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...

The next “work of the flesh” noted in Galatians 5:20 is “sedition” (KJV). This word is also translated “rebellion” or “division.” Its implication is more than just resisting authority, but also to incite others to rebel or turn against authority. This is, of course, what all rebellion eventually does.

Rebellion is a sin that rarely stands alone, but will cause others to stumble as well, just as Satan rebelled and a third of the angels fell with him. That is why this particular work of the fallen nature is so destructive as to repeatedly warrant the Lord’s most...

The next “work of the flesh,” noted in Galatians 5:20 is “disputes,” or as it is called in some translations, “strife." Like all of these works of the flesh, they overlap each other in ways, and then feed each other. Worse than that, the devil feeds on them!

When the Lord condemned the serpent to crawl on his belly and eat the dust because the flesh of man was made from the dust, this was a prophetic statement of how the devil would feed on the...

In Galatians 5:20 the next "work of the flesh" noted is "outbursts of anger." Today we would call this "losing your temper" or "going ballistic." Losing control of our anger is a work of the flesh, and like all works of the flesh it will be used as an open door or a "gate of hell" by the devil. Our rage will hurt other people, as well as their respect for us.

Most people know at least one person who tries to control others with their anger. Few things can be more...