THE WORKS OF

THE FLESH

Understanding and Defeating

the Works of the Devil

Michael Caputo

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Copyright © 2013 Michael Caputo

All Scripture references in the “Adultery,” "Idolatry," "Variance," "Dissensions" and "Heresies" sections are quoted from the New King James Version of the Bible, unless otherwise stated.  All Scripture references in the “Fornication,” "Witchcraft," "Jealousies" and "Envy" " sections are  quoted from the New International Version of the Bible, unless otherwise stated.  All Scripture references in the “Uncleanness,” "Wrath," "Murder," "Drunkenness" and "Revellings" sections are quoted from the American Standard Version of the Bible, unless otherwise stated.  All Scripture references in the “Lasciviousness,”  "Hatred," and "Strife" sections are quoted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, unless otherwise stated.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The insights found in this book are only in part the result of my personal reflections. most of what you will read is the gift of a great many teachers, pastors and writers that, over many years, filled my mind with profound  biblical knowledge and understanding. To all of them, goes my deepest gratitude.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.  ADULTERY

2.  FORNICATION

3. UNCLEANNESS

4. LASCIVIOUSNESS

5.  IDOLATRY

6. WITCHCRAFT

7. HATRED

8. VARIANCE

9. EMULATIONS

10. WRATH

11. STRIFE

12. DISSENSION

13.  HERESIES

14.  ENVY

15. MURDER

16.  DRUNKENNESS

17.  REVELLINGS

THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

INTRODUCTION

Evils abound in our world. Satan, “the Prince of the power of the air,” as Paul instructed us,  “works in the children of disobedience.” (Eph. 2: 2 NKJV). The results of his evil efforts are greed, unbridled immorality, broken homes, murders, wars and many other evils that are making our world evermore unlivable. These are the signs that Satan is indeed “The God of this world” (II Corinthians 4: 4 KJV).

The Devil continually tempts humans into participating into his evil deeds, thoroughly listed by the Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter five as “The Works of the Flesh.”  Christians must be aware of these Works and must know their manifestations well for, as Paul warns, “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (II Corinthians 4:4 KJV).

This book is meant to enlighten those who want to know the Works of the Flesh in depth. Each word used by Paul in Galatians 5 will be analyzed thoroughly as well as the psychological and societal manifestations of the evil each word represents. Lastly, plentiful biblical and sensible advice will be provided on how to be victorious in our war against Satan and his Works.

May this work empower you greatly in your war against our fierce adversary—Satan.

Michael Caputo

1.  ADULTERY

INTRODUCTION

Every single day, Satan brings marital relationships to a painful end, by using a weapon that has been most effective since the beginning of time: adultery.

The consequences of adultery are great anguish for the betrayed, shame for the betrayer and turmoil and confusion for countless innocent children. Satan watches the suffering he causes humanity and rejoices—every single day.

GOD'S PERSPECTIVE

From the beginning, God knew, all too well, the horrific consequences that adultery would have had on humanity and, thus, He forbad it in the Ten Commandments.

“Thou Shalt not Commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14 KJV).

To God marriage is holy and the union between man and women is sacred. Adultery turns that which is holy into something unholy; that which is sacred into something profane.

God made another stern pronouncement about adultery, in the book of Leviticus.

“And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10 KJV).

In the New Testament, the message is exactly the same.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge”(Hebrews 13:4).

Thus, Paul totally supports the Old Testament teaching that marriage is holy and that polluting it invites God’s wrath.

According to the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, the percent of marriages where one or both spouses admit to either physical or emotional infidelity is 41%. The number of men who have strayed at least once in their married life is 22%. The number of women who strayed, at least once, is 14%.[i]

OPEN TO ADULTERY

The most worrisome revelation, according to the above journal is that 74 % of men and 68% of women said they would have an affair, if they knew they would never get caught.

This is clearly an indication that American men and women are quite open about mental adultery and that lusting after other men or women has become quite common. If this is common, in time so will the probability of actually becoming involved in an adulterous relationship, which will in many case lead to catastrophic consequences.

WHERE DO WE FIT?

How are we doing in this regard? Are we clean? What about mental adultery? Could it be that our mind is filled with mental adultery, like most American men and women seem to be? If so, Christ made it clear that even mental adultery was unacceptable.

You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28).

Do we have lustful eyes? Do we lust after women or men on TV?  On the Internet?

Men are visually driven. That is one of the well established differences between men and women. Men are attracted by skin. The more skin is exhibited the more the male mind wants to look and lust. Some women are attracted visually as well, but, overall, women tend not to be attracted by skin as much as men.

WHAT ABOUT WOMEN?

Christian women need to be aware of this reality. Christian women should dress modestly and not contribute to this problem. That is why skirts should be as close to the knee as possible. Skirts that pull up when sitting will attract men’s eyes and it can lead to lust in men.

Low-cut dresses are a problem. Very low-back dresses are a problem as well, though not as much. Very tight skirts can be a problem, as they tend to attract male attention. Very tight pants are a problem as well. The male mind tends to go beyond the pants and immediately visualizes what’s under the cloth, thus leading to lust.

In Summer, shorts should not be very short. Very short shorts become exceptionally short when one bends down. And they should not be very tight either.

Christian women should strive to be conservative with their bathing suits, as should be men, of course.

Shaunti Feldhahn, in her book, What I Didn't Know About Men, informs us that “Men are visual.” She then adds, “What that means in practice: Even happily married men struggle with being pulled toward live and recollected images of other women.” [ii]

Yes, men are visual. Christian men have to struggle with this tendency as well—and struggle they must! God expects us to keep our eyes under control and to turn away, as soon as we feel lustful feelings.

Christian men cannot blame women, if they lust. They cannot say, “It’s their fault, because they dress seductively.” We men must look away, when that is necessary; we must switch channel, when that is required; we must leave the room, if something could lead us to lust.

Christian women are expected to help Christian men in this regard, by making this problem next to nonexistent in the church. Christian women should never be the subject of unwanted attention, because of revealing too much of their bodies.

When it comes to fighting adultery, the best approach is to nip it in the bud. We must be well aware of traps brought to us by Satan.

THE STAGES OF ADULTERY

Adultery doesn’t just happen; there are stages that precede it. Before Adultery there is the meeting of someone. This leads to liking the someone, which leads to wanting to be around the someone, which leads to infatuation and obsessive thinking about the person, which leads to secret meetings and, finally, the consummation — and then guilt, and then possible addiction to the adultery, and then more guilt, and then moving away from God and His people, and then serious problems within the family, and then fracturing of marriages, and then deep depression and finally spiritual death, unless repented of.

Women tend to be particularly susceptible to emotional attachments. In fact, some carry on with emotional adultery and never go into the actual adultery. Even so, their heart is alienated from their husbands and, thus, they are mentally in a state of adultery.

It is important to be aware of the steps listed above and to put an end to them, once recognized.

The major key is to ask God immediately for help to resist and be delivered from the temptation, or Satan will pull us in, until resisting will be next to impossible.

Proverbs chapter 5 dedicates several verses to warning us about the evils of adultery.

My son, pay attention to my wisdom;

Lend your ear to my understanding,

2 That you may preserve discretion,

And your lips may keep knowledge.

3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey,

And her mouth is smoother than oil;

4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

Sharp as a two-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death,

Her steps lay hold of hell.

6 Lest you ponder her path of life—

Her ways are unstable;

You do not know them.

7 Therefore hear me now, my children,

And do not depart from the words of my mouth.

8 Remove your way far from her,

And do not go near the door of her house,

9 Lest you give your honor to others,

And your years to the cruel one;

10 Lest aliens be filled with your wealth,

And your labors go to the house of a foreigner;

11 And you mourn at last,

When your flesh and your body are consumed,

12 And say:

“How I have hated instruction,

And my heart despised correction!

13 I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,

Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me!

14 I was on the verge of total ruin,

In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

15 Drink water from your own cistern,

And running water from your own well.

16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad,

Streams of water in the streets?

17 Let them be only your own,

And not for strangers with you.

18 Let your fountain be blessed,

And rejoice with the wife of your youth.

19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe,

Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;

And always be enraptured with her love.

20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman,

And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,

And He ponders all his paths.

22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,

And he is caught in the cords of his sin.

23 He shall die for lack of instruction,

And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

(Proverbs 5:1-23).

God inspired Solomon to give such a long warning because He is well aware of the power of sexual temptations on the part of immoral women and wants all men to be proactive and to stay away from such temptresses, when they come across them.

The principle, of course, applies to women as well. There are lots of very seductive handsome men around who will say and do all it takes to manipulate and seduce naive women, so as to use them sexually and then abandon them to guilt, shame and ruin.

HOW TO PREVENT ADULTERY

Adultery is, therefore, to be evaded. The pulls toward adultery must be fought. The best way to fight adultery is to be proactive. Here are some principles that may help:

1.          We must accept the fact that adultery can happen to each and every one of us.

We must never think we’re immune. Thinking that we are undefeatable would be begging for trouble. The Apostle Paul gives a very sober warning to such people:

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).

2.          Know that Satan loves this device—because he knows it works.

Sexual temptations worked with mighty David, and they can work with us as well—and it can happen when we least expect it.  Thus, we can safely expect that Satan will most probably try it on us mentally, or in real life. Christians must always be on guard and expect the possibility that Satan may attack at any time.

3.         Let’s not forget that a person who commits adultery doesn’t just betray a mate—he/she betrays God as well.

If a Christian falls to Satan’s temptation, he or she will not just abandon his relationship with his or her mate, he/she abandons his or her relationship with God.

The greatest betrayal is of the Father who loves us and the Son who died for our sins.

4.   Know for certain that adultery may be hidden from man, but not from God, and that God, in time, will make it come out in the open.

There are many examples where God made sure that the affair was found out in the most amazing of ways—even though it may have been hidden with great care.

5.         Know that punishment will for certain follow—and sometimes it is quite drastic.

There will be mental agony at first in the form of guilt and then depression and anger and then whatever consequence God has in store for the adulterer, which could be quite painful.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge“(Hebrews 13:4).

This implies a firm consequence on God’s part, so as to get the adulterer to repent.

6.         Know that adultery, even if  it is just mental and emotional, separates from God and, thus, it takes away God’s protection, and opens the doors to curses—and to attacks from Satan.

Sin separates from God—and it links us to Satan. When we commit adultery, we move into the Devil’s camp and we become his servants. The great enemy will finally reward us with pain, anguish and even disasters.

7.         Know that if we are tolerant of the stages that precede consummation, the rest will be hard to resist.

Adultery starts in the mind. It starts with thoughts and emotions. Unless it is caught at the early stages, it will turn into an obsession which will potentially translate into action.

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies”(Matthew 15:19).

We, therefore, must fight evil thoughts as they arise, and must do our utmost to prevent them from finding residence in our minds.

“…and take every thought captive to obey Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:5).

By doing so we don't have to fight a more powerful battle later on, when the temptation may be a lot harder to resist.

8.    Beware of things that contribute to lustful thoughts and to adultery.

TV: Sexually explicit shows and movies, soap operas. They intentionally use very attractive, and seductive men and women to get watchers to become addicted.

The Internet: A great blessing and a great curse. Way too many Christians have become slaves to pornographic web sites. The Internet has become one of Satan's greatest tools. If  Christians become addicted, and they don’t stop—the end result can be disastrous.

Porno Movies: Watching pornographic movies means inviting disaster, even if watched with one's mate. It will invariably lead to lusting and fantasizing about the seductive actor or actress. It is poison!

9.    Beware of work. Many affairs take place with people at work.

Meeting new people makes the possibility for adultery greater. As the number of women who enters the work force increases so does the level of adultery.

We Christian men and women must be fully aware of this and must always be on guard. If someone is getting too close, keep your distance. Make your values evident. Make your commitment evident. Keep your language clean, and wear conservative. By so doing, you will project a clean image.

If you have problems with your mate, know that Satan will provide kind, understanding, loving men or women to entrap you.

Many affairs have started with supportive friends of the opposite sex, during difficult times. Such friendships can easily deteriorate into strong emotional and, finally, sexual relationships.

Spending much non-work-related time alone with fellow workers of the opposite sex is very risky. It can, in time, lead to adultery—and then disaster.

10.  Pray every morning Christ’s prayer: “Deliver us from evil or the Evil One.”

Why? Because Jesus knew that every day Satan would try to trap us. God’s help is critical to protect us from falling into Satan’s well-planned traps.

11. The greater the closeness to God the greater the ability to see danger approaching, and the greater will be the strength to say “No!” when the temptation comes our way.

Christ’s words, “The flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41) is absolutely true and in Satan’s hands it becomes very weak.

Satan uses temptation to get us to commit adultery, quite successfully, and we must resist and fight and persist in the fight day in and day out.

12. Jesus Christ also gave us the secret to success and it is found in the Gospel of Matthew.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26: 41).

Though the flesh is weak, God’s spirit is willing, that is, it is willing and able to do move us to do what is right. It is willing to help us say no, when a man or woman comes our way as Satan’s instrument to get us to sin.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE COMMITTED     ADULTERY?

If you have committed adultery, and you are a Christian or a person of faith, you have tasted the bitter consequences of this destructive sin. You have tasted the guilt and the shame; you have experienced the negative impact it can have on one's self esteem.

You may have also seen the consequences on your marital relationship and on others around you.

To you God says very simply, "Repent and start anew." If you repent and ask for forgiveness, you will be a new person. If your repentance is sincere, to God you will be totally clean.

Just remember Jesus Christ's words to the woman caught in adultery: "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11 KJV).

WHAT IF YOU ARE STILL COMMITTING      ADULTERY?

If you are now committing adultery, and you are convinced that your sinful behavior is wrong and that it must end, wait no longer. It is never too late. God longs to see you stop hurting yourself and others. His words to you are the following:

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18 KJV).

Please listen to His invitation and spare yourself all the mounting anguish that awaits you, if you won't stop.

THE POWERFUL TOOLS AT OUR            DISPOSAL

The problem of adultery, therefore, abounds. It is a serious problem with serious consequences. But the solutions abound as well and they are very simple: Prayer, Bible study and fasting.

By having an intimate relationship with God, we are daily energized to fight temptations—and to win. God will provide us with unlimited energy to resist, and finally Satan will flee from us, as the Scriptures promise.

They are three barriers that Satan cannot penetrate. They are weapons that the flesh cannot win against.

CONCLUSION

As we have seen, adultery has become a real scourge on society. The consequences are disastrous for the sinner as well as the innocent—especially children.

To fight adultery it is best to be proactive. We must keep in mind that Satan will attack whenever he can and that he will use very seductive men and women to get us to sin.

