      3. "The entire life of the believer is to be lived 'by the Spirit', under His guidance and direction, by His aid and help and power. If a man so lives, he will not yield to the sinful desires of the flesh." (Charles R. Erdman)
      4. To use another phrase of Paul's, to "walk in the Spirit" is the same (or at least the consequence) of being "led by the Spirit" - cf. Ro 8:14
    2. HOW DOES ONE "WALK IN THE SPIRIT"?
      1. Do we "walk in the Spirit" (or are "led by the Spirit") through...
        1. Listening to some "small still voice"?
        2. Heeding some subtle influence or intuition?
        3. Following some overwhelming compulsion?
      2. The answer is "No!", and fortunately so...
        1. Otherwise, there would be the problem of determining whether it was the Holy Spirit or just wishful human spirit that was seeking to lead us in some direction
        2. The Bible warns about the dangers of trusting the impressions of the heart or mind to guide us - Pr 14:12; Jer 10:23
        3. God has graciously given us an objective (as opposed to subjective) means to direct us - cf. Ps 119:133
      3. We "walk in the Spirit" (or are "led by the Spirit")...
        1. First, when we "set our minds on the things of the Spirit" - cf. Ro 8:4-5
          1. Just as those who "set their minds on the things of the flesh" walk according to the flesh
          2. What are the "things of the Spirit"?
            1. Those things that the Holy Spirit was sent to reveal - cf. Jn 14:25-26
            2. I.e., the revealed Word of truth - cf. Jn 16:12-13
          3. Therefore, whenever one is setting their mind on the Word of God (the "things of the Spirit"), and seeking to walk thereby...
            1. They are "walking in the Spirit"
            2. They are being "led by the Spirit"
        2. But also, when we are "strengthened by the Spirit" - cf. Ro 8:12-14
          1. In conjunction with our own efforts to walk according to the "things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word of God), we are aided by the Spirit of God
            1. As Paul explained to the Philippians, when we seek to "work out our salvation", God is also at work in us - Php 2:12-13
            2. The instrumental agent by which God strengthens us is His Spirit - Ep 3:16
          2. Prayer is a key element in receiving this wonderful strength
            1. Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians that God would so strengthen them - Ep 3:16
            2. And so we are taught to go to God's throne of grace when we need "grace to help in time of need" - He 4:16
      4. To "walk in the Spirit", then, involves living a life where one is under the Spirit's direction and aided by His power
      5. We can ensure that we "walk in the Spirit" by...
        1. Diligently setting our minds on the "things of the Spirit" (i.e., the Word of God)
        2. Fervently praying for the strength God gives through His Spirit as we endeavor to live according to His Word
      6. The Word of God and prayer are therefore crucial to "Overcoming The Conflict" between the flesh and the Spirit!
CONCLUSION
  1. Fellow Christian, do you earnestly desire to overcome the conflict that goes on between the flesh and the Spirit?
    1. Where the lusts of the flesh pull you in one direction?
    2. And the Spirit of God would have you go in an opposite direction?
  2. In our text (Ga 5:16-26)...
    1. We find not only the motivation (our last lesson)
    2. But also the solution to "Overcoming The Conflict" (this lesson)
  3. In our next study, we shall begin taking a closer look at those things listed as "the works of the flesh" (remembering the importance of awareness of the enemy)
  4. For the time being, I encourage you to accept the challenge to "walk in the Spirit"
    1. It begins when you "crucify the flesh with its passion and desires", and begin to "live in the Spirit" - Ga 5:24-25; cf. Ro 6:3-11; 8:11-13
    2. And it continues as you are "led by the Spirit" through the means of the Word of God and prayer - cf. Ro 8:14

Have you responded to the command to be baptized into Christ, where you can enjoy the blessing of the "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"? - cf. Tit 3:5-7


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

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"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Sins Of Moral Impurity by Mark Copeland










https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_03.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Sins Of Moral Impurity

INTRODUCTION
  1. In Ro 1:18-32, we find a description of moral decay that sounds similar to today...
    1. While we have enjoyed great advances in technology, we are still in the "dark ages" as far as morality is concerned
    2. The challenge for Christians to live holy lives is not much different today, than in the First Century A.D.
  2. But passages like 1Co 6:9-11 remind us that there is hope...
    1. People in the first century were able to make remarkable changes in their lives
    2. Today the same Power is available to change us as well!
      1. We too can be "washed", "sanctified", and "justified in the name of Jesus"
      2. How? Note that Paul says it is "...by the Spirit of our God"!
  3. In our previous lesson, we saw that by "walking in the Spirit" it is possible to overcome the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit
    1. By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit (via the Word of God)...
    2. And obtaining the aid of the Spirit (via prayer)... ...we can produce the "fruit of the Spirit" in our lives, instead of the "works of the flesh"
  4. But we also noted that one step in "Overcoming The Conflict" was through an awareness of the enemy...
    1. Otherwise we might be succumbing to the enemy, and not even know it!
    2. Fortunately, Paul has provided a list of such things that comprise the "works of the flesh" - Ga 5:19-21

[With this lesson, we begin a careful examination of the words used to describe the "works of the flesh". We start with a look at those sins that might be classed together as "Sins Of Moral Impurity".

