The last of the works of the flesh that Paul lists in Galatians 5 is “carousing.” This is more than just joking around. The Greek word that is translated implies being loud and foolish. The carnal nature is prone to being self-centered and likes to be the center of attention. The more we let the carnal nature exert itself, the louder and more boisterous it often becomes. This is contrary to the kingdom of God because the most basic devotion of the Holy Spirit will always be to draw attention to the Son...

Before we continue this study of the works of the flesh, I would like to remind you how these relate to our study of the biblical prophecies about the end times. Our main goal for studying the end times is to be able to accomplish our purpose in them. As the Lord said in Matthew 24:14: “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.” What we are doing here is actually laying a foundation for seeing,...

The next “work of the flesh,” we will study from Galatians 5:22 is “drunkenness.” Of course, getting drunk, or high, should have no place in the life of a Christian. To become drunk is at best to reduce your ability to control yourself, or to resist the devil. When this happens we can count on the other “works of the flesh” to assert themselves, and the devil taking advantage of us to do his evil work.

There are many people who are paying the price for the rest of their lives because...

The next “work of the flesh” we will study from Galatians 5:20 is “envying.” This is similar to “jealousy” that we studied previously, but not quite the same. Jealousy is more directed at a person, while envy is directed more at possessions, positions, or what they have. Though all of these works of the flesh are to some degree intertwined and overlapping, the apostle listed them separately for an obvious reason, and so we should look for their distinguishing characteristics as well.

Like jealousy, envy is...

The next "work of the flesh," noted in Galatians 5:20 is translated "heresies," or "factions." We often relate heresy to teaching a false doctrine, but a heresy is actually creating a division or faction in the church.

Of course, this is often the result of a false doctrine, but it is not limited to that. There are people who are divisive and will use almost anything to bring divisions.  Factions have been created in churches over even the most trifling matters, but whether factions are created over something major or minor does...