The tools at our disposal are very powerful, but they must be used regularly.

God is on our side, and He will empower those who want to live a holy life. He is also longing to see those who have been trapped by this sin, stop, repent and strive to live a spiritually clean lives once again.

As Christians, therefore, let us do our utmost, every day, to fulfill God's wish and command: "Be you holy as I am Holy."

Let’s do some serious, and honest soul-searching, therefore, and let’s do what is our duty to do to win the battle against Satan and one of his most effective weapons: adultery.

2.  FORNICATION

INTRODUCTION

Today the world promotes, encourages and celebrates sexual immorality. The Media frames many of its commercials with sexual scenes or sexual innuendos. Governments, which previously monitored and limited overt sexuality on TV, has now surrendered to the point where the most disgusting scenes are now shown on prime TV.

The result of this lax attitude toward sexuality is a flood of unwanted pregnancies, and an ever-increasing number of STD's with destructive, life-long consequences, and even death—for millions.

The Bible, though, continues to warn humanity that sexual sins are wrong. It warns about its dire consequences in the present, and about its future, eternal consequences.

The Apostle Paul lists "Fornication" in the "Works of the Flesh," found in Galatians chapter five.

DEFINITION

The Greek word used by Paul for fornication is “Porneia.” It is the word we get the word "pornography" from. It is a generic term which means “sexual immorality.” It goes above and beyond adultery. It refers to various types of sexual immorality, including sexual relations outside of marriage, such as homosexuality, incest, pornography, perverted forms of sex, etc.

Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words defines it, "Illicit sexual intercourse."

Strong's Concordance defines Porneia as "Promiscuity of any type."

F. Wilbur Gingrich defines “Porneia” as "unchastity, prostitution, fornication, of every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse."[iii]

The word “Porneia,” therefore, includes pre-marital sex, adultery, incest, all kinds of lewdness and every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse.

God forbad sexual immorality from the start. Unlike the other Gods of the past, who in many cases were themselves sexually immoral, the true God demanded sexual purity. He, the maker of the human body and the human mind, knew the tragic consequences of sexual sins. Thus, in His Holy Law, God specifically mentioned which sexual sins His holy people should evade.

As we well know, Adultery was included in the Ten Commandments. Some people would say, “Why hasn’t  God included the other sexual sins in the Ten Commandments? Was it because they are not as serious?” The answer is: He has. They are indirectly included in other commandments.

Sexual sins are entrenched in the last Commandment, “Thou shalt not lust.” Before sexual sins take place, one must lust. Lust is sexual desire for what is forbidden. By forbidding lust, God forbad all the other sexual sins as well.

Fornication is also found, in the first Commandment: "You will have no other God's before me." When we choose to listen to Satan and we follow his sinful ways, we place him before the true God.

When we commit sinful sexual acts, there are obsessive lustful thoughts that accompany them. Such thoughts, and the lustful desires that accompany them, are all consuming. While in such a state the person is actually committing idolatry, thus breaking the second Commandment, as well.

Fornication can also entail taking what is not ours (stealing) and dishonouring our Parent, God, by rebelling against His wishes.

Nonetheless, lest there be any misunderstanding, God specifically mentioned the other sexual sins in the Book of the Law (The Torah), in great detail.

WHY DOES GOD FORBID PRE-MARITAL SEX?

God forbids pre-marital sex because it is harmful physically, psychologically and socially.

Physically, because it is the medium through which horrendous, and often deadly sexually transmitted diseases find their way into the human body.

Psychologically, because it is the sure way to lower one’s self-esteem. It leads to a damaging sense of guilt and, worse of all, it weakens the person’s character turning the person into an untrustworthy human being. In fact, the person who is immoral before marriage, unless deeply converted, has a great probability of being immoral after marriage as well.

It also leads to diminished respect from the husband or wife, and from others who might find out. The word usually spreads quickly that the person is easy and the person rarely knows all the rumours that are being spread about them.

Many years ago a friend bragged to me about the fact that his girl friend allowed him to commit fornication. Years later, I saw him again, and I asked him what happened to his relationship with that girl. He told me he had to end the raltionship, because he found out she was playing behind his back with someone else.

A person who shows character, and resists temptation before marriage will tend to show character and will have an easier time resisting temptation after marriage. A seducer before marriage will tend to be a seducer after marriage. One who chooses to have fun before marriage will tend to have a similar attitude after marriage.

Yet it needs to be pointed out that a fornicator who realizes the seriousness of the sin and repents before God deeply and sorrowfully can become an outstanding Christian who will fiercely evade that kind of sin. The key is simply, true, deep-felt repentance.

An example of this was a Christian woman whom I met about forty years ago, who had been a streetwalker. God opened her mind; she answered His call; she repented and became an outstanding Christian. She had rejected her previous lifestyle and was totally committed to God and His ways.

Nonetheless, we have seen cases of people who committed fornication before marriage, who came in the church not totally repentant and, because they took their conversion lightly, they reverted to their former behaviours.

A person who had lax morals before conversion has to stay close to God, so as to prevent former sinful habits from re-occurring.

I also mentioned that fornication can also be harmful socially. Unwanted pregnancies tend to lead to one-parent families. One-parent families have to be supported by society, which increases the tax burden of honest, hard-working people. One-parent families have greater difficulty controlling children. Because of low income, such families tend to live in poor areas where crime abounds. Also, because of limited parental control, and because of the evils that surrounds them, as the kids grow up, some will become criminals inflicting great harm on society. Other problems are the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, increased use of drugs, with the accompanying evils that follow such behaviours, etc.

PRE-MARITAL SEX IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW

Let’s look, first of all, at God’s attitude towards pre-marital sex, as stated in the book of the law.

"If a man takes a wife and, after sleeping with her, dislikes her 14 and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity,” 15 then the young woman’s father and mother shall bring to the town elders at the gate proof that she was a virgin. 16 Her father will say to the elders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he dislikes her. 17 Now he has slandered her and said, ‘I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.’ But here is the proof of my daughter’s virginity.” Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town, 18 and the elders shall take the man and punish him. 19 They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.

20 If, however, the charge is true and no proof of the young woman’s virginity can be found, 21 she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil from among you" (Deuteronomy 22:13-21).

God demanded purity of both men and women, before marriage. Fornication before marriage was a very serious sin on a par with adultery, and, as with adultery, the consequences were exceptionally severe.

OTHER SEXUAL SINS

Another sexual sin that God plainly condemned in the Book of the Law is "homosexuality."

“There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel” (Deuteronomy 23:17 KJV).

“You will not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Lev. 18:22 KJV).

God from the start said, "No!" to homosexuality, without exception. He did not say, “No, unless you have psychological problems.” He did not say, “No, unless you tend to be somewhat effeminate.” He did not say, “No, unless you have same-sex attraction you cannot control.” He simply said, “No!”

God said "No!" also to another abominable act which tends to become common in societies that become obsessed with sex: “Bestiality.”

“…you shall not lie with any beast and defile yourself with it, neither shall any woman give herself to a beast to lie with it: it is perversion" (Leviticus 18:22-23).

Can bestiality be possible in our society? Would people among us stoop to this level? There are now web sites on the Internet dedicated to satisfying the distorted cravings of people who are into bestiality. Some of you may have already received invitations to visit such sites; rest assured, it will increase.

In the famed book, The Europeans, by Luigi Barzini, one reads that right before  the second world war in one European country bestiality had become quite common. The consequences on that nation were devastating.

The next sexual sin that was very common in ancient societies was incest. The number of incest cases in society today is scandalous, and it reeks in God’s nostrils because it is unnatural, and because the long-term psychological consequences on children are devastating.

NO SEXUAL SIN LEFT OUT

God knew that humans would have tried to find ways to rationalize away some or all sexual sins. To make sure this would be in vain, God listed the many variations of this family of sins in depth.

The details are found in Leviticus 20.

"If a man has sexual relations with his father’s wife, he has dishonored his father. Both the man and the woman are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

12 If a man has sexual relations with his daughter-in-law, both of them are to be put to death. What they have done is a perversion; their blood will be on their own heads.

13 If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

14 If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is wicked. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that no wickedness will be among you.

15 If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he is to be put to death, and you must kill the animal.

16 If a woman approaches an animal to have sexual relations with it, kill both the woman and the animal. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

17 If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They are to be publicly removed from their people. He has dishonored his sister and will be held responsible.

18 If a man has sexual relations with a woman during her monthly period, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has also uncovered it. Both of them are to be cut off from their people.

19 Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.

20 If a man has sexual relations with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless.

21 If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless" (Leviticus 20:11-21).

SEXUAL SINS INVITE GOD'S WRATH

It is sobering to read in Leviticus 20 that God becomes particularly angry, when these sins abound in a society.

“You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my ordinances, and do them; that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out. 23 And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them” (Leviticus 20:22-23).

Why did God want the Canaanites wiped out? In large part because adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bestiality and incest abounded—and He finally said “Enough!”

God's wrath fell upon Israel and other societies through the ages and will finally climax during the Day of the Lord, when humanity will be saturated with this and other kinds of sins and will refuse to repent.

SEXUAL SINS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT

Sexual perversions abounded in ancient societies Paul traveled through; in the Greek world in particular and also in the Roman world; though somewhat less. Paul described this reality in the book of Romans.

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:21-32).

This kind of attitude is now taking over modern nations. They are rejecting the knowledge of the true God and they are moving evermore closer to the spirit of Sodom—to their own demise.

The Apostle Paul made sure that the Christian church had no doubt that sexual immorality was — and remains — unacceptable to God.

“You say, 'Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.' The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (1 Corinthians 6:13).

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Ephesians 5:3).

As this world becomes more and more distorted and degenerate, Christians are supposed to shine brightly as examples of holiness and purity, even though the temptations to participate will be great.

ESCAPING SEXUAL IMMORALITY

How can we make sure that we do not become sexually immoral? What follows are some principles which can be very helpful in escaping the sexual immorality trap.

1. Know that to God sexual immorality is unacceptable and that, like adultery, God will severely consequence sexually immoral people who refuse to repent.

"We must not indulge in immorality as some of them did (Ancient Israel), and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come" (I Corinthians 10: 8-11 KJV).

Paul is clearly warning Christians not to get involved in sexual immorality. The God who intervened drastically with Israel hasn’t changed. He will intervene drastically with us as He did with Ancient Israel, if we do not repent.

Unfortunately, the Church at Corinth did take this warning lightly.

"Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 21 I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged" (2 Corinthians 12:19-21).

This is II Corinthians. In the first epistle to the Corinthians, we read about the man who committed incest. In the second we find that he repented. We also find that there is a strong probability that sexual immorality in the church was still rampant and that several were unrepentant, and, thus, the consequences may have been or would have been drastic—thus the grieving. That is, they might have died, or might have been afflicted by some other serious punishment.

In the first epistle, Paul delivered the incestuous man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. That may have also been the case with the others who were still unrepentant. That can be the case with any of us today who refuse to repent. Being delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh is terrifying stuff.

2.      We must never forget that Christians have been called to holiness, not to impurity.

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (I Thessalonians 4:3 KJV).

This is God’s aim for us. God demands that we be holy, even as He is holy. And to do so we must abstain from all forms of sexual immorality, be it mental or physical.

3. We must never forget that the Holy Spirit that dwells in us will not stay forever in an impure and unrepentant fornicator’s mind.

The Holy Spirit will not dwell in a rebellious, immoral mind. Immoral thoughts, desires and actions cannot dwell in the same location as the Holiest Essence there is: The Holy Spirit.

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (I Corinthians 6:18-19 KJV).

Of course this does not mean that the Holy Spirit will leave because a person has been trapped by Satan. God will try to convict the person, and He will attempt to bring the person back to repentance. Yet a stubborn, self-willed mind who embraces sexual immorality, and refuses to repent can commit the "unpardonable sin" from which there is no repentance.

4. Know that Satan’s attempts at getting us to become sexually immoral through his society will multiply, not diminish.

Society is sliding down very fast. Homosexuality would have never received any limelight 15-20 years ago. In one generation it has become not only acceptable, but it is now in style. It is very difficult to turn on a TV any day of the week, and not see any mention of homosexuality in a positive light. Tributes are being paid to homosexuals and homosexuality, without hesitation or shame. The Queen of England has recently made available her own palaces so that a famous English singer would be publicly united to his homosexual partner with pomp and circumstance.

The unthinkable — homosexual marriages — have now become legal in several countries. A few years ago, the Supreme Court of Canada legalized the existence of locations where people can publicly get involved in orgies. The rationale used by the Court is that "it will not hurt society."

In our society, common-law living is now for many a requirement before marriage, in spite of the fact that undeniable research shows clearly that common-law relationships tend to be more violent than married relationships, that they break up more frequently than marriages, and that people who marry after living common law have a greater probability of breaking up than people who never lived common law.

Satan will try to influence our attitudes toward these sins by bringing to us seeming exceptions of homosexual couples who seem to get along; or common-law couples that appear to be happy.

These seeming exceptions are not the rule. There are people who rob banks and don’t get caught, and also seem to be happy. Does that make robbing banks right? There are people who say that they have been happier in their marriage ever since they have been having a secret affair. In fact, they say that they have become more loving toward their mates since their affair. Is, therefore, having affairs the right thing to do?

The classic rationalization to excuse sin has always been the exception to the rule. But exceptions do not make the rule.  God, not human reasoning and rationalizations, determines right from wrong, as He alone knows the immediate and long-term consequences to immoral actions.

Satan will try to get us desensitized to sin through TV, our culture, our friends and family. Desensitization, which works very slowly, can totally transform our attitudes—and we won’t even realize it.

Do we watch programs that have funny homosexual characters in it? Do we understand that that is a psychological technique Satan uses to desensitize people to homosexuality, or any kind of sinful behavior? Associate homosexual characters to laughter, and you will create a positive association in a person’s mind towards homosexuality. It is a well-known psychological fact. It is a well-known psychological law: The Law of Association. Satan knows that law better than anyone else, and he has been using it ever-more successfully the past few decades.

Satan is marching along in his devious agenda and this world is welcoming his every move as “progress and enlightenment.” The results will be tragic.

5. Our attitude toward the degeneracy in society should be that of Lot.

What should be our attitude toward society, as it plummets into degradation and abominable acts? "Righteous Lot" should be our reference point.

"...if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)" (II Peter 2:6-7).

Are we "tormented" when we see heinous sins bandied about on TV, or in front of us? Have we forgotten how detestable they are in God’s sight?

Do we get entertainment from, and do we think it is funny that men and women do indecent acts publicly?