The KJV and NKJV begin with a word ("adultery") that is not found in some of the oldest manuscripts. But it is certainly covered by the next word, which we shall focus upon first...]

  1. PORNEIA (fornication, immorality, sexual vice)
    1. A GENERIC WORD FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS...
      1. Originally, it meant "to act the harlot" and then "to indulge unlawful lust"
      2. As used in the New Testament, we find it having at least four different meanings...
        1. Pre-marital sex - 1Co 7:1-2
        2. A synonym for adultery - Mt 19:9
        3. A generic sense referring to all forms of unchastity - 1Co 6:13,18
        4. A specific sense referring to harlotry and prostitution - Re 2:20-21
      3. It therefore includes any sort of sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other (pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, incest)
      4. God's disdain for such immorality is seen in the fact...
        1. There are seven lists of evil in the writings of Paul
        2. Fornication is listed in five of them, and is the first in each of them
    2. THIS WORD BECAME SYNONYMOUS WITH FIRST CENTURY LIFE...
      1. As it truly reflected...
        1. Their attitude toward "adultery": "We keep mistresses for pleasure, concubines for day-to-day needs of the body, but we have wives in order to produce children legitimately and to have a trustworthy guardian of our homes" (Demosthenes)
        2. Their attitude toward "divorce": "Roman women were married to be divorced and 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)
        3. Their attitude toward "family": "Caligula lived in incest with his sister Drusilla, and the lust of Nero did not even spare his mother Agrippina." (Suetonius)
        4. Their attitude toward "those of the same sex":
          1. "It were better not to need marriage, but to follow Plato and Socrates and to be content with the love of boys." (Lucian)
          2. "Of the first fifteen emperors, Claudius was the only one whose taste in love was entirely correct." (Gibbons)
      2. Does it require much insight to see that this word has come to reflect life in the twentieth century as well?
        1. Adultery is considered inevitable, even acceptable by many
        2. Divorce has been made "no-fault"
        3. Families have been torn asunder by incest
        4. Homosexuality has become an "acceptable alternative lifestyle"

        [Indeed, the works of the flesh are as rampant today as they were in the first century. As we continue, we see other words that remind us of the times in which we live...]

  2. AKATHARSIA (uncleanness, impurity)
    1. THE ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD...
      1. It originally had reference to dirt or dirtiness in a physical sense
      2. In the Greek OT, it is used to denote ritual and ceremonial impurity which made it impossible for the worshipper to approach God - cf. Lev 22:3-9
      3. It then came to be used in a moral sense, of that moral depravity which disgusts the person who sees it
    2. THREE IDEAS ARE THEREFORE INHERENT IN THE WORD...
      1. The quality of that which is soiled and dirty; some minds are like that
      2. An impurity where there is a repulsive quality that awakens disgust in those persons who are decent
      3. That which separates man from God; in contrast, compare Mt 5:8; Re 3:4

      [There appears to be a progression of thought in the order of these words used by Paul. While "porneia" indicates sin within a specific area of life (that of sexual relation), "akatharsia" indicates a general defilement of personality, tainting every sphere of life.

      The next word indicates a love of sin so reckless and audacious that one has ceased to care what God or man thinks of their actions...]

