LIVING BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Part 25).
Galatians 5. Verses 19-21 read:
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Until the flesh dies, it remains a strong opponent to the walk in the Spirit, which God subscribes to all believers. Highlighting the works of the flesh in this series is aimed at helping us identify when we are off track as far as our walk in the Spirit is concerned and make the necessary amends. Today, we want to consider the last set of works of the flesh. They are:
- Dissensions: This refers to disagreements that separate people. It is God’s desire that the agreement that exists within the Godhead, that is, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, will be replicated among men in their engagements. Dissensions are a threat to this kind of agreement, and they fight against harmony among men.
- Factions: This refers to groupings with dissenting views, who operate separate from others. Factions are often founded on philosophies that gratify the selfish desires of its membership. Factions remain exclusive to their members and are often suspicious of those outside their group. Factions are unhealthy for team building, and they frustrate the fulfilment of collective goals.
- Envy: The traits of envy are similar to those of jealousy, which we have already discussed. Envy produces godless and restless souls that desire what belongs to others or resents them for possessing what they do not have. Envy is a close neighbour of hatred.
- Drunkenness: This refers to indulgence in alcohol to the point where it controls a person’s behaviour. In very bad situations, it distorts the countenance, utterances, thought, and behaviour of its victims. The effects of alcohol can make mockery of a man and rob him of his dignity.
- Orgies and the like: Orgies refer to wild parties characterized by excessive drinking and indiscriminate sexual activity. This is one of the features of some heathen and cultic worship.
The works of the flesh end up in disastrous lives that are unable to meet the standards of God. It is a pity when believers, who are equipped with the Holy Spirit, leave their lives to the dictates of the flesh. It is time for believers to arise in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to mortify the flesh and its deeds. Apostle Paul cautions that those who live by the dictates of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. It is worth noting that the Kingdom of God has expression now in people whose lives reflect the very life Christ lived. It will also be expressed in people who live for God now when they enter eternal rest in the literal Kingdom of God.
SHALOM