Do we still feel sick to our stomach when we see lewd acts on TV, or at the movies, or has that reaction vanished? If we are not turned off and angered by these trends, Satan has succeeded in desensitizing us. Soon the evil that surrounds us will no longer be evil, and we’ll be in danger of being like the Corinthians who could have heinous sins among them and be unperturbed.

6. Know that for every second spent watching sensual images on TV, magazines, or on the Internet, we are adding seeds into our minds that can grow into full-blown sin.

The human mind is like a pot full of very fertile soil. Whatever we plant in it will grow. If we plant holy seeds, we will see grow holy thoughts and actions. These seeds can be planted visually, through images, or the printed word. How many seeds have we been planting lately? The seeds will grow into thoughts, and thoughts will transform us: “As a man thinketh so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).

The thoughts we entertain determine who we are—and, finally, what we do.

What kind of thoughts have we been entertaining lately?

Is it possible to be at church looking saintly and Christian, and still be filled with unclean thoughts? Let’s see what both Peter and Jude have to say about this subject.

"But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning" (II Peter 2:12-17).

Jude, essentially, shares the same concerns.

"Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings" (Jude 1:3-8).

Yes, it is possible for anyone to appear saintly and yet be filled with lustful thoughts and be very sinful and perverted. Yes, we may have such people in Christian churches, and we need to be on guard so as not be influenced by them.

7.                 Run for your life, before sexual immorality!

Sexual sins can destroy us physically, mentally and spiritually. Paul makes this point abundantly clear:

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body” (I Corinthians 6:18).

How many times have ministers warned our young and old of the dangers of sexual immorality? “Beware!” we warn; but, at times, we’ve been ignored. How many times have young people laughed in their minds at these old foggies preaching from the pulpit who are out of touch with reality; who are no longer "in," or "cool"? How many have lived to regret it?

One young woman once in a church I was a minister in decided to experiment with pre-marital sex—“once.” She did… and ended up with incurable herpes. Another one developed AIDS.

Run from sexual immorality—run! Run for your life! For this world is full of attractive, seductive, smooth young men and women ready to share their viruses with you. Some knowingly some unknowingly.

Every time you fall into the trap you could be going to bed with millions of people, by simply getting involved with one. The one person may have been involved with another who was involved with five or six others, who were involved with several others, ad infinitum. That one time you could be welcoming into your body a virus which may have been passed along years back by a streetwalker in Brazil, or Thailand, or somewhere in Europe, or Africa.

You might even inherit a virus which mutated, and found its way into someone hundreds or thousands of years ago; viruses which go back to the beginning of times, and which have reproduced countless times, and have reaped havoc in people’s bodies millions of times.

Run for your life—and don’t stop! And don’t be fooled by the “safe sex” nonsense. Viruses have a way of finding ways around barriers; barriers have a way of breaking and betraying, when one least expects it. Condoms succeed in preventing pregnancy four out of five times. How successful are they in preventing a microscopic, and deadly virus from entering a human body? Not that successful.

And, certainly, don’t deceive yourself into thinking that since it’s your life it should not be anyone else’s business. This is the rationalization that many have used over the years to excuse their sinful behavior with horrific consequences.

The following is the tragic story a young man who had grown up in a Christian home, and who decided, while in university, to enjoy a sensual life and have sex with various women. This he did uncaring of consequences and of God’s warnings.

The young man finished his studies, went back home  and finally regained his senses. He later met a lovely church girl, got married and entered what seemed to be an idyllic life. His life was soon enriched with beautiful children.

A few years later he started showing worrisome symptoms. He went for a check up, and was told that he had AIDS. Not long after, he died and left behind his wife and children. But that was not the end of the story.

Unfortunately, some time later, his wife tested positive for HIV. She, too, was infected, and was working her way toward certain death, leaving her  children as orphans.

How many others had the man infected? How many have died? How many wives and children has Satan destroyed through that man and his irresponsibility?

Yes, our sins can affect others. It is not just our lives that we destroy; unfortunately we can destroy the lives of others as well.

8. Accept the love of your Father, your Creator. Know that He loves you more than anyone else on earth and that is why He says, “Flee!”

God knows what’s out there. He knows what viruses will do to you physically. He knows what sexual immorality will do to you psychologically. He knows what sexual immorality will do to a society. He says to me and you, “flee!”

Yet people would rather hear the warning from the experts, rather than God’s Word. Here is the warning of some experts; perhaps the two greatest historians of our time: Will and Ariel Durant.

Will and Ariel Durant wrote a large collection of volumes on the history of humanity. They have studied history for most of their lives. Toward the end of their life they wrote a short, but very powerful book titled, Lessons from History.

In it they list of thirteen fundamental lessons they learned from their in-depth study of human history. One of the lessons deals with sexual immorality.

A youth boiling with hormones will wonder why he should not give full freedom to his sexual desires; and if he is unchecked by custom, morals, or laws, he may ruin his life before he matures sufficiently to understand that sex is a river of fire that must be banked and cooled by a hundred restrains if it is not to consume in chaos both the individual and the group.[iv]

Powerful words indeed, filled with amazing wisdom. But God, our Father, knew this before Will and Ariel Durant did, and gave us a gift that will protect us physically and mentally throughout your life.

Go to Him and seek His strength when it’s tough to resist. Beg Him for wisdom to know when danger is coming, so as to evade it. Beg for the power of His Spirit when your flesh says “eat,” even though the food is poisonous. Being your Father, He will honor your request, and will give you the help you need.

This is how we can fulfill Paul’s injunction found in Colossians.

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

Therefore, let’s fight and kill the self-destructive desires that dwell in our flesh. Let’s fight a valiant battle and let’s never give in!

CONCLUSION

IN CONCLUSION, FORNICATION IS A WORK OF THE FLESH THAT SATAN LOVES TO USE  TO BRING HAVOC IN OUR AND OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES. IT IS HIS DIABOLICAL WEAPON THAT HE USES TO DESTROY MILLIONS OF LIVES YEARLY. GOD WARNS US TO EVADE SEXUAL IMMORALITY, WITH ALL OUR MIGHT. THE BENEFITS FOR DOING SO ARE PEACE OF MIND, PROTECTION FROM HORRIBLE AND AGONIZING DISEASES AND HARMONY WITH OUR CREATOR. FINALLY, IF WE STAY FAITHFUL TO GOD’S WAYS UNTIL THE END, WE WILL HAVE THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL: ETERNAL LIFE.

3. UNCLEANNESS

INTRODUCTION

One of the Works of the Flesh listed in Galatians 5 is "Uncleanness." Most assume that the term refers to physical uncleanness, and they are partly right.  The word is a very rich word which includes more than just physical uncleanness.

What is "Uncleanness, " as used in Galatians 5?

The Greek word used by Paul is "Akatharsia."

According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, it has two meanings: 1. Physical uncleanness and 2. Moral uncleanness.

Thayer, in his Lexicon, defines the term as follows:

a. physical uncleanness

b. in a moral sense, the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living.

c. impure motives

Mike Willis, in his Commentary on the Book of Galatians, wrote the following:

The basic meaning of akatharsia is 'impurity.' It can refer to physical uncleanness or filth. The Greek word was also used to refer to ceremonial uncleanness (Matt. 23:27). Later, it began to refer to moral uncleanness. It is joined with fornication in several contexts (Rom. 1:24; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5)[v]

Stan Cox, in his article, “Uncleanness” adds, “Yes, the term uncleanness is a broad term. Anything that is not pure; that influences the children of God to profligate (immoral) activity; that turns our minds away from righteousness; is unclean."[vi]

Uncleanness was our state before conversion. We were unclean and then we entered an ever-increasing state of cleanliness.

"I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness" (Romans 6:19 NKJV).

CHRISTIANS MUST BE "CLEAN"

Being clean means being “holy.” Holiness and cleanliness are synonymous. When God commands us to be Holy as He is holy, he is saying to us "be clean;" physically, that is outwardly; be clean mentally, and let your words and actions be clean as well.

Jesus Christ looks forward to a Church that will be ready at His appearing and that will be without spot or blemish.

“…that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27).

Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

13 I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;

14 that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Timothy 6:12-14).

In the light of these scriptures, let's analyze ourselves so as to find any possible "spots" or "blemishes" that might be a problem in our relationship with God. Let’s look now at some major areas where spots may be found.

WE MUST BE PHYSICALLY  CLEAN

Physical cleanliness is demanded of God’s children.

“...for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body” (1Corinthians 6: 20).

“If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye.” (1 Corinthians 3:17).

We, therefore, have a duty to make sure that God’s temple is clean, and in as good a shape as possible. To do so we must follow certain laws of hygiene. Hygiene has always been very important to God. And from the start, He made that evident in His emphasis on hygiene in the Book of the Law.

Washing is emphasized frequently in the Torah; especially in the book of Leviticus. The Israelites had to wash frequently; in particular, if they touched certain things which God declared unclean, such as dead animals, dead bodies, human fluids, etc.

The laws of cleanliness placed Israel way ahead of the rest of the nations who had no understanding of the importance of hygiene in maintaining proper health and prolonging human life.

The other ancient nations had no such laws. For instance, one of the common treatments in ancient Egypt was to treat wounds with animal dung. But Israel was chosen to inherit amazing laws of hygiene that would place them way ahead of the rest.

"...and he said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his eyes, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon thee, which I have put upon the Egyptians: for I am Jehovah that healeth thee" (Exodus 15:26).

We Christians should also be very conscious of maintaining a high level of cleanliness. Washing often decreases the chances of catching germs and other bugs, and decreases our chances of becoming ill.

We often touch door handles and handrails, shopping carts that have been touched by countless others. Some people don’t wash as they should, and they leave their bugs all around. We touch what they touch. As a result, it is vital that we wash our hands frequently.

It is crucial that we wash our hands thoroughly, after going to the bathroom, with warm water and soap. Feel free to use a paper towel to open and close the knob.

It is also important that we wash thoroughly, when we handle uncooked foods, particularly raw meat, poultry or fish; when we blow our nose, cough or sneeze; when we handle garbage, and when we tend to someone who is sick or injured.

Since we deal with people throughout the day, it is very important that we shower through the week, so as not to emanate bad odor, and that we brush our teeth after every meal, so as to prevent the buildup of plaque which can lead to gum disease and bad breath.

For those of us who have bad breath due to poor digestion, we need to take digestive enzymes which will quickly correct the problem.

When we go to church, even if we don’t have luxurious clothes, we can and should appear before God with clean bodies and washed hair.

What about our houses? Are they relatively clean?

Obviously people work. It’s hard to keep a house clean, when little children are running around all day long. Young mothers should try to do what they can, but it’s clearly not easy to keep a clean house in those circumstances.

But what if we do have the time? What do we do, if we do have the time? Do we clean our house as best as possible?

Is our car a mess? It’s tough to keep the outside clean, in Winter. But is the inside of our car always a mess? If someone where to get a ride with us, what would they see?

On the other hand, there are people in the world that do this obsessively. Is that alone an indication of spirituality? No, it is not. Hitler, apparently, was fastidious about cleanliness, yet he was definitely not clean in his mind. The Pharisees were fastidious about washing hands, yet they were dirty in their thoughts and actions.

"Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee.

39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet" (Matthew 12:38-40).

Thus, the Pharisees were the epitome of what the word "hypocrisy" entails. They were hypocrites; they were filled with evil thoughts and attitudes; some, or many, were adulterous and took advantage of the weakness and frailty of the widows. They were "whitewashed tombs" that looked beautiful on the outside, but inside were like tombs filled with decaying bones.

Yes, there is much more to “cleanness” than just washing often. That takes us to internal cleanliness.

WE MUST BE "SPIRITUALLY" CLEAN

When we talk about internal uncleanness we are talking about thoughts, attitudes, motivations, words and behaviors that are a manifestation of what’s inside.

Let’s looks at all of these areas in details:

THOUGHTS

Humans have an inner world that is hidden from others. It is the mental world. Let’s be reminded of what Christ said about this world in Matthew 15.

"For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings” (Matthew 15:19).

Yes, we can be clean on the outside, while entertaining all sorts of evil thoughts on the inside.

The mind works like a TV. It has its own antenna, and it constantly receives thoughts from the "Prince of the Power of the Air." Satan is the most powerful transmitter on earth. We receive his waves all too easily, and all too clearly. His thoughts appear in our minds often. What do we do when his unclean thoughts appear on the mental screen? Do we watch? Do we savor the images? Or do we immediately change channel?

Although other humans do not know what we are watching in our minds, God knows.

"...(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds),

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Not just some—all thoughts!

How do we fight a battle against evil thoughts?

1. By always being on guard. We must always be aware of what is going through our minds, and we must catch ourselves — quickly.

2. By suppressing evil thoughts. God has given us the ability to throw thoughts out of our minds, and he demands that we do so, when is necessary.

3. By replacing evil thoughts with good thoughts. That is very effective as sometimes throwing out thoughts may not work so we replace thoughts with good and clean thoughts.

This is where Philippians 4 comes into play:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

WORDS

If we have been Christians for many years, do we still use unclean words? Do we fool ourselves that just because we don’t use certain words we can use others?

When we get angry, the use of unclean words become quite easy for some. Does anger justify the use of unclean words? Unclean words are unclean words. Can we not use other words instead of unclean words?

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

What is corrupt communication? Four letter words; words that if looked at closely have a dirty connotation; dirty jokes; jokes with a partially dirty connotation.

Are we known at work for not using bad language? Some time ago, a colleague used some bad language in front of a Christian and then apologized to him for doing so. Why? Because she remembered that he never used bad language. He had never condemned her, or other colleagues for their use of dirty language. Yet, they know that He does not use it.

What about lies? Do we lie “little lies”? There are countless Christians who lie “little lies,” and they think it’s no big deal.

“For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings” (Matthew 15:19).

Lying is a serious sin and no rationalizing will ever change the fact that obdurate liars will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“…and there shall in no wise enter into it (God's Kingdom) anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

Lying is an uncleanness that must go; that we must repent of.

MOTIVES

Our actions may seem clean, our words may be clean, but our motivations may be quite unclean. The difference between clean motives and unclean motives is sincerity, and truth framed by love.

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).

“…using hospitality one to another without murmuring” (1 Peter 4:9).

A Christian must regularly self assess his or her motives, to make sure they are clean and holy.

ATTITUDES

Are we pleasant, encouraging, loving, uplifting Christians, or are we demolishers? Do we build up, or do we tear down?

In the Christian Church, historically, we have had both kinds. We have patient, loving, forgiving, longsuffering people who build and encourage, who we love to be around; and we also have those who are impatient, unloving, unforgiving, who spread negativism, criticism, put downs and who are always on the lookout for faults in others so as to criticize and tear down.

Where do we fit?

