Destructive Works of the Flesh

Hideyoshi, a Japanese warlord who ruled over Japan in the late 1500s, commissioned a colossal statue of Buddha for a shrine in Kyoto. It took 50,000 men five years to build, but the work had scarcely been completed when the earthquake of 1596 brought the roof of the shrine crashing down and wrecked the statue. In a rage Hideyoshi shot an arrow at the fallen colossus. "I put you here at great expense," he shouted, "and you can't even look after your own temple."

Works of the flesh pose a grave danger to the Christian. Why? To begin with, works of the flesh can destroy the liberty we enjoy in Christ (Ga 5:13-15). They prevent us from following the Spirit and doing the things we wish (Ga 5:16-17) They also keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God (Ga 5:21).

That is why it is imperative that we know what the works of the flesh are. For example, they can be those things that are contrary to the Spirit (Ga 5:17) or, those sins which wage war against the soul (1Pe 2:11).

I am here to assure you that we are not alone. To aid us in this battle, Paul provides a list of sins that are quite evident (Ga 5:19-21). At the top of the list are:

FORNICATION: It includes any sort of sexual intercourse between partners who are not married; e.g., premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, incest

UNCLEANNESS: In the Greek OT, it is used to denote ritual and ceremonial impurity which made it impossible for the worshipper to approach God.

LEWDNESS: Lasciviousness, licentiousness,sensuality.

IDOLATRY: According to Ro 1:18-23, the basic error of idol worship is the worship of the 'created thing' rather than the 'Creator of all things'!

SORCERY: The practice of sorcery and witchcraft, which often used drugs to cast spells and alter the behavior of others. The practice of witchcraft and sorcery is strongly condemned. (Exo 22:18; Re 21:8).

William Barclay observed that each of these sins is a perversion of something good. Because of the power of sin to corrupt, we need divine help to break
free from its bondage. Jesus promises freedom from the bondage of sin (Jn 8:31-36). That is why He sent the Holy Spirit to deliver on that promise (Romans 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16).

Scripture references: Gen 35:2; Exo 20:3; Lev 19:4; Deu 4:16; 1 Sam 15:23; 2Ki 18:4; 1 Sam 42:17; Jer 19:4; 1 Co 6:9; Col 2:18; 1 Jo 5:21; Rev 2:14

Let's pray:

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Amen

Bless you,

Jeanine