  3. ASELGIA (lasciviousness, licentiousness, sensuality)
    1. THE BASIC MEANING OF THE WORD...
      1. In the NT it seems to be linked with sexual excess in a public way
      2. Barclay distinguishes three characteristics of this sin:
        1. It is wanton and undisciplined action
        2. It has no respect for the persons or rights of anyone else
        3. It is completely indifferent to public opinion and to public decency
    2. THE GENERAL IDEA IS ONE OF SHAMELESS BEHAVIOR...
      1. Thayer defines this word by giving these examples:
        1. "filthy words"
        2. "indecent bodily movements"
        3. "unchaste handling of males and females"
      2. This word is one that best describes...
        1. What is often seen in much of modern dance, music, and theater
        2. What goes on at many concerts, and on many talk shows
      3. The context in which it is often found in the Scriptures helps to understand this word - cf. Ro 13:11-14; Ep 4:17-19; 1Pe 4:1-4
CONCLUSION
  1. With these three words (porneia, aktharsia, aselgeia), we learn that the "works of the flesh" involve "Sins Of Moral Impurity"
  2. It has been said that "chastity" (the condition of being morally pure or chaste) was the one completely new virtue which Christianity introduced into the pagan world
  3. Three reasons made this introduction difficult...
    1. Immorality in sexual matters was not immorality to Grecian society; it was established custom and practice
    2. Certain philosophies separated the actions of the body from the spirit
    3. In many cases, prostitution was connected with religion
    -- It should not be surprising, then, to find Paul having to deal with this problem - cf. 2Co 12:20-21
  4. Today, we find ourselves facing similar problems...
    1. We live in a culture that calls immorality "The New Morality"
    2. We are influenced by philosophies (evolution and secular humanism) that downplay the need for the spirit to control the flesh
    3. More and more religions are giving their stamp of approval to various forms of sexual immorality
  5. In response to the culture in which we live...
    1. We must first proclaim Jesus' diagnosis of the problem: that sinful conduct exists, and it comes from within man - cf. Mk 7:21-23
    2. We can then offer the gospel's solution to the problem: forgiveness of sin, and the power to live holy lives! - cf. 1Co 6:9-11

Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified" in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God? Paul explains how this is done in Tit 3:4-7 (cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16)...

NOTE: In defining the words in this study, I depended heavily upon:

  • William Barclay's "Flesh And Spirit - An Examination of Galatians 5:19-23" (Baker Book House)
  • Ferrell Jenkins' "Flesh And Spirit - A Word Study" (Guardian Of Truth Foundation).
The same will be true in the following outlines in this study.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

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"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Idolatry And Sorcery by Mark Copeland










https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_04.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Idolatry And Sorcery

INTRODUCTION
  1. As we continue our examination of the "works of the flesh" listed in Ga 5:19-21...
    1. We come to sins which modern man may think do not affect him
    2. These are the sins of "idolatry" and "sorcery" - Ga 5:20a
  2. However, as we examine them more closely, I believe we shall find that these sins are not as far removed from us as we might think...
    1. Indeed, most people practice idolatry!
    2. And many people engage in some form of sorcery!

[This is true of many Christians as well, so perhaps we should give these words our careful attention...]

  1. EIDOLOLATREIA (idolatry)
    1. CONCERNING IDOLATRY AS COMMONLY CONSIDERED...
      1. In the beginning stages of idolatry, no one worships the idol or image itself
        1. The idol simply served two purposes:
          1. To localize the god it represents
          2. To visualize the god it represents
        2. It is simply designed to make it easier to worship the god represented by the idol
      2. Inevitably, however, people will wind up worshipping the idol or image itself
        1. We see this in various forms of Catholicism
        2. Where the leaders say the image is not an idol, only an "icon"
        3. But who can deny that the average worshipper begins to view the image itself as something "holy" and to be "revered"?
        4. Thus that which is "created" begins receiving adoration rightfully due the "Creator"
      3. According to Ro 1:19-23, the basic error of idol worship is the worship of the "created thing" rather than the "Creator of all things"!
    2. CONCERNING IDOLATRY AS THAT WHICH DISPLACES GOD...
      1. Idolatry is not just the adoration or worship of images
      2. Paul defines "covetousness" as idolatry - Ep 5:5; Col 3:5
        1. Any strong desire for material things that replaces our desire for God is a form of idolatry!
          1. Our hearts are such that they are drawn to whatever is our treasure - Mt 6:21
          2. If our treasure is earthly things, our heart (devotion) is drawn away from God
          3. We cannot serve material things and God at the same time! - Mt 6:24
        2. Thus we can be idolaters when we make things other than God Himself our priority in life, such as:
          1. Our job
          2. Our house
          3. Our family
          4. Our hobby

    [So when we find admonitions like this one...

    "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1Jn 5:21

    ...let's not be so presumptuous to believe that we are too "modern" or sophisticated to need such a warning. We might need it more than we realize! The same can be said for warnings against the next sin...]