The church in Corinth didn’t just have sexual immorality in its midst. Apparently, it had serious problems with bad attitudes as well.

“For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults” (2 Corinthians 12: 20).

Why did he fear that that may have been the case? Any congregation that allows sexual immorality in its midst has many other serious problems as well; such as, quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Are we nutrients, or are we poison? When people talk to us, do they leave edified or do they leave perturbed and upset?

A fully converted Christian, has his or her times of discouragement and discomfort when they are down. That is inevitable. That is not what we are talking about. We are talking about a partially converted or unconverted Christian who passes poison along, constantly.

Where do we fit?

COMPROMISING WITH OUR CONSCIENCE

Could compromising with our conscience be a cause of uncleanness? It certainly can.

God has given us a great gift called "the conscience." It is a warning mechanism which tells us that we are about to cross into forbidden territory, or that we may have crossed into forbidden territory. It works through a warning bell called "guilt."

Do we listen to our conscience? Do we suppress it?

Our minds can be defiled by even small compromises with our conscience. Some people do not understand how critical it is that our conscience be kept clean. Some people do not understand how serious compromises with our conscience can be.

“The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth” (Romans 14:22).

How many things do we allow that we are in doubt about? Those are spots on our conscience that demand cleaning.

“…let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

What are the benefits of having a clean conscience?

“Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God” (1 John 3:21).

Having a clean conscience is, therefore, vital for our spiritual well being, and for having a healthy relationship with God.

SEXUAL IMMORALITY

Immoral acts are central to the meaning of "Akatharsia."

We have previously addressed various types of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bestiality and incest. All of these sins are included within the term "uncleanness."

There are critical aspects of sexual immorality that are not covered by the word "Porneia" which are covered by the word "Akatharsia."

There are forms of intimacy that are unclean, and potentially harmful, even within marriage. There are forms of intimacy that may be unacceptable to one of the partners.

Society is more and more pushing forms of sexual activities that are demeaning and harmful.  These distorted forms of sexuality are causing a lot of friction in many marriage relationships as one partner tries to force the other to participate in activities that are unwanted and unacceptable to them.

I have known of, or counseled people, where this was a major problem. In two cases it led to serious difficulties.

Just because two people are married, and just because the scriptures say that one’s body belongs to the mate does not mean that a mate can demand anything one’s lusts desire.

Physical Love must be framed with respect. Demanding intimacy that is unacceptable — or potentially harmful to the other —  is unchristian, and is forbidden.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, let’s read a few scriptures that summarize God’s view of uncleanness.

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

“For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

Yes, we were called to holiness, not uncleanness. Not partially, but fully; that is physically, mentally and spiritually. We have to be clean in body and mind. Our words, our thoughts, our attitudes, our motives and our actions must be clean.

THAT IS GOD’S WILL: THAT WE BE HOLY (CLEAN) AS HE IS HOLY.

4. LASCIVIOUSNESS

INTRODUCTION

Having dealt with uncleanness we can now deal, briefly, with the other mystery term: "Lasciviousness," or "Lewdness."

The Greek word for “Lasciviousness” is “Asalgeia.” According to Thayer's Dictionary, the term "Asalgeia" means, "Unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence, wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc."

Vine’s Expository Dictionary tells us that "Asalgeia" denotes, "Excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness."

The word, therefore, doesn’t just refer to immorality, but immorality gone wild; immorality gone arrogant; immorality gone public. It is a spirit of sin that comes out of the closet and becomes public, proud—and unrestrained.

It refers to activities that ought to never take place in public, but are now regularly taking place on prime-time TV. It refers to carnivals where it is expected for women to undress publicly, as is expected in New Orleans. It refers to huge crowds gathering in Pride Parades where immorality is celebrated and where political leaders lead the events. It refers to public dancing that is clearly meant to excite and seduce.

It refers to shelves in stores filled with magazines containing pictures that are distorted and degenerate. It refers to adult video stores, or sections of video stores filled with videos that pollute human minds. It refers to millions of web sites offering every kind of distorted activities. It refers to a movie which presents homosexuality as natural and loving, and rewarding it with golden globes, eight Academy Award nominations and a best director Oscar. It refers to governments giving their blessings to unnatural acts; to churches giving their blessings to unnatural unions.

In Rome, Italy, where I lived for some time, this kind of arrogant, immoral behavior was openly shown by couples who acted lewdly in public parks in front of families with small children; or people going around naked on public beaches without shame.

ARROGANT DEGENERACY

Lasciviousness is what over time follows immoral, private behavior. Lasciviousness is the result of a sodomite attitude; that is, an attitude of degeneracy coupled with arrogance, insolence and limitless distorted acts that are paraded before all. It is a distorted attitude that has no bounds. In fact, what we see today is the peak of the iceberg yet to be uncovered.

In the future, that attitude will become all pervasive, and true Christians will be seen as the weirdoes to be shunned, criticized,  ridiculed and persecuted.

OUR ATTITUDE

How do we feel toward lasciviousness? As I asked in the section on "Uncleanness," are we becoming desensitized to the degeneracy that pervades our society? Do we find it all humorous? Are we starting to feel more and more tolerant towards it—or are we tortured by it like Lot was? Are we attracted to it, and are we starting to look back like Lot’s wife?

Regarding Lot’s attitude toward lasciviousness, we read that he was “oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked” (II Peter 2:7 NKJV). Lot, in other words, was tortured mentally by what he saw in Sodom. How about us? Are we tortured by the lewdness that we see in our society?

Lot’s wife, on the other hand, appears to have left Sodom with regret; hating to leave the exciting life that she was leaving behind. Her attitude was rewarded with a horrible punishment.

"Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomor′rah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25 and he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot’s wife behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19: 23-2).

DRAMATIC CONSEQUENCES

The future is very bleak for this world, in part because of  "Lasciviousness." The Day of the Lord—terrible and horrifying— will come upon this lascivious world with a vengeance. In those days, will we be caught looking away and running away like Lot, or will we be caught hesitating and longing to be a part of the lascivious celebrations—like Lot’s wife?

If we follow Lot’s wife’s example, we too will be punished most severely.

WE MUST STEER AWAY

Paul warns us about this in Ephesians.

"Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; 19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness" (Ephesians 4:17-19).

The disregard for what is holy behavior leads to all kinds of sexual uncleanness “with greediness,” that is intense cravings that  are never satisfied.

God’s way is the way of self-control, and holy behavior meant to benefit us and others. We trust God that all He commands, and all He forbids are motivated by His love for us and, thus, we stay away from behaviors that, for certain, would cause havoc in our lives.

We are also grateful to Him for warning us and for giving us the strength we need to resist the temptations that would lead us into self-destructive behaviors.

LASTLY, WE THANK GOD FOR GIVING US THE UNDESERVED FORGIVENESS, IF AND WHEN WE FALL, AND FOR HIS PROMISE THAT WITH HIS POWER IN US WE CAN FINALLY OVERCOME OUR WEAKNESSES, OUR CARNALITY AND SATAN WHO CONTINUALLY TRIES TO LURE US INTO EVIL AND HARMFUL ACTIONS.

5.  IDOLATRY

INTRODUCTION

Most North Americans are not idolaters, like millions of others around the world who worship gods of metal or stone. Most groups in Protestantism would never accept having idols in their churches and they would definitely never pray to them. Most Christians know God's will in this regard and shun such sins. Bible Christians are not idolaters.

But is that really the case? Could it be that we also are idolaters, but of more insidious form of idolatry that is difficult to see and more difficult to admit?

What is idolatry? We know that it is, first of all, the worship of statues and paintings. But is there more?

The Funk and Wagnalls adds other two dimensions: Excessive admiration" and "Blind infatuation"[vii]

Idolatry is, therefore, not simply something we prostrate ourselves before; it is also something we are totally committed to, and obsessed with that comes between us and God.

RACHEL AND IDOLATRY

Let's look at an interesting Old Testament example of obsessive attachment to idols. The context is Jacob and Rachel leaving Laban secretly.

“Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father's” (Genesis 31:19).

This a perfect example of a person who refused to leave behind her family’s idols. They had been a part of her life since childhood and she was so attached to them that she actually stole them and then deceived her own father as to where they were.

This is an excellent example of "excessive admiration or veneration," of “blind and excessive love,” of “adoration, homage, veneration given to a deity" and of “excessive and ardent devotion or admiration" toward “tangible” idols.

GOD'S VIEWS ON IDOLATRY

How does God feel about idolatry? In the book of Exodus, God made it perfectly clear that idolatry was not acceptable.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation of them that hate me" (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV).

In the book of Leviticus, He reiterates the same view.

“You shall not make idols for yourselves; neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar shall you rear up for yourselves; nor shall you set up an engraved stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 26:1).

From the start, God made it clear that he would not stand for anything “before” him. He had to be the first and the only one.

Nothing, therefore must stand between us and Him—nothing! Nothing may be loved by us to that extent—nothing!

DIFFERENT KINDS OF IDOLS

Unfortunately, there are idols that are difficult to see and that many would never see as being idols. What are they?  Let’s look at some of them.

1. MONEY

One of the idols that historically has separated humans from God and that has been a source of spiritual shipwreck for some has been money.

Money: Important, critical, the source of great benefits and also a potential source of great troubles—if it becomes an idol.

The Apostle Paul warns against the destructive power of money idolatry.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10).

“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for Money” (1 Timothy 3:8).

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money” (Titus 1:7).

The human obsession for money, according to the Bible, will be especially prevalent in the days preceding the return of Jesus Christ.

“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2).

Some have been blessed with much wealth and use that blessing to give to others, and, thus, they become co-workers with God, and God, consequently, blesses them so that they will give more.

But making money can become addictive. Some people have a knack for making money and, thus, Satan finds their weak spot. In fact, their success could be a satanic ploy to get them addicted, so that they become so consumed by financial success that they spend their time finding new ways to make money and spending time administering that money, at the expense of their spiritual life.

In one great religion, the rich have found a way to deal with this problem: they have a group within their religion that is employed by the rich to study and pray—on their behalf!

We, of course, know that we cannot do that. We cannot use mediators. We cannot pay someone to work out our salvation for us.

Some, through the years, have made money their idol, even though the returns were few. These are idol seekers. They strive in every way to make lots of money, but in vain. In so doing they leave God and their salvation behind, and in the end they end up having neither.

Let’s read again I Timothy 6:10.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

How, therefore, can you know if money is an idol? Be honest and answer the following questions.

1. Do you spend so much time making money, and administering it that you have no time for God?

2. Are you obsessed with money? Is that what always goes through our minds? Are you trying to create your own Kingdom on earth, by dreaming about big homes, property, wealth?

3. Do you resent having to pray and study the Bible, because it is time taken away from work and from making money?

2. Do you resent the Sabbath rest, and do you want it to end fast, so as to get back to making money?

3. Do you share as little as possible with others. Do you give as little as possible to the work of Jesus Christ and do you resent having to give?

4. Do you abstain from giving tithes, or do you resent having to give tithes and offerings?

These are signs to watch out for in this first form of idolatry.

2. ENTERTAINMENT

Another form of idolatry is entertainment. We all need a diversion. We all need to stop, at times, and be refreshed. Most of us enjoy getting in front of the tube and watch programs that are appealing to us.

For some people entertainment becomes their life. Some of our elderly find themselves watching a lot of TV, especially during long Winter months. After my father died, my mom used to tell me that TV is what kept her sane.

Entertainment is not a problem. The kind of entertainment we enjoy can be a big problem.

TV is not a problem — what we watch and what we  don’t do as a result of TV watching can be a problem.

If we are addicted to violent movies, that is a problem.

If we entertain ourselves with porno movies, that is a big problem

If we neglect studying our Bible, because we are busy watching TV, that is a problem. If we neglect praying, because we cannot miss TV program after TV program, that’s a problem.

The books we read can be a problem too. Are we heavy into romance novels? Why? What is the real reason?

I remember a church lady who devoured romance novels. It was an obsession. Romance novels can become a problem, not only if  they become a need but, especially, if we are attracted to pornographic kinds of novels.

Some of us use computers for altruistic reasons, others use them for selfish reasons.

Christian ministers have been warning people for years that computers — and, specifically, the Internet — can become a bottomless pit of addiction and self-destruction. Are we heeding the warning?

Travel can be a form of idolatry. Travel is exciting, stimulating, sometime refreshing. Travel, though can be very addictive—and travel agents and the travel industry know that very well.

How do we know that travel has become a problem? Again answer the following questions:

1. Do we get ourselves in large debts, so as to see a new country?

2. Do we compromise with our tithes and offerings, so as to travel?

3. Do we ignore saving for a rainy day, because we love to  travel?

4. Do we ignore saving for our old age, when can become a              financial burden for our children; again because we are too busy exploring different parts of the world?

If you answered yes to the above questions, travel may have become your idol.

3. WORK

Some of us have to work hard to tackle all our financial obligations. Some of us have both a full-time and a part-time job, so as to tackle our financial obligations. Some people simply love to work. Some simply love to accomplish. We know that some people are workaholics (work addicts).

How do we know that work has become an idol? There are clear signs:

We work very long hours, not because it is demanded, but because we love to work. We hate going home. We hate leisure. We hate social time. We love to accomplish.

Our family gets set aside and both the wife and children are often neglected. This can be true of successful women who neglect the husband and their children as well.

How do we know if work has become a spiritual problem?

1. We invest little or no time for prayer and Bible study.

2. We resent the Sabbath because it makes us stop.

3. We spend little quality time with our mate, children and parents.

3. Socializing is seen a big waste of time.

4. HOBBIES

Cars, motorcycles, collections of any kind. They can be wonderful and relaxing, but only if they don’t become an obsession. Do we neglect our duties to God and family because of hobbies? If so, they have become an idol.

5. KNOWLEDGE

There are people who crave knowledge. They study and study, but for the wrong reasons. Knowing is fine. Studying to be a competent worker or professional is necessary. Being curious is one of God’s great gifts. Craving to better understand the functioning of God’s creation is wonderful, if it leads to a deeper appreciation of God’s greatness. Studying history is a terrific exercise, if the aim is to better understand how society became the way it is today, and to see what Satan’s ways have produced through the ages.

God has given us a mind that wants to be filled, and it will be filled forever and ever, in the spiritual realm.

But knowledge can be a problem, if the motivation is wrong. If we study to feel superior to others, that is wrong. If we study to impress others, that is wrong as well.

Paul's warning that “Knowledge puffs up…” (I Cor. 8:1) remains just as valid today as it was when it was written nearly two thousand years ago.

Some people say: "I only have one obsession: Bible study. I study my Bible hours and hours a day." Others may say "I take one topic at a time and dig into it at great lengths." Is that not impressive?

Could Bible study be an idol? The answer is absolutely, yes! Bible Study has historically been some Christian’s greatest idols. Why? They study their Bible so much that other responsibilities are neglected. Their family suffers, studies suffer, work may suffer. They spend too much time studying things that are of little or no consequence, when it comes to God’s will or spiritual growth. They spend little or no time studying the Bible for self-analysis. They study to feel spiritually superior. They study to find new truths, revealed to them only. They do little or no praying. Prayer is not for them; Bible study is sufficient. They do little or no fasting, little or no serving—but they do much Bible study.

What kind of knowledge should Christians thirst for, first and foremost?

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9).

“…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Bible study, therefore, should be mostly intended to lead to spiritual growth. Bible study that leads to spiritual growth emphasizes growing in the knowledge of God's will, and growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ so as to follow His example. This kind of Bible study is definitely not idolatry.

6. PEOPLE

Can people be our idols? Which people in our lives can become an idol?

a. A boy-friend or a girl-friend. Too many young people who were dedicated and committed church kids, stop attending, when they meet the person of their dreams.

b. Family members. Many churches have wonderful examples of people who have taken their calling seriously. Some churches are filled with spiritual widows and widowers who faithfully serve God without a mate ever joining them. Many Christians came to the point where they chose between their mate and God, and their choice was God. Unfortunately, some don’t. Their mate becomes their idol and they end up choosing them over God.

c. Children. Can children be an idol? Yes!  Some people tend to invest their whole being into their children. Time, energy and money are invested in their children and God is left out of the picture.

It may start with the birth of a child. Children can be time consuming; in fact they can totally take over. It is very easy to justify setting God aside because of having little time. It is very easy to stop praying or studying, because there is too much to do.

Some suggestions for mothers with little children: pray first thing in the morning. Study your Bible when the baby is asleep. Listen to a Bible on CD's. Read a verse and meditate on it, even while doing chores.

d. Our Ego. One of the most ingrained, and most difficult idols that has destroyed the spiritual lives of many is hidden deeply in an area that is very difficult to explore. It is an area that is deep, dark and very well defended by a very powerful guard.

This idol is described by a word with only three letters. It is spelled, “EGO.”

In Latin it simply means “I” or "Me." It is a small word that represents for most the most important person in existence: Ourselves.

When we say that a person has a big Ego we mean that the person has an idol: Himself.

Psychologists have actually concluded that too much ego is a sign of mental illness. It is a disorder referred to as a "Character Disorder."

The specific term for people who have an inordinate amount of self-love is, “Narcissistic.” Such people idolize themselves.

Remember the definition? "Excessive admiration or veneration" and "blind infatuation." They love and admire themselves blindly, or to excess. They adore, pay homage to themselves. They have excessive and ardent devotion or admiration for themselves.

The symptoms of its presence are many, and they are, unfortunately, unseen by the person who has this form of idolatry.

The following are some of the symptoms of this kind of idolatry. These are the kind of thoughts and attitudes that invade and pollute such a mind.

“I am better than others.”

“I know more than others.”

“I am more competent that others.”

“I am more intelligent than others.”

“I am more knowledgeable than others.”

“I know my Bible more than others.”

“I give (time and or money) more than others.”

“I am more gentle and kind than others.”

“I am more forgiving than others.”

“I am more righteous and obedient than others.”

“I am more loved by God than others.”

This, of course produces a puffed up attitude, which is not always easy to see.

Such a person may think himself/herself to be very humble. In fact he/she may even be considered by others to be very humble. The problem with such people is that they don’t only have excessive admiration for themselves; they don’t just love and admire themselves blindly, or to excess; they don’t just adore, pay homage to themselves; they don’t just have excessive and ardent devotion or admiration for themselves. They crave for others to feel the same way about them, and they go to extremes to make it happen.

What do they do? Some are willing to sacrifice and play the part, and be all that others admire, so as to get their admiration. They will volunteer, they will serve—to appear servants. They will act humble—to appear humble. They will give abundantly, hoping that the ministry will see the cheque—so as to advertise their commitment. They will give, and serve and visit widows, etc. to create a name for themselves in the congregation. They may be exceptionally warm and welcoming, while at church, to again gain the admiration they crave and feel they deserve.

Who is really the focus of their efforts? Themselves.

Other symptoms of self-idolatry are related to the sacredness of idols. Idols are untouchable. They must be treated with utmost care. Such people are also untouchable, in the sense that they are very sensitive. They get hurt easily, because, in their eyes, they are special. How dare anyone touch their ego? They are fragile and must be treated with utmost care. People know this and are very circumspect around them, because they know of their sensitivities.

Such people are not easy to get along with. They have high expectations of themselves, and they have very high expectations of you and me, especially if their idolatry is based on their sense of ability and competence.

They have no patience with fools, and look down on most of humanity for being incompetent and dumb.

Such a person is usually tested when the idol — themselves — doesn’t get the recognition he/she feels he/she deserves. Then we got problems. In fact, such people can become unhappy, critical, cynical and bitter. Some may even get bitter with God, for not recognizing them, or for not inspiring the recognition. Some go to another church and start all over again. Some are so filled with themselves that they start their own church, so as to finally have the recognition they deserve.

They are not happy people, because self-worshippers cannot be happy. They get a temporary high from praise and success, but it’s short-lived. They crave more, and more, and they always feel empty inside.

JOSIAH: THE EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

Before concluding, I would like to take you again back to the Old Testament. In Ancient Israel we find a lot of idolatrous kings, and a few idol destroyers. I want to briefly remind you of an idol destroyer: Josiah.

"Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 The king went up to the house of the LORD, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and the Levites, and all the people, great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the LORD. 31 Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book. 32 And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel, and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD God of their fathers" (II Chronicles 34: 29-33).

Josiah was determined to get rid of anything that stood between Israel and God and did not cease until the mission was accomplished. We Christians must have the same attitude. We must seek and destroy.

HOW TO FIGHT IDOLATRY

The fight against idols is not easy. It starts with a recognition that we, too, could be idolatrous, without even realizing it.

King David was aware of the fact that the human mind is deceitful and, thus, prayed to God to open his mind to see.

" Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139: 23-24 KJV).

Once we come to see that we, too, have been idolatrous, we need to admit it to God, and we need to repent and ask for forgiveness.

But idols don't relent; insidious idols will not let go that easily. This leads to the battle phase which in many cases will not be won without God's help. To be successful we must draw close to God and be filled with the "Power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).

We must be determined to pray and study our Bibles regularly, and to make our spiritual life the top priority.

Paul said that he could do all things "through Christ" who strengthened him (Philippians 4:13 KVJ). He is the one we must turn to and rely on, and that fundamental truth must be chiselled in our hearts and minds.

If the idol is simply too tough to handle, then we must fast about it. Fasting is such a powerful tool that Jesus even warned His disciples that certain demons could not be cast out but by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:21).

Be it a habit; be it an addiction; be it an engrained sin; the tools for success are there, and they work, if our heart is right before God.

CONCLUSION

In this section, we have been reminded of the various forms of insidious idolatry that may be hindering our spiritual growth, or that may be separating us from God. Some of us may have become aware of something we never saw before. Some may have been reminded of something we already knew but have done nothing about.

Some of us may have done our best to block out parts or most of this section, to make sure our ego was well protected. The mind, being "deceitful above all things," does that very effectively.

We now have a choice: To follow Rachel’s example and hang on fiercely to our idols, or we can get rid of them from our lives—like Josiah.

The choice God has given us is to either hang on to, or to destroy our idols.

Therefore, let’s never forget the first great Commandment:

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

LET’S, THEREFORE, LOVE ONLY GOD WITH ALL OUR HEART, MIND AND STRENGTH, AND LET’S NOT ALLOW ANYTHING ELSE, BE IT WEALTH, OBJECTS, KNOWLEDGE, PEOPLE, OR OURSELVES, STAND BETWEEN US AND OUR FATHER.

6. WITCHCRAFT

INTRODUCTION

The occult is an old reality. No matter which culture of the past one explores, one will find that all of them practiced the black arts, and that such activities where popular, common, and that its practitioners, in many cases, were held in high regard.

Tapping into the unseen forces, and gaining power over the future and other people was something craved after, and the people who were believed to have such powers were looked up to with fear and great respect.

Has the popularity of witchcraft diminished over the centuries? Hard to say. Reliable statistics are hard to find, because of the secrecy that often accompanies witchcraft. Nonetheless, a visit to a book store tends to indicate that its popularity is quite high, as are New Age and Eastern religions.

The Bible tells us that witchcraft will be quite prevalent in the end times and that, in part, because of its prevalence and humanity’s stubborn attachment to it, God will greatly punish humanity, as we read in the book of Revelation.

"The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Rev. 9: 20-21).

In the end times, therefore, humanity will be greatly involved in witchcraft and will stubbornly refuse to let go of it.

In this section we will deal with witchcraft in depth, so as to help the reader become more aware of how Satan uses it as a tool to influence and harm humans, and especially young people.

WHAT IS WITCHCRAFT?

The Greek word for witchcraft is “Pharmakia.” It is a very interesting word in that it means both mind altering "drugs" as well as "sorcery." Vine’s Expository Dictionary tells us that it "primarily" means "the use of medicine, drugs and spells." In sorcery the use of drugs was generally accompanied by incantations, and appeals to occult powers.

The word involves connecting with, and relying on demonic forces to impress people and to enslave them.

We know for certain that a primary meaning of the word "Pharmakia" is witchcraft, because we have God’s strong pronouncements against it in both the Law and in the New Testament .

Let us, first of all, read the undeniable condemnations of witchcraft found in Deuteronomy.

"There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. 14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you" (Deuteronomy 18: 10- 14 NKJV).

Let’s analyze these verses in depth, so as to see how serious and how dangerous getting into the occult can be.

"Let no one be found among you:"

Even one is one too many.

“…who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”

All of these activities have to do with relying on the help of demons to predict and influence the present and the future.

GOD'S VIEW OF THE OCCULT

God sternly warned Israel that they were to steer away from such activities. Not doing so would have meant severe consequences.

But why would the God of love ever prohibit seemingly helpful and beneficial activities?

Firstly, because He, and only He, was to be their helper and, also, because evil beings do not give good things without long-term negative consequences.

One of the great writers of the past who understood this reality very well was Shakespeare. In the introduction to his masterpiece, Macbeth, we immediately meet the two main characters, Macbeth and Banquo, who, on the way back from a great and successful battle, are met by witches. The witches prophesy certain future events pertaining to both characters that totally take over  Macbeth's mind.

He is told that he would soon become lord of many more lands and that he would afterwards become king. Soon after the prophecy, he is met by the king's ambassador who announces to him that as a reward for his dedication and his success in war he would  also become lord of another part of the country.

Macbeth is elated. The witches are reliable. Banquo, his friend, who is more cautious and wise than Macbeth (and who reflects Shakespeare’s wisdom), warns him: “But oftentimes, to win us to our harm the instruments of darkness tells us truths win us with honest trifles to betray’s in deepest consequences” (Macbeth, Act 1:2).

Beware of evil spirits! He warns Macbeth, as they will, at times, tell you the truth and will give you, “trifles,” to get you hooked, but in the end there will be dire consequences.  And, in fact, the demons continued giving Macbeth success, but, in the end, destruction befell both him and his wife.

That warning from arguably the greatest playwright that ever lived stands firm: Beware humans: there are spirits out there who work through objects, or people who can show you wonders and will promise you great things. They are powerful and mesmerizing, and they have the ability to take over your life. They will amaze you at first; they will give you things that you desire, but the end result can be destructive for you and others.

What was God’s command in the Old Testament regarding people who get involved in such activities? Get involved and risk being stoned.

Saul, the first king of Israel, was one such rebel who turned to evil spirits for help and angered God greatly by doing so.

"Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.

4 The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”

“There is one in Endor,” they said.

8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.”

9 But the woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?”

10 Saul swore to her by the LORD, “As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this.”

11 Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?”

“Bring up Samuel,” he said.

12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!”

13 The king said to her, “Don’t be afraid. What do you see?”

The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.”

14 “What does he look like?” he asked.

“An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said.

Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.

15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”

“I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”

16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David" (1 Samuel 28:3-17).

The moral of the story?  People who reject God’s way may try to still tap into spiritual power by going to soothsayers. This is a sign of utter foolishness. It is like sealing one’s fate. The result will not be solutions or relief, but it is the last step into oblivion.

Has there been Christians who have left God and have fallen into witchcraft. I have no doubt that some have. Some have become atheists; no doubt others have gone into New Age movements, or some kind of demonic activity.

Some rebellious children of Christian parents have and will continue to dabble into the occult; some out of curiosity; some out of spite; some out of foolishness. Some have rejected their parents’ ways and have embraced a new god: Satan. The consequences are always the same: Self harm.

THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE OCCULT

As we move into the New Testament, we find that God's people have the same intolerant view of sorcery. They know that God’s attitude on the occult hasn't changed.

In exploring the subject in the  New Testament, three aspects stand out:

1. Witchcraft was very common in the Greco/Roman world.

2. Leaving witchcraft was a fundamental requirement for becoming a Christian.

3. Once baptized, Christians had to steer away from any form of sorcery ,and never again be involved in it.

In relation to point one, in early New Testament times, witchcraft was very common in the Mediterranean basin. In fact, in the book of Acts we come across not one but three magicians.

SIMON THE SORCERER

"Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me” (Acts 8:9-24).

What was the real motive that drove this man: Power. He just saw another opportunity to have power of a greater kind—and wanted it.

This is one of the major reasons why people go into sorcery: power—to feel more powerful and special than others.

"BAR JESUS" or "ELIMAS."

"The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.”

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord" (Acts 13:4-12).

In this example Paul summarizes eloquently what characterizes sorcery.

1. SORCERY IS DECEIT: “You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery.” This is what witchcraft is all about: Deceit. They often tell you that it is God Who gives them the power and that they only want to do good. They are fraudulent, not only because they practice a lie, but also because they often take advantage of others to make money, or to exercise control over them.

2. SORCERY IS FROM THE DEVIL: "You are a child of the devil." Getting involved in witchcraft makes a person a child of the Devil. Being involved in sorcery makes one Satan’s  possession.

3. SORCERY SEPARATES US FROM GOD: "…enemy of everything that is right."  By participating in such activities one becomes an enemy of righteousness—an enemy of God.

4. SORCERY IS A PERVERSION OF THE RIGHT WAY: "Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?” How?

a. It leads to the worship of a god—but not the true God.

b. Sorcery offers power that mesmerizes—and controls. The Holy Spirit leads us—it does not control us. Demons will finally take over — and they will control—totally!

c. From being ruler one becomes ruled by demons.

d. Rather than solving life’s problems, new, greater problems are created.

e. Rather than giving peace and life, they create turmoil and finally destruction.