  2. PHARMAKEIA (witchcraft, sorcery, magic)
    1. INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS WORD...
      1. PHARMAKEIA is found to be used in three ways
        1. Medically, to the use of drugs with no bad meaning at all
        2. The misuse of drugs so as to poison, not cure
        3. The practice of sorcery and witchcraft, which often used drugs to cast spells and alter the behavior of others
      2. The practice of witchcraft and sorcery is strongly condemned in the Bible
        1. In the Old Testament - Exo 22:18
        2. In the New Testament - Re 21:8
      3. In Ac 19:18-20, we find a remarkable example of repentance related to the practice of magic
    2. EXAMPLES OF THIS SIN TODAY...
      1. There is an increasing number of religions based upon the occult, and that make use of drugs in their religion
      2. The "recreational" use of drugs also falls into this category...
        1. Remember that altering the behavior of others through such drugs was a basic function of sorcery and witchcraft
        2. What difference is there between using drugs to alter others' behavior, and your own?
        3. This is not to discount the proper medicinal use of drugs
        4. But just as the Bible condemns drunkenness, which is an altered state brought on by alcohol (a drug), so it would seem to condemn similar use of other drugs
CONCLUSION
  1. As we continue our study of the "works of the flesh", we should keep in mind that each one of these sins is a perversion of something which in itself is good; as illustrated by Barclay...
    1. Fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness - perversions of the sexual instinct which in itself can be a beautiful thing and a part of true love between a man and a woman
    2. Idolatry - a perversion of worship
    3. Sorcery - a perversion of the proper use of drugs
    4. Hatred, contentions, jealousies - perversions of that noble ambition and desire to do well which can spur one to greatness
    5. Outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions - perversions of righteous indignation without which the passion for goodness cannot exist
    6. Dissensions, heresies, envy - perversions of the devotion to principle which can produce the martyr
    7. Drunkenness, revelries - perversions of the happy joy of social fellowship
  2. Indeed, the following is so true:
    "The awfulness of the power of sin lies precisely in its ability to take the raw material of potential goodness and turn it into the material of evil." (Barclay)

I implore us all to devote our lives in the proper worship of God and His Son Jesus Christ, and to abstain from the misuse of anything God has created for good purposes!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Infractions Of The Law Of Love - I by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_05.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Infractions Of The Law Of Love - I

INTRODUCTION
  1. Our study of the "works of the flesh" as found in Ga 5:19-21 now focuses on a rather large group of sins that can be categorized together as "Infractions Of The Law Of Love"
    1. There are eight such sins listed
    2. They are "hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy" (NKJV)
  2. Many people find it hard to conceive that these eight sins are really all that terrible...
    1. Notice this news clipping that made the front page of the Orlando Sentinel (1/7/81) under the heading, "Pope Widens Sin Definition":
      "Pope John Paul II said today that sins of the flesh are not limited to fornication, orgies and drunkenness, but include idolatry, jealousy, envy and unfriendliness.
      "The pope made the remarks to his weekly general audience at the Vatican, his forum for the past 14 months on the subject of sex and sin.
      "In his latest discussion of the subject, the pope cited St. Paul, the first-century apostle, as giving Christianity a very wide definition of sins of the flesh.
      "'It is significant that when Paul speaks about the works of the flesh, he mentions not only fornication, impurity, libertinage, drunkenness and orgies which are the sins of sensual pleasure,' the pope said, 'but also speaks of other sins to which we are not accustomed to attribute a carnal and sensual character: idolatry, witchcraft, unfriendliness, discord, jealousy, dissent, divisions, factionalism, and envy.'"
    2. The paper makes it sound like the pope is declaring something new, but as the pope himself stated, this is what Paul taught in the very passage we are studying
    3. Indeed, what is said of immorality and drunkenness is also said of these eight sins:
      "...those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God"
  3. Therefore there is a great need...
    1. To be informed as to what these sins entail
    2. To make a concentrated effort to put them out of our lives

[In this lesson, we shall look at the first two sins, which are closely related to one another. Starting with...]

  1. ECHTHRA (enmities, hatred)
    1. THE WORD DEFINED...
      1. Closely related to the word "echthros" which is the Greek word for ENEMY
      2. "echthra" means ENMITY, HOSTILITY
      3. Notice how it is used in...
        1. Lk 23:12 - "they had been at enmity with each other"
        2. Ro 8:7 - "the carnal mind is at enmity against God"
        3. Jm 4:4 - "friendship with the world is enmity with God"
      4. It was used to describe the enmity or hostility between...
        1. Social classes - the "haves" and the "have nots"
        2. Races - as existed between Greeks and Barbarians, Jews and Gentiles
        3. Man and man - as often exists where there is hostility for one reason or another
      5. Thus it describes a state and attitude of mind toward other people which involves barriers between them and you
    2. WHY THIS SIN IS SO CONTRARY TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE...
      1. Because Jesus died to remove the barriers that separate men from one another - Ep 2:13-16
        1. It is true that He died to reconcile us back to God
        2. But it is just as true that He died to reconcile man back to man!
        3. As we grow in Christ, we are to be so renewed in Him that distinctions lose their meaning - Col 3:9-11
        -- When we are at enmity with one another, we undo the work of Christ on the cross and in our lives!
      2. Enmity is the direct opposite of love (agape); consider the contrast:
        1. "agape" - an attitude of mind which will never allow itself to be bitter to any man; always seeking the highest good of others
        2. "echthra" - the attitude which puts up barriers and draws the sword of division
        -- When we allow the work of the flesh to rule (e.g., echthra) we cannot allow the Spirit to produce the proper fruit in our lives (e.g., love)

      [The sin of "enmity" involves any sort of hostility or prejudice towards others; as such it has no place in the life of the Christian. This is also true of...]

  2. ERIS (contentions, strife, variance)
    1. THE WORD DEFINED...
      1. "eris" is the expression of enmity or hatred; it is the outcome in actual life of that state of mind
      2. Other versions translate the word "eris" as "wrangling", "quarreling", "fighting", "discord"
      3. Paul uses this word to describe one of the evils that was characteristic of the pagan world - Ro 1:28-29
      4. Sadly, it can also describe the condition that may exist in a church - cf. 1Co 1:11; 3:3
    2. UNDERSTANDING AND DEALING WITH THIS SIN...
      1. This particular sin invades churches more often, perhaps, than many others
        1. Because of our tendency to categorize sins, we may allow this one to linger and fester more than such sins as fornication, adultery
        2. Yet this sin is most destructive of Christian fellowship; it will just as easily destroy (maybe even more so) a local congregation as will sins of moral impurity
      2. Overcoming "contentions"...
        1. Begins with realizing that it is often the expression of "hatred" or "enmity", which has no place in the heart of the Christian
        2. As illustrated in the case of Corinth, it often arises when members place too high a value on personalities, and not on Jesus Christ - cf. 1Co 1:12
        3. The key, then, is to exalt Jesus Christ as Lord, and let His attitude and example govern our dealings with one another - cf. 1Co 2:2; 2Co 4:5; Php 2:3-5
CONCLUSION
  1. Notice again these brief definitions...
    1. "echthra" - enmity or hostility that one may harbor in one's heart toward another
    2. "eris" - strife or quarreling that results from such hostility
  2. That such sins can keep us out of the kingdom of heaven just as easily as fornication, idolatry and sorcery, ought to cause us to seriously reflect about our spiritual growth and development as Christians
  3. Perhaps more than ever since we started this study, we see the challenge we face as we live the Christian life
    1. It is not a matter of simply abstaining from what some people might call the "big" sins
    2. It is a matter of undergoing a complete transformation of character, made possible only as we submit to the working of the Spirit in our lives!
    3. As Paul wrote to the brethren in Rome:
      "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
      "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Ro 12:1-2

Are you seeking to be so transformed by the renewing of your mind? It begins with a "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"... - cf. Tit 3:5; Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

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"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Infractions Of The Law Of Love - II by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_06.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Infractions Of The Law Of Love - II

INTRODUCTION
  1. As we continue discussing the "works of the flesh" as found in Ga 5:19-21, we are focusing on that large group of sins that can be categorized as "Infractions Of The Law Of Love"
  2. They include "hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy" (NKJV)
  3. Our last study examined the first two:
    1. "hatred" (echthra) - hostility that one may harbor in one's heart toward another
    2. "contentions" (eris) - strife or quarreling that results from such hostility
  4. In this lesson we will focus on two more sins...
    1. "jealousies" (zelos) - Ga 5:20
    2. "envy" (phthonos) - Ga 5:21
  5. Though not together in the same verse, they sometimes occur together in the Scriptures...
    1. There are cases where one has to be defined in contrast to the other
    2. And it helps to better understand them when we consider them together

[With that in mind, let's take a look at the first one...]

  1. ZELOS (jealousies, emulations)
    1. THIS WORD CAN BE USED IN BOTH A GOOD SENSE AND A BAD SENSE...
      1. Examples where it is used in a good sense
        1. Isa 9:7 - "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this"
        2. Ro 10:1-2 - "...they have a zeal for God..."
        3. 2Co 11:2-3 - "For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy."
        -- In these and many other such passages, it is used to describe an excitement of mind, ardor, fervor of spirit, for something that is good
      2. Examples where it is used in a bad sense
        1. 1Co 3:3 - "For where there are envy..."
        2. 2Co 12:20 - "For I fear...lest there be...jealousies..."
        -- In such cases, there is a fervor of spirit that is misdirected, resulting in a form of envy and jealousy that is destructive of personal relationships
    2. IN GA 5:20, "ZELOS" IS CLEARLY USED IN A BAD SENSE...
      1. When we find ourselves swelling up with zeal for something which is not good or right to desire, then that is "zelos"
      2. Zeal that is misdirected is mostly directed toward self, i.e., "selfishness"
        1. When we are zealous for God, that is good
        2. When we are jealous in behalf of others' good welfare, that is good
        3. But when we are jealous for selfish reasons, it is wrong!
      3. We saw where such jealousy was a mark of carnality in the Christians at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:1-3
      4. In view of the coming of Christ, "zelos" (envy) is one of the "works of darkness" we need to cast off - Ro 13:11-14
      5. Indeed, remember "that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" - Ga 5:21

      [We learn a little more about "zelos" when we compare with "phthonos", so let's move on to consider that word...]