THE YOUNG LADY WHO DIVINED

"Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her" (Acts 16:16).

Other translations specify that the spirit was a “familiar spirit.” Familiar spirits who are, supposedly, taught to be “family servants,” in reality control individuals and the family, as this example shows. They control— they are not controlled — as some believe.

The above, therefore, are the main reasons why new converts left magic behind. First of all, they understood that it involved Satan and demons. They also understood that leaving the occult behind was a critical part of true conversion.

THE MOST POWERFUL MAGICIAN OF ALL

In the end time, there will be the greatest magician of all; the greatest warlock of all times: The False Prophet.

The Apostle Paul described this very powerful being in advance in II Thessalonians 2: 2-12.

"Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

The Apostle John gives us more details about this being in the book of Revelation.

"Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men" (Revelation 13:11).

"Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet" (Revelation" 16:13).

"But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur" (Revelation 19:20).

The false Prophet’s power will be mind-boggling. He will deceive the nations and the nations will be in awe of him. His end? Destruction.

WHY THE ATTRACTION TO THE OCCULT?

The reasons are several. What follows are the main ones:

1. It is intriguing: Seeing supernatural things happen is very attractive.

2. It is appealing: Connecting to dead relatives is very appealing. Knowing that they are Ok is very reassuring, and the assurance that one may see them again is exciting.

3. It is empowering: Thinking that one may have power over the future and other people is magnetic.

4. It is elevating: People with low self-esteem may conclude that they are superior to others because of new-found powers.

5. It is thrilling, if bored: It can be something exciting and out of the ordinary.

Yet, it is extremely dangerous. Playing with the supernatural is one of the most dangerous activities there is.

TRUE EXAMPLES

Now let me share with you some examples of people who got involved in the supernatural and suffered severe consequences. The first two examples I have known personally; the last one is a witness from someone who warns others not to make the same mistake she made.

EXAMPLE 1: Satan takes over a family.

Many years ago, while ministering to some churches in a European country, I met a young man who wanted to become a Christian. When we met, the man looked and acted very tense, as if he had gone through a very unusual experiences. He had!

Rather than asking questions about salvation, he went immediately into a fascinating and troubling story about what he and his family had just gone through.

They were a normal family, he said: Two parents, several children in the late teens or early twenties. Everything was perfectly normal until Satan brought chaos in their family. At one point in time his youngest sister started using some toys which were supposed to connect her and her friends with the supernatural. They did.

They were able to communicate with spirits which, in time, joined the young lady and took residence in her home. Not long after, in fact, she started experiencing frightening moments during which these spirits would temporarily possess her and get her to do irrational things. The behavior that stayed with me was that while sitting in class she would suddenly lose control, and would hit the person who was sitting in front of her.

The mother, who was fairly weak psychologically, is the one they started working through the most. In fact, they would communicate with her, and pass messages on to the rest of the family through her. The main message was that they had been chosen to be saved from a coming worldwide catastrophe and that they would have been taken onto a spaceship, and that they would have been transported to another location so as to be protected. At first there was skepticism but the various manifestations convinced them that they were dealing with powerful, angelic beings.

Later on, they were told to distance themselves from friends and relatives, which they did. Finally, they were told to separate themselves from every one, because, if I remember well, the others were evil, and would have tried to interfere with their salvation. They, therefore, separated themselves fully and waited for further orders. At this point, the family was fully in the hands of these demons, except the father, who wanted nothing to do with the whole thing, but would not interfere.

The family was a slave to these angels for months. I believe that all except the father stopped working and waited cooped up inside the house. Assurances from the "angels" came that it was a matter of time and they would have been taken away. But time went by, and nothing happened.

After months of slavery, the salvation of the family came not from the sky, but from below. One day the young man who was relating the story to me was going through some objects in the basement and came across a Bible. He was moved to read it and came across passages that made him aware of demons, the supernatural and how it operates. Having realized that the beings that they had been dealing with were not angels but demons, he quickly went to work to save his family.

The mother immediately labeled him as an evil enemy who was probably possessed by demons, and tried to prevent him from freeing his brothers and sisters. His persistence paid off, though, and, as of that day he was speaking to me, he had been able to free everyone except his mother and his little sister.

Not long after, he was baptized and became one of our finest members. Thanks to his example, a sister and one or two brothers were converted as well.

How did the terrible nightmare begin? Simply by playing with seemingly harmless, supernatural-related objects.

EXAMPLE 2: Riches, with dire consequences.

I mentioned at the beginning that demons will give you something at first to get you hooked and, afterwards, they will add anguish.

The next story is that of someone I’ve known for a long time. She is a divorced woman with four children. After she left her abusive husband, she went to a witch who would  help her look into, and influence her future.

The witch told her that she would come across and marry a rich man. Not long after, she met an older man at an adult club. The man told her he was divorced, which was a lie, and that he was rich, which was true She became involved, but finally found out that he was married and had two boys.

Though married, she decided to stay with him anyways with the hope that he would finally leave his wife. In the meantime, he showered her with gifts, so as to have both her and his wife.

The witch, in the meantime, gave her powders she would insert in his shoes which were supposed to influence him to leave his family and move in with her. It worked. He finally left his family and continued his relationship with the woman.

As this relationship was evolving, the woman spent less and less time with her children, who spent more and more time with the wrong crowd. The smallest was taken over by her grandparents who were unable to stop the situation. The three older ones, now teenagers, at first got in trouble in and out of school; afterwards, they graduated to minor thefts, and then to bigger ones. Drugs were inevitable, and then selling drugs.

The home atmosphere became unbearable. The mother, encouraged by the prediction of the witch, finally left her kids to themselves and moved in with the man.

Today she is a rich woman. She is still not married to the man, but she has much in the way of material possessions. She drives a very expensive car and lives in a fancy house.

The witches’ prophecy came to pass—but at a cost. All her four children detest her. They do their best to use her to get money and when they can’t they punish her by rejecting and ignoring her.

All have been in serious trouble with the law. Some are drug addicts.

Remember Shakespeare’s warning through Banquo, in Macbeth? “But oftentimes, to win us to our harm the instruments of darkness tells us truths win us with honest trifles to betray’s in deepest consequences” (Macbeth, Act 1:2).

I have seen the woman in great despair. Yes, she has much, and yet she has nothing. She has money, a big car, a big house, and messed up children who hate her. In fact, at one point, she was terrified that her children, or son-in-law would have plotted to get rid of her, so as to get their hands on all her riches.

Her last summary statement to me has been, "I feel like a failure."

This has been Satan’s gift to her. "Every good and perfect gift is from the Lord." Every evil, and imperfect gift is from Satan.

EXAMPLE 3: From controller to controlled.

The last example is a witness from someone who was involved in the occult and is imploring all — young people in particular — to steer clear of the supernatural.

The title of her article is "Escape from the Power of the Ouija Board."

The woman who tells the story, retells how her involvement began when she was 18 when, out of boredom, she bought a Ouija board and started consulting it. Soon she found out that she could contact the spirit world through it, and began asking a lot of questions. The spirit who communicated with her soon told her “ that it loved me and I should let it direct the activities of my life so that my future would be secure and happy. We discussed life and love through the board. It kept promising happiness and security if I would listen and do what it said.”

While in college, the board became all consuming. She failed and returned home without a higher education. She got a full-time job, but her concentration was poor .

By the third year of her involvement, the demon started possessing her. She would have cursing bouts when the demon cursed Jesus through her.

The spirit became more aggressive and would fight for control of my voice. I would be talking and sometimes the spirit would speak. I had to control my every word and movement. My hands and arms moved overly fast sometimes. I could not sleep peacefully. The nightmares began of creatures chasing and laughing at me. ..I dreaded sleep.

Finally she asked God for help; she became a Christian and regained control over the situation. Her warning to all: Do not get involved with the spirit world! [viii]

The moral of the story: Demons are alive and well on planet earth—and they are very active. Our culture is actually co-operating with them, by making light of the supernatural and by desensitizing our young people to it. Books and movies of children using magic powers for good are Satan’s number one tool for stirring up curiosity in young people and emboldening them to try activities that can lead to demonic possession.

Young people need to understand that there is no "white" magic. There is no magic that will help people. If it does, it’s temporary. The message that there is good magic out there is a huge dangerous lie from the father of lies: Satan.

If you have dabbled in anything magical, please stop before it’s too late! God loves you and that is why he told you thousands of years ago in His Word to stay away from activities involving the supernatural.

“…one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD” (Deut. 10-1014).

And they should be abominations to every one of us as well.

CONCLUSION

In the end times, demonic supernatural activities will abound, and the people of the world will refuse to let go of them and the end result will be catastrophic for most of humanity. Witchcraft is a work of the flesh. Getting involved in it means getting involved with the evil side. It means serious consequences in the short and long term.

Let’s stay away from witchcraft, therefore. Let’s be on guard to keep our children away from all manifestations of the occult. Let’s discourage any interest in the evil side, even when it seems innocuous; and let’s be very diligent to keep demons out of our lives, and out of

7. HATRED

INTRODUCTION

In this section I would like to address the seventh Work of the flesh — a Work that has caused much turmoil and anguish for humanity for thousands of years: Hatred.

Hatred is behind family friction, conflicts with neighbors and fellow workers, national turmoil, ethnic strife, religious wars and international catastrophes. It is hatred that yearly kills millions in acts of vengeance, and it is hatred that led to hundreds of millions of deaths in devastating wars throughout time.

Hatred is a Work of the Flesh. Hatred is what drives Satan and his demons. Hatred is what drives the multitudes of the nations. Hatred is what is pulling great numbers of families apart around the globe.

CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE

From the beginning, God made his perspective clear in regards to hatred:

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason with your neighbor, lest you bear sin because of him” (Leviticus 19:17).

Hatred originates and hides in the heart. God commands that feelings of hatred must not be allowed to enter into our hearts and that they must be driven out.

In Proverbs 10:12 we find that "hatred stirs up strife," that is hatred invariably leads to conflict, if not addressed.

Proverbs 10:18 tells us that, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who utters slander is a fool."

The above scripture tells us that hatred can be out in the open or well hidden. Some people hate, but act the part and hide their true feelings. Others act on their hatred by spreading slander. Their hatred is obvious by the venom they spread about others.

In this section, we will take a close look at hatred. We will, first of all, look at the causes. We will then look at God’s expectations in regards to how we deal with others. Finally, we will try to look at ways of addressing strong feelings of resentment that can lead to hatred and bitterness.

THE CAUSES OF HATRED

The causes of hated are several. In this section, will discuss seven.

1. Jealousy/envy

Jealousy and envy can lurk in the innermost parts of our being. No human being can say that they have been free of these feelings. They are there and they can easily surface, and cloud our thinking.

Envy has been around a long time. Satan may very well have been the first to feel jealousy and envy, and to nurture them to the point of hatred. Clearly, you don’t try to dethrone your Creator without a level of hatred. Satan was extremely envious of God and all He stood for, and hated Him. In time he wished Him dead, though it was not possible. Jesus Christ confirms this reality for us in the Gospels.

"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning...” (John 8:44).

Satan also wished the first two humans dead, and did his best to get them to sin, so as to inherit the death penalty.

Satan’s spirit of envy was then inherited by Cain, who because of envy killed his own brother.

Envy is a very powerful emotion. Uncontrolled, it will lead to resentment and hatred and, finally, and potentially, even very evil actions.

2. Humiliations

Have we ever experienced humiliation? All of us have. It is a painful experience. It is the kind of experience that is hard to forget — especially if it’s unjust. Some never forget. Some store it away, until they finally find the opportunity to get even.

Why does Satan hate God now more than at the beginning? In part because he was humiliated by God before all the angels. Satan was, and is a very proud being. When he lost the angelic war, he was humiliated before all the angels and was cast out and thrown onto the earth. Satan has never forgotten that, and is filled with hatred toward God, and His children more than ever before.

Another example is that of Saul and David. Saul’s hatred toward David began with a public humiliation.

"When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day, and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his girdle. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

6 As they were coming home, when David returned from slaying the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with timbrels, with songs of joy, and with instruments[[a]] of music. 7 And the women sang to one another as they made merry,

“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”

8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him; he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

10 And on the morrow an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; 11 and Saul cast the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice (1 Samuel 18: 1-11).

Thus, humiliation is a force that we must be on guard of. It is a force that can and does lead to hatred, and we must be watchful to prevent it from polluting our minds.

3. Feeling betrayed

Have we ever felt betrayed? Usually when betrayal takes place, it is most painful, especially when we are betrayed by someone we trusted, such as a close friend. I have been betrayed a few times by people in whom I invested much energy and time; people whom I respected and trusted. Finding out that I had been wrong, and that my sacrifices where being repaid with evil was, in some cases, very painful. That realization can lead to anger and bitterness.

One such example is Saul feeling betrayed by own son and his shocking attempt to kill him.

"So David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food. 25 The king sat upon his seat, as at other times, upon the seat by the wall; Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty.

26 Yet Saul did not say anything that day; for he thought, “Something has befallen him; he is not clean, surely he is not clean.” 27 But on the second day, the morrow after the new moon, David’s place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” 28 Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem; 29 he said, ‘Let me go; for our family holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away, and see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.”

30 Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and fetch him to me, for he shall surely die.” 32 Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” 33 But Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death" (I Samuel 20: 24-33).

Have we ever felt betrayed? Have we ever invested much time, energy, trust in a person only to find out that the person was  backstabbing us? It has happened many times.

Trust is a precious commodity. When we offer our trust, we have given another person one of the most precious thing we have. When trust is betrayed, the emotions of resentment and hatred can be overwhelming.

4. Feeling used

This is a special kind of reaction. This is based on the realization that someone we trusted was actually intentionally using us for his or her selfish reasons. It is the realization that a trusted person had been playing a game to gain something from us and that we were nothing but tools in their hands.

The realization can be traumatic and devastating. The result can be an eruption of powerful feelings, and intense anger and hatred.

5. A seriously hurt self-esteem

Our self-esteem is our sense of self worth. We all want to believe that we have worth. On rare occasions, someone comes along; someone who shatters our self worth and leaves it in pieces. The result can be outward, or hidden hatred.

We find one such example in Genesis 39:14-20.

"Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Pot′i-phar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ish′maelites who had brought him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian, 3 and his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge; and having him he had no concern for anything but the food which he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome and good-looking. 7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Lo, having me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand; 9 he is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife; how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” 10 And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and got out of the house. 13 And when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had fled out of the house, 14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to insult us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice; 15 and when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me, and fled and got out of the house.” 16 Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came home, 17 and she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to insult me; 18 but as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me, and fled out of the house.”