  2. PHTHONOS (envy, envyings)
    1. COMPARED WITH "ZELOS"...
      1. William Barclay offers this distinction between the two:
        1. "zelos" is the envy which casts grudging looks
        2. "phthonos" is the envy which has arrived at hostile deeds
      2. We might also add this distinction:
        1. "zelos" is less serious, less bitter, less malignant than "phthonos"
        2. But "zelos", left unchecked, can result in "phthonos"
      3. Whereas "zelos" has both a good and bad sense, "phthonos" is always bad
    2. EXAMPLES OF "PHTHONOS" IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. It was "phthonos" that moved the Jewish leaders to deliver Jesus to Pilate - Mt 27:18; Mk 15:10
      2. "phthonos" is indicative of a reprobate mind that has denied God - Ro 1:28-29
      3. It is often the result of striving over words - 1Ti 6:3-4
      4. It is typical of our lives prior to salvation - Tit 3:3
      5. But it is part of that which we are to "lay aside" - 1Pe 2:1
    3. AN EXAMPLE TO HELP US BETTER UNDERSTAND "PHTHONOS"...
      1. Some were preaching Christ "even from envy..." - Php 1:15
      2. Their motive was to cause Paul harm - Php 1:16
        1. Thus "phthonos" is more than a desire to have something which someone else has (that would be "zelos")
        2. It is a desire to have it at the detriment or loss of the other person
      3. I.e., "phthonos" describes that strong desire of something...
        1. Not just because someone else has it (again, that would be "zelos")
        2. But because we don't want that person to have it (this is "phthonos")
      4. It is therefore a sin which generates harmful actions toward others
CONCLUSION
  1. Once again I hope we are impressed with the high standard of conduct to which Christians have been called...
    1. The world thinks lightly of such things as jealousy and envy, often considering it to be normal behavior
    2. While it may be normal behavior for the unregenerate, such sins have no place in the hearts and lives of those who have been "born again"! - Tit 3:3-5
  2. As we realize this high standard of godly living expected of Christians...
    1. I hope we will not be discouraged, even though we often fall short
    2. But rather that we will accept the challenge placed before us
    3. And remember that it is only as we "walk in the Spirit" that we will not "fulfill the lust of the flesh" - Ga 5:16

Let us therefore encourage one another to put away "jealousies" and "envy", and instead to...

"...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Ro 13:14)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

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"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Infractions Of The Law Of Love - III by Mark Copeland








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_07.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Infractions Of The Law Of Love - III

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this study, we shall conclude our survey of those works of the flesh we have characterized as "Infractions Of The Law Of Love"
  2. As listed in Ga 5:19-21, they are eight in number and include such things as "hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy" (NKJV)
  3. We have already considered four of these eight...
    1. "hatred" (echthra) - hostility that one may harbor in one's heart toward another
    2. "contentions" (eris) - strife or quarreling that results from such hostility
    3. "jealousies" (zelos) - envy which casts grudging looks
    4. "envy" (phthonos) - envy which has arrived at hostile deeds
  4. As we consider the remaining four, we shall also summarize why these eight sins are properly included in a list that has such heinous sins as fornication, idolatry, sorcery, etc.

[Let's start by taking a closer look at...]

  1. THE FOUR REMAINING INFRACTIONS OF THE LAW OF LOVE
    1. THUMOS (outbursts of anger, wrath)
      1. This word describes...
        1. The blaze of temper which flares into violent words and deeds
        2. The explosive temper which is uncontrolled
      2. Not to be confused with...
        1. Righteous indignation, which is proper and controlled (e.g., the righteous indignation of God - Ro 2:4-11)
        2. Anger which is properly checked and not allowed to produce an occasion for sin - cf. Ep 4:26-27
      3. Some try to excuse their explosive tempers as simply hereditary...
        1. "That is just the way I am"
        2. "I am just a fiery Irishman, a hot Italian, etc."
        3. "It is human nature" ...but Christians, no matter what their "nature", are blessed to become partakers of "divine nature", and must therefore put away these things - cf. 2Pe 1:3-4; Ep 4:31-32; Col 3:8-11
    2. ERITHEIA (selfish ambitions, disputes, strife)
      1. This word describes a self-centered attitude in the doing of any work; for example...
        1. Working solely for money
        2. Seeking and holding political office purely for personal interests and ambition
        3. Doing the work of the Lord out of a desire for recognition, personal ambition, or rivalry
      2. It is used to describe those who were preaching Christ out of jealousy - cf. Php 1:17
      3. It is this word which describes those who create party divisions in the church...
        1. Who are acting out of vainglory and a desire to be first
        2. Rather than out of a true desire to stand for truth
      4. It is contrary to that "mind of Christ" described in Php 2:3-5
    3. DICHOSTASIA (dissensions, seditions)
      1. This word literally means "a standing apart"
      2. It describes a condition where all fellowship, all togetherness are gone
        1. This was the condition in the church at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:3
        2. Paul taught we should mark those who cause such divisiveness - Ro 16:17
      3. Such dividedness may be due to:
        1. Personal division (where two people refuse to speak to each other)
        2. Class division (i.e., class warfare between the rich and poor)
        3. Party division (where devotion to party rises above devotion to principle)
        4. Racial division (e.g., Jew vs. Gentile, Greek vs. barbarian, white vs. black)
        5. Theological division (misusing labels and fixing them unfairly on others)
        6. Ecclesiastical division (church division, especially in the form of denominationalism)
      4. This sin is committed when we confuse...
        1. Prejudice with principle
        2. Unreasonable stubbornness with unwavering resolution
    4. HAIRESIS (heresies, factions)
      1. This word appears close in meaning to "dichostasia" (dissensions)
      2. As used in the NT, it most commonly denotes a body of people belonging to a particular school of thought or action
        1. Such as the "sect" of the Sadducees - Ac 5:17
        2. Or the "sect" of the Pharisees - Ac 15:5
      3. The early Christians were often accused of being a "sect" - Ac 24:5; 24:14; 28:22
      4. Peter used it to describe those false teachers who will bring in destructive divisions - 2Pe 2:1
      5. Thus it refers to divisiveness, especially that brought about by false teaching
      6. Only later in history did this word come to mean a belief or doctrine which is contrary to orthodoxy or the truth

      [Like the sins of "hatred, contentions, jealousies...envy", the four sins of "outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies" all contribute to disrupting the fellowship and unity that should be found in the body of Christ. That such is true may help us to appreciate...]

  2. WHY THESE SINS ARE INCLUDED IN THE WORKS OF THE FLESH
    1. BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS DID ON THE CROSS...
      1. It is true that He died to reconcile man back to God - 2Co 5:18-21
      2. But also to reconcile man back to man in one body! - Ep 2:13-16
    2. BECAUSE WE ARE TO PRESERVE THIS RECONCILIATION...
      1. Not only the "vertical" reconciliation we have with God, which we preserve by living holy lives (which is why we must avoid sins of moral impurity)
      2. But also the "horizontal" reconciliation we have with one another, which we preserve by maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace - cf. Ep 4:1-3
    3. THEREFORE, INFRACTIONS OF THE LAW OF LOVE...
      1. Undo the work of Christ on the cross!
        1. Dare we commit sins of moral impurity to jeopardize our reconciliation with God?
        2. Then neither should we violate the law of love and jeopardize our reconciliation with one another!
      2. Are in direct violation to:
        1. The will of Christ concerning unity - cf. Jn 17:20-23
        2. The command of Paul concerning division - cf. 1Co 1:10-13
CONCLUSION
  1. Indeed, these "Infractions Of The Law Of Love" are serious offenses...
    1. Not only because they undo the work of Christ on the cross
    2. But because they can keep us out of the kingdom of heaven! - Ga 5:21
  2. We are not only to avoid these sins ourselves, but those who persistently engage in them...
    1. As instructed by Paul - Ro 16:17-18
    2. One reason for avoiding such is found in Pr 23:24-25...
      "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul."

How much better it would be to develop a friendship with Christ, to learn of His ways, and develop those qualities that constitute the fruit of the Spirit! - cf. Ga 5:22-23

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

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"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Sins Of Intemperance by Mark Copeland








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_08.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Sins Of Intemperance

INTRODUCTION
  1. For several lessons we have focused on the "works of the flesh" listed in Ga 5:19-21
  2. We have broken them up into several categories, including...
    1. Sins of moral impurity (adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness)
    2. Idolatry and sorcery
    3. Infractions of the law of love (hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy)
  3. In this study, we shall end our study of the works of the flesh by considering two sins...
    1. They are "drunkenness" and "revelries", which can be classified as "Sins Of Intemperance"
    2. (Some of the oldest manuscripts do not include "murder", which probably would be best categorized as one of the "Infractions Of The Law Of Love")
  4. We shall also make an observation on the manner in which Paul concludes his list of the "works of the flesh"

[We begin by considering the two...]