19 When his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison" (Genesis 39:1-20).

This Egyptian woman had a very healthy self-esteem. She probably was a very good-looking woman—and she knew it. She most probably had attracted the attention of many men, and had loved it. She may have cheated on her husband before. Suddenly this Hebrew man comes along and rejects her offer—he rejects "her!" He hadn’t tried to seduce her. She willingly offered herself–and he had the gull to do the unthinkable: refuse "her." Her self-esteem must have been pierced and greatly deflated. "How dare he? How dare he puncture my ego?"

The result? Resentment, anger, bitterness—and a strong craving for revenge. The rest is history.

Has our ego been punctured lately? Have we felt deflated? Have we been put down directly or indirectly? Has someone said something to us that severely deflated our ego? What have we done with those feelings? Are they seething inside our minds? Are they begging for revenge?

6. Feeling cheated

Some of us, at times have felt cheated and slighted. In some cases, we may have worked extremely hard. We may have worked extremely hard for years. Others around us may have taken the easy way; they may have put out a fraction of our effort. They reserved no recognition and, yet, guess who got the recognition? This is a "tough-to-take" trial and the feelings of resentment can last for years.

"In Genesis 27 we read about Jacob and his mother cheating Esau of his blessings. Jacob deceives his father by making it seem that he was his brother Esau and Jacob, being old and blind blesses him. Esau finds out that he’s been cheated and becomes extremely angry. Realizing this, Jacob Flees to Laban. Esau held a grudge against Jacob, because of the blessing his father had given him. Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob’" (Gen. 27:41).

And he meant it!

In the past, some Christians have been lied to; a few have been cheated by false brethren; maybe some of you readers may gone through this very unfortunate experience.

It has been reported in the news that cunning swindlers believe that Christians are some of the most trusting people on earth. Crooks, in fact, every year swindle Christians of tens of millions of dollars. They usually work their way into a congregation; they become seemingly committed, caring Christians; they join the choir; they make sizeable contributions to the church; they earn the trust of the pastor and then they unfold their plan: "Investments." Fool-proof investments, and a portion of the gains will go to the church. Of course the person ends up ripping off several church members—and then disappears. How do these people feel afterwards?

Others lend large quantities of money to a Christian brother without legal documents—and the money is never returned. Someone I know personally lent a large sum to someone he had known and trusted for years, and did not get a legal document. The supposed brother didn’t pay him back and left the church. The result? Anger and bitterness.

7. Competition

This is another cause that emerges on occasion and is best seen in Acts 19.

"Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedo′nia and Acha′ia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedo′nia two of his helpers, Timothy and Eras′tus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 About that time there arose no little stir concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Deme′trius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Ar′temis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable company of people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Ar′temis may count for nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 When they heard this they were enraged, and cried out, “Great is Ar′temis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion; and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Ga′ius and Aristar′chus, Macedo′nians who were Paul’s companions in travel (Acts 19:21-29).

Competition, and the threat of being overpowered or replaced by someone else, is another source of friction and hatred that can overpower, and that we must be in the lookout for.

What about us? Are we in competition with someone in or out of the church? It could be about a position; it could be about material possessions; it could be about a person. This has and can lead to resentment is us as well.

DO WE HAVE HATRED IN US?

Hatred, as we have seen, can originate in various ways. We need to be aware of these factors as we, too, are not immune to the possibility of resentment and hatred.

But what can we do about dealing with feelings of resentment and hatred? What can we do if resentment or hatred is already in our heart?

For the next part of this section, I would like to remind the reader of some key points that might help us in this challenging area.

HATRED IS DEADLY TO OURSELVES, IF WE

HARBOUR IT

Galatians 5:21 warns us that people who harbor hatred "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Plain and simple. It’s that serious.

The Apostle John stresses the same warning as Paul.

“He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still” (1 John 2:9).

“If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (I John 4:20).

“But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (I John 2:11).

“Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (I John 3:15).

Hatred is, therefore, a great danger, and all Christians must be free of its poison or risk losing it all.

BEFORE HATRED OFTEN COMES RESENTMENT

Resentment is a warning sign. Dealing with resentment is much easier than dealing with the next stage, which is bitterness and hatred.

Feelings of resentment may be understandable. People may have wronged us, and it’s not our imagination. We may have been hurt; we may have been betrayed; we may have been treated unkindly and unfairly—and we are not imagining it. We may have the right to be upset, and resentment may have an understandable cause. Yet for us Christians resentment is the warning signal that we could be moving toward trouble—very serious trouble.

What are the warning signs that resentment is becoming a serious problem?

a. If it’s all consuming. If it’s with us and it’s difficult to let go of it. If we are constantly thinking about what the other person has done to us, and we have trouble letting go. In other words, if it becomes an obsession.

b. If the feelings of anger are not decreasing and might actually be on the increase, though a significant amount of time has elapsed.

c. If we have trouble praying for the person who harmed us. In fact, that is the certain way to know if we have moved into bitterness or hatred. We simply refuse to pray for the other person.

d. If we look forward to seeing something evil happen to the other person. This may be unspoken; it may be unstated, but it’s a hidden wish. It’s so easy to wish that the other person pay. It’s so human to desire that justice be rendered—our way. But God who knows all the facts and sees what we don’t see, and knows what we don’t know; who wants what is best for all, may not respond our way. In fact, if we desire retribution a bit too much, God will have to deal with two problems: Them and us, and He may have to correct us as well.

e. If we take pleasure and feel good inside when something painful happens to the other person. This is carnal and not from God. If we love our enemy, we certainly won’t celebrate when something bad happens to the other person. In fact we, if we are truly converted Christians, ought to feel sorry for the other person and hope that the pain they are suffering will bring them to a state of repentance.

If some, or all of these symptoms are there, then there is much to worry about. In fact they are signs that Satan has done his job and has done it well; not just in the offending party but in the offended party as well.

Satan is so cunning that he can actually transform the innocent party—the party that has received the harm—into a hating, bitter person who could lose his or her spiritual salvation, even though they are the recipients of the offence.

SATAN USES OFFENSES TO SPIRITUALLY KNOCK OUT SEVERAL PEOPLE AT A TIME

All that Satan needs is one or more human being in our lives that he can manipulate to create one of the causes listed above and one, or several people, can be poisoned with resentment and anger.

All he needs is one member, one deacon, one minister, to offend us, or humiliate us and, if we don’t watch it, the job is done.

When the Apostle Paul said that “in many things we offend many,” he was including himself in the group. In fact, I am certain that, without wanting to, even the Apostle Paul may have offended others. In fact, it is possible, that he may even apologized on occasion. Ministers can and have offended members without wanting to. Members have offended ministers, without wanting to. Sometimes words can add salt to a long-standing wound and can create greater pain. Satan loves all this, because out of it he can kill many birds with one stone.

Offences are the stone that can kill multiple people. One stone thrown by Satan at the right time, and at the right person can actually lead to multiple spiritual deaths.

The Apostle Paul knew full well about this reality and warned us.

“See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” spring up and cause trouble, and by it the many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15).

It is very important that we understand this Scripture. Let’s, therefore, analyze it closely.

“Looking carefully.” Be very attentive, for this is a very important warning. In fact, this is a life or death warning because, as the Scripture adds, we may “fall short of the grace of God.” In other words, we may compromise our salvation. How? Because a "root of bitterness" might rise among you, or in you. Not just any root—a poisonous root.

“And by this many can be defiled” And because of this, many can be poisoned.

All you need is one person: A friend, a relative, someone we hold in high esteem to spew out poison about other members, or about the ministry and many can be poisoned.

Consider bowling. One need not hit all the pins at once, to throw down all the pins; one only need hit one or two pins and all the others will be pushed down and fall.

Satan works the same way. He is always looking for someone in  congregations who is weak, who can be the first pin, who can push down as many other pins (members) as possible. And he has succeeded all too many times.

How many families have left churches together, because of shared bitterness? How many friends have left churches together, again because of shared bitterness? Way too many.

JESUS’ SOLUTIONS

Jesus Christ knew that Satan would have used this very effective weapon and made sure that his brothers and sisters would receive the appropriate antidote. It is found in Matthew 5:44.

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

"Love your enemies." This is a huge task that the carnal human mind cannot comprehend. In fact, it is humanly very hard to do.

In some cases it will take a great intervention on God’s part to give us love toward someone that has done us much harm. It will take the love of God. It will take a miracle.

It will also take another Divine intervention to fulfill the next verse.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 KJV).

How can we “bless” people that speak evil of us? How can we ever “do good” to those that hate us? How can we ever pray for them that “Despitefully” use us and “persecute” us? This must be the result of God`s power working in us. There is no other way.  And “nothing is impossible for God” (Matthew 19:26).

But in dealing with enemies we also need to be imbued with wisdom. We, thus, ask God to give us wisdom, lest we add to greater problems. Therefore, by using God’s wisdom we do good to the enemy in a way that is appropriate, and will not add fuel to the fire, but will help to pour water on the fire.

In some cases, the wise thing to do is to simply stay away, and we do good to the person simply by praying for them, especially that they become aware of their destructive ways.

All of these actions are very hard to do. In some situations, the harm done is so great that it is impossible to do. That is why I wrote, "it takes a miracle." This miracle must come from God. This miracle will only take place with abundant prayer and fasting and, of course, Bible study.

When we are hurt terribly by an insensitive, calloused, mean individual; especially one that we may have trusted and loved, it is very easy to seek justice. If justice does not occur on our time, or in our way, we may become disillusioned with God, and we may pray less or we may stop praying altogether.

In so doing, we will open the door to Satan who will gladly  come in and rule our minds. When this happens, bitterness and anger will multiply. What follows is ever-increasing hatred and, finally, a wish for revenge which may even translate in actions of revenge.

Thus it is critical that during such times we fight back with more prayer and more fasting. It is critical that we resist Satan so that “he will flee from us” (James 4:7).

How have we handled resentment in the past? Have we felt hatred toward someone? Are we feeling such feelings today?

Have we handled the feelings God’s way or Satan’s way?

CONCLUSION

Before our Christian conversion, we acted and reacted like all other human beings. We offended, and were offended. We were hated, and hated others in return. Paul summarizes this reality in his epistle to Titus.

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another" (Titus 3:3).

This is how we were. This is not how we must be today. We must be totally different; we must be like Jesus Christ who even loved those who put him on a cross.

In conclusion, hatred is a powerful and destructive mental state. It has several causes, but it always leads to terrible consequences.

To fight it, we must use spiritual weapons and not wait for the situation to get out of hand. When we are being abused, mistreated, betrayed and stepped on, it’s time to pray more and fast more so as to have power we don’t have, to do what otherwise is nearly impossible to do: To love those who hate us.

It is a daunting task, but it is possible, but only with God’s help.

8. VARIANCE

INTRODUCTION

Among the Works of the Flesh mentioned in Galatians 5, "Variance" is a work that leaves many perplexed. What does "Variance" refer to? Once again, we will see that, once analyzed in depth, the term is very rich in meaning.

"Variance" is the translation of the Greek word, "Eris."  What is the meaning of the Greek word, "Eris"? Different translations offer various words, but the essence is the same

The KJV translates it: “Variance.”

The NKJV: “Contentions.”

The ASV: “Strife.”

The NIV: “Discord.”

The New Living Translation: “Quarreling.

The Amplified Bible: "Divisions" (dissensions).

Clearly, in looking at the various translations, one can quickly see that the essence of the word "Eris" is simply "strife" and "contentions."

The world is full of strife, quarrels, rivalry and wrangling. This Work of the Flesh abounds. At times, unfortunately, it is found in Christian communities as well. Yet we Christians should be totally at peace with one another. But are we?  We should have total harmony within each congregation. But do we?

THE CAUSES OF VARIANCE

What are some of the major causes of contentions within Christian groups? Let's look at some of the main ones in detail.

CAUSE 1: TRYING TO IMPLEMENT A BETTER WAY OF DOING THINGS

In the book of Acts we read about the birth of the Christian Church. Some Jewish converts assumed that since Gentiles had accepted the Jewish God they also had to also accept all the the Jewish ways, as listed in the Torah. Thus they had to be circumcised and they had to keep the whole Law.

"And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question" (Acts 15:1-2).

Sometimes we do have situations in Christian churches where there is a level of intense discussion, because people sincerely believe that there is a better way of doing things. These people do not have ulterior motives and the problem gets finally sorted out. If the right attitude does not exist, things will deteriorate. While addressing the above issue issue, as we will see later, some converts did not have the right motives and the situation did deteriorate.

CAUSE 2: BLAMING

Problems occur. Situations happen when things may not go as expected. In such cases, there is a tendency in humans to look for a culprit. Sometimes we rush into judgment and hastily point fingers. This can lead to much resentment and friction, as shown in the following biblical example.

" when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!

2 And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, 'Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?'” (Genesis 30: 1-2).

As in Jacob’s case, blaming can cause much resentment, anger and turmoil.

CAUSE 3: BELIEVING THAT WE KNOW BETTER THAN OTHERS

In this kind of situation, the problem is not what is being offered to the church, but the attitude and the motive behind it. The true motive is not offering a better alternative, but asserting one’s wisdom and superiority. Such a person knows and knows that he knows that his way is better, and, thus, he tries to force his way upon others. This, of course, will lead to friction, frustration and, potentially, even divisions.

CAUSE 4: LUST FOR MONEY

The motivation in this kind of situation is hidden, but it is monetary gain. The people involved will never admit it, but that is the motive. Some people cause discontent in the congregation, because they want a following, so as to be supported financially by them. To accomplish this, they cause division and discontent with the long-term aim of getting tithe-paying people to follow them.

"…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain" (Titus 1:9-1).

“Dishonest gain” was the real motive behind their actions, though they put forth all sorts of other wonderful and noble-sounding motives.

CAUSE 5: A CRAVING TO BE IMPORTANT

The main motive in this group is not money but a need to feel important—to be the centre of attention. Paul warned about this possibility in Acts chapter 20.

"From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves" (Acts 20:17-18, 28-30).

These types of leaders simply want a following. They have a need to be Big Chief, and they sow discord so as to get a following.

CAUSE 6: AN ARROGANT SPIRIT

Some people cause divisions in the church, because of their arrogant spirit. The sign that they have entered this stage is the fact that they become harsh and mean toward others who do not agree with them and, especially, the church leadership. Diotrephes was one such example.

"We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church" (3 John 1:8-10).

It took a tremendous amount of arrogance to speak evil of God’s Apostle. Some do that today. They speak evil of ministers creating accusations that are often fabricated. That is arrogance. That is very serious and spiritually dangerous business.