  1. SINS OF INTEMPERANCE
    1. METHE (drunkenness)
      1. This word describes the state of intoxication due to alcohol
      2. The Bible is very strong in...
        1. Its condemnation of drunkenness - cf. 1Co 5:11; 6:9-10
        2. Its warning about the dangers of drinking - cf. Pr 20:1; 23:29-35
      3. What about "drinking" that does not lead to "drunkenness"?
        1. The level of alcohol in modern day alcoholic beverages makes it difficult to distinguish between the two
          1. Levels of alcohol are much higher today due to advanced distilling techniques
          2. Some of the strongest drinks in the past were not much stronger than our mild beers today, thus making it much easier to get drunk today
          3. In ancient Greece there was very little drunkenness, for the normal practice was to dilute two parts of wine to three parts of water
        2. The Christian is also bound by the principle of influence - cf. Ro 14:13-21
          1. Should Christians engage in an activity (social drinking) that contributes to...
            1. The number one drug problem in our country? (1 in 9 are alcoholics)
            2. The senseless killing of 25,000 innocent victims a year? (half of all driving related accidents involve driving under the influence of alcohol)
            3. An estimated 25% of divorces? (which God hates - Mal 2:16)
          2. The responsibility of the Christian regarding influence is clear - Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:31-33
            1. Only the insensitive and selfish Christian would try to justify engaging in social drinking today
            2. The mature Christian considers whether the practice glorifies God, and benefits his fellow man
    2. KOMOS (revelries, revellings, carousing)
      1. This word refers to feasts and drinking parties that were often extended till late at night and indulge in revelry
      2. Such behavior is condemned not only here, but also in Ro 13:12-14
      3. Some modern day forms of this sin would include what goes on at...
        1. Mardi Gras in New Orleans
        2. Many New Year's parties
        3. Some office Christmas' parties
        4. Some music concerts
      4. It does not require too much wisdom to see why such behavior is condemned
        1. How many friendships, marriages, etc., have been destroyed by unrestrained behavior that goes on at such functions?
        2. Even the "innocent" can often get caught up in the excitement and do something that ruins the rest of their life!
      5. In 1Pe 4:3-4, Peter states that...
        1. Such behavior as Christians is unbecoming
        2. The world thinks us strange for not engaging in such things

        [The world may think us strange because we refrain from such things as "drunkenness" and "revelries"; but as Peter goes on to say in 1Pe 4:5, all will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

        It is in view of the Judgment that prompts Christians to take the "works of the flesh" seriously. And not just those specifically mentioned in Ga 5:19-21, but as Paul goes on to say...]

  2. "...AND THE LIKE"
    1. IMPLICATIONS OF CONCLUDING HIS LIST IN THIS WAY...
      1. His list is not to be taken as all inclusive
      2. The sins listed are to give us a basic idea of the kind of things we are to avoid
      3. We must apply discernment on many activities which may not be specifically condemned in the Scriptures
        1. Many people want a "Thou shall not..." for anything to be wrong
        2. But the Bible does not list everything that is wrong (if it did, you would have to carry it around in a wheel barrow)
        3. Instead, we are given basic principles of conduct, with some specific examples to illustrate such principles
        4. We are expected to exercise discernment concerning good and evil using the principles found in the Scriptures - cf. He 5:12-14
    2. DETERMINING THINGS THAT ARE "LIKE" THESE SINS...
      1. Today we are often faced with issues that may not be specifically mentioned in the Bible
        1. E.g., questions related to dancing, drugs, movies, music, smoking, television programs, etc.
        2. How do I know when something not specifically addressed is right or wrong?
      2. One helpful way is to compare the activity in question to the two lists found in Ga 5:19-23...
        1. Is the active "like" the works of the flesh?
        2. Or is it "like" the fruit of the Spirit?
      3. The better we understand these "works of the flesh" (as well as what constitutes the "fruit of the Spirit), the better we are to make decisions conducive to godly living
CONCLUSION
  1. Such has been the purpose of this study: to learn what sort of things constitute the "works of the flesh" so that we know what to avoid
  2. For remember what Paul has written...
    "Those who practice SUCH THINGS will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Ga 5:21)
  3. Whether it be one of those things specifically listed, or something "such like" them, the consequences will be devastating!
  4. One last note: the use of the word "practice" in the above verse implies that Paul is warning against those who persistently engage in such sins and refuse to repent...
    1. We have all been guilty of one or more of the things that can keep us out of the kingdom of heaven
    2. But by God's grace anyone can receive forgiveness, as implied in this passage:
      "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1Co 6:9-11)

If you are willing to give up the "practice" of such sins, you too can have your sins washed away! - cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

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