CAUSE 7: A CONTENTIOUS TEMPERAMENT

Some people are contentious by nature. They easily get into arguments and they easily become contrary.

“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Proverbs 26:21).

Do we tend to have a contentious spirit? Are we so reactive that we are always looking for any reason to get into an argument? We do have such people among us, at times, and they become a source of unnecessary tension within the congregation; tension Christian churches definitely do not need.

CAUSE 8: DISLIKE FOR AUTHORITY

This is a major cause of contentions in Christian churches. There are cultures that teach respect for authority and some where authority is resented. In North America, we live in a culture where authority is not often respected. This is an old problem; it’s part of human nature. We see this problem all the way back to the Exodus when Aaron and Miriam expressed resentment towards their brother Moses' authority.

" Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 So they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?”(Numbers 12:1-2).

Some people have an ingrained resentment toward anyone who holds authority. They are the independent types who often float from group to group, and find no rest. There are people who hate structure, and any authority over them. They will gladly float around as "independents." They will gather together in meetings where they can find a forum for their ideas. They will be a part of anything that allows them to keep their independence, but they will not be a part of anything that has any form of leadership. Why? The following scripture explains:

“…and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries” (2 Peter 2:10).

They “despise” government; they are "self-willed." And yet they want to be a part of a Kingdom which will have lots of authority that they will have to submit to. But will they? If we cannot submit now to a limited amount of Church government, how can we submit later to God's total government?

Some say, “I will submit to God, but not to men.” If the problem is that they despise government, would they really submit to God’s government? Probably not.

CAUSE 9: SPREADING RUMOURS AND REVEALING PRIVATE MATTERS

This is a very effective and evil way of causing hurt and division within the church, which the Scriptures warn against.

“A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” (Proverbs 11:13).

“He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends” (Proverbs 17:9).

Do we spread rumors in the church? Are we spreading private information? When someone talks to us in confidence, are we hasty to pass it on to others? If we do, we could become tools in Satan’s hands to contribute to conflict and division.

CAUSE 10: CRUSADING FOR DOCTRINAL PERFECTION

Such people tend to have an Old Testament “prophet” complex. They believe that they have been chosen by God to "cry aloud and spare not and show my people their imperfections." Of course, these imperfections are usually doctrinal. Such people stumble across a new doctrine, thinking that no one has ever seen it before, and go on a crusade to correct the church. When the leadership does not accept it, they try to get at least a few others to follow. This ends up causing division, suspicion, tension and, at times, conflict. But Paul warns us:

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3: 9).

We Christians must stick to the trunk of the tree, and we must stop looking for small doctrinal points that are of help to no one.

CAUSE 11: CARNALITY, OR LACK OF LOVE

A person who is not close to God will become very self-centered and will be a perfect tool in Satan’s hands to cause many problems and much contention in a congregation. Carnality is the heart of the problem. The spirit of Satan takes over and the results are friction and division.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?”(James 4:1).

Now let’s look at the classic example of a church in turmoil where much of what we discussed so far is more than evident.

THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH: WHERE

"VARIANCE" RULED

The Corinthian church was perhaps the greatest challenge that Paul had to face, when it came to church challenges. The problem within that church were many and shocking.

"I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chlo′e’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apol′los,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1: 10-13).

Why would these Christians ever insist on associating themselves with big names in the church? EGO. What they were trying to say was simply, "I belong to a very special group;" "I am better than you." What they were trying to do is simply elevate themselves over the rest.

"But I, brethren, could not address you as spiritual men, but as men of the flesh, as babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food; for you were not ready for it; and even yet you are not ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving like ordinary men?" (I Corinthians 3:1-3).

The Corinthians were carnal to the core. They were filled with envy which led to strife and divisions. But there was more.

"It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you" (I Cor. 5: 1-2).

Were they all in agreement on how the situation was being handled? Clearly not, because they of Chloe’s household reported the matter to Paul. They may have even tried to do something about it. It may have led to a heated discussion but, if so, the majority clearly silenced the minority who then appealed to Paul.

This divisive situation was caused by spiritual pride. They probably said that they were free from the Law and, thus, they had to be "tolerant" and "understanding." Maybe some suggested that the man needed time to recognize his sin. He needed help and compassion— but Paul did not agree!

But there is more:

"When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1).

Some members of the Corinthian church were taking each other to court. Christians were taking other Christians to court. Unthinkable, but true!

And yet there is more:

"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?" (I Corinthians 9:1-7).

Some people in Corinth may have organized themselves into a "make-ministers-work" club. They were arrogantly criticizing the ministry (Paul in particular), because they were receiving financial support. Clearly, some must have disagreed with them and this may have led to division as well.

“Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it” (I Cor. 11: 17-18).

When they gathered for services, they gathered around their faction criticizing the other groups.

PAUL'S STUNNING SOLUTION

The apostle Paul was quite perturbed by what was transpiring in Corinth. There had to be major changes, and went on to write some of the most loved verses in the Bible, which are the sure solution to all the contentions that ravaged the Corinthian church.

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts" (I Corinthans 12: 12-26).

Paul proceeds to tell them what they should crave instead of position and importance; the kind of attitudes they should be saturated with, instead of bickering over things that create friction and divisions. And, thus, we enter some of the most beautiful, precious, transforming verses in the whole Bible.

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing" (I Corinthians 13:1-3).

Love is the solution—Agape love; the love given to us by God. It was the solution to the many problems that afflicted the Corinthians, and it remains the solution to what afflicts many churches today. Let’s look at Agape love in detail.

Verse 4:  “Love suffers long and is kind.”

Love can take a lot of mistreatment, a lot of offences. Love reacts with kindness, even toward the ones who do not deserve it.

“Love does not envy.”

Envy is a sign of carnality. It is a statement that one wants more than just the opportunity to love and to serve. It wants power, glory and control over others. It resents what others have and is angered by others’ successes. Love, instead, rejoices at the success of others, and does not resent it.

“Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.”

Love does not want to be the centre of attention; does not give sermons and sermonettes to show off one’s wisdom and knowledge; does not serve, so as to show one’s humility to the congregation, and does not feel or acts superior to others.

Verse 5: “Does not behave rudely.”

Acting rudely is a sign of disrespect toward others and a sign that we might look down upon others.

(Love) “does not seek its own”

It is not motivated by selfish motives. It does not crave power and position.

(Love) “is not provoked”

Does not get upset easily over little things.

(Love) “Thinks no evil.”

It is not quick to assign blame or evil intent.

Verse 6: “Does not rejoice in iniquity”

Agape hates evil in all forms but, most of all, hates creating situations where friction ensues. Such a person loves peace and harmony.

“but rejoices in the truth”

Rejoices in telling the truth, and only the truth, and in being around truthful and honest people.

Verse 7: “Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Love is very longsuffering, believes all that comes from God (not humans) and is willing to suffer and endure any trial.

Verse 8: “Love never fails.”

One can never go wrong by framing one's life with Agape love. The above love-based principles will never fail.

"But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these — is love" (I Corinthians 13: 8-13).

ABRAHAM’S SUPREME EXAMPLE

Abraham, "The father of the faithful," hated friction and division and, from the beginning, he set the right example for us to follow.

In Genesis 13 we find that Abraham and Lot's servants are in conflict. Abraham offers a solution.

“So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren” (Genesis 13:8).

Matthew Henry offers the following profound commentary:

The attempt to stay this strife was made by Abram, although he was the elder and the greater man. Abram shows himself to be a man of cool spirit, that had the command of his passion, and knew how to turn away wrath by a soft answer. Those that would keep the peace, must never render railing for railing…he was willing to beseech even his inferior to be at peace. Whatever others are for, the people of God must be for peace. Abram's plea for peace was very powerful. Let the people of the land contend about trifles; but let not us fall out, who know better things, and look for a better country (Emphasis mine).[ix]

CONCLUSION

The causes of contentions are many. They afflict this world of ours, but they should not afflict God’s people. Wanting to assert oneself, one’s ideas, one’s agenda will only lead to friction and turmoil. Spreading rumors will only divide. Selfish motives can only steal peace and harmony from the body of Christ.

Do we want to be slaves to the Works of the Flesh? Do we want to be tools in Satan’s hands? Or do we want to be Love givers, peace makers, harmony creator—stools in God’s hands?

I hope the study of this Work of the Flesh will help us to self-analyze and to bring about changes in our attitude, if we have discovered some spots that need cleaning.

Let’s, therefore, add peace to the body of Christ, fellow Christians. Let’s never add to contention, but only to harmony.

9. EMULATIONS

INTRODUCTION

This section on the Works of the Flesh will deal with a puzzling Work that requires a fair amount of analysis to understand.

The Kings James Version translates this Work of the Flesh as “Emulations.”

The New King James Version, The American Standard Version and The New International Version translate it as “Jealousies.”

The Greek word used by Paul is “Parazeloo.”

To fully understand the richness of the word we must go further into the original Greek meaning.

The word “Parazeloo” is made up of two words: Para and zeloo. "Para" is a root word which may mean, “from, of, at, by, besides, near.” Simply put, it means that which relates to, or is connected to.

The word "Zeloo," according to Strongs Concordance means: “To have warmth of feeling for and against. To covet earnestly, to have desire, to be moved with envy, to be moved with desire, to be jealous over, and to be zealous over.”

The primary meaning according to Thayer Lexicon is “Zeal, ardor in embracing, pursuing or defending anything.”

In other words the main essence of the word is to have intense zeal toward something.

In fact, the word “Zeloo” derives from the other Greek word “Zelos” from which our English word “zeal” derives.

Of course, we can have positive or negative zeal toward something. Because Paul mentions it as a work of the flesh, it must have a negative connotation. To understand the meaning intended by Paul, we must see its use elsewhere in the New Testament.

“Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, 'I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding'” (Romans 10:19).

It was prophesied by Moses that God would have finally called Gentiles, while temporarily putting on hold His involvement with Israel. One of the reasons God would focus on Gentiles was to provoke Israel to jealousy and to anger (To parazeloo them).

Why? This is explained in the next chapter:

“In the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them” (Romans 11:14).

This kind of provocation would have created jealousy and anger in some Jews (and it did), and conversion in others.

Thus, in this example, “Parazeloo” was to be something positive for some Israelites and something not-so-positive for most Jews who would simply stop at the anger level and not go any further.

The word is again used in 1 Corinthians 10. The context is eating foods.

"Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 19 Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse (parazeloo) the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?(I Corinthians 10:18-22).

Paul is saying that Christians should steer away from activities relating to idolatry, so as not to “parazeloo” God; that is, so as not to “provoke” him to negative zeal which would lead to negative consequences.

It should be clear, therefore, that parazeloo can refer to positive provocations, which can bring about positive results, or negative provocations, which can bring about negative results.

Clearly Paul did not have the positive in mind, when he used parazeloo as one of the Works of the Flesh. The meaning intended by Paul, therefore, has to be “provoking to negative zeal.”

When we, therefore, parazeloo others, we may provoke them negatively, or we may provoke them positively. We can also parazeloo God. That is, we can provoke God to act with zeal against us, which is something to steer away from, as the consequences can be quite negative.

How can we, therefor, simplify the meaning of the word?

Parazeloo, when used in a negative sense, means, essentially, to be a bad apple.

A bad apple was a good apple. In time. it became a bad apple. Bad apples are innocuous, if they are kept away from good apples. If they are beside good apples, the good apples will be infected and will become rotten.

The infection gets effectively passed on to the other apples, which in turn pass their infection to other good apples. And they do so zealously. That becomes their new job: To infect as many other apples as possible.

PARAZELOO BACK IN TIME

How and when did Parazeloo start back in time? The first example is Lucifer and the angels he succeeded in stirring to negative zeal.

It all began with him. He became unhappy with the heavenly status-quo and decided to change things violently. But to reach his aims he had to Parazeloo others—many others. And he did. He was able to provoke to negative zeal 1/3 of the angels, to the point of violence.

Of course that, in turn, led to Parazeloo from God who smashed the rebellion and humbled all of those involved.

Later on, we see Satan at work again with the first two humans. Satan provoked to negative zeal Eve, who then provoked to negative zeal Adam.

The same provocation to negative zeal is also seen later on with the twelve children of Israel provoking each other to negative zeal against Joseph, which led to his being sold into slavery.

One very enlightening example of provoking to negative zeal, is described in great detail in Numbers 16.

Let’s read it carefully and let’s learn from it.

"Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent 2 and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. 3 They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?”

4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. 5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers: “In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him. 6 You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this: Take censers 7 and tomorrow put burning coals and incense in them before the LORD. The man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. You Levites have gone too far!”

8 Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you Levites! 9 Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the LORD’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? 10 He has brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get the priesthood too. 11 It is against the LORD that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?”

12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We will not come! 13 Isn’t it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? And now you also want to lord it over us! 14 Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Do you want to treat these men like slaves ? No, we will not come!”

15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not accept their offering. I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged any of them.”

16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. 17 Each man is to take his censer and put incense in it—250 censers in all—and present it before the LORD. You and Aaron are to present your censers also.” 18 So each of them took his censer, put burning coals and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 19 When Korah had gathered all his followers in opposition to them at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the entire assembly. 20 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 21 “Separate yourselves from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.”

22 But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and cried out, “O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?”

23 Then the LORD said to Moses, 24 “Say to the assembly, ‘Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.’”

25 Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 He warned the assembly, “Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” 27 So they moved away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Dathan and Abiram had come out and were standing with their wives, children and little ones at the entrances to their tents.

28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: 29 If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. 30 But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

31 As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. 33 They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. 34 At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!”

35 And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.

36 The LORD said to Moses, 37 “Tell Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, to remove the censers from the charred remains and scatter the coals some distance away, for the censers are holy— 38 the censers of the men who sinned at the cost of their lives. Hammer the censers into sheets to overlay the altar, for they were presented before the LORD and have become holy. Let them be a sign to the Israelites.”

39 So Eleazar the priest collected the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned to death, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar, 40 as the LORD directed him through Moses. This was to remind the Israelites that no one except a descendant of Aaron should come to burn incense before the LORD, or he would become like Korah and his followers.

41 The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the LORD’s people,” they said.

42 But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the tent of meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. 43 Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of meeting, 44 and the LORD said to Moses, 45 “Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” And they fell facedown.

46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has started.” 47 So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. 48 He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped. 49 But 14,700 people died from the plague, in addition to those who had died because of Korah. 50 Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the tent of meeting, for the plague had stopped" (Numbers 16: 1-50).

Korah and company, like Lucifer, provoked to negative zeal at first a few, then dozens, then hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands and, finally,  the whole congregation of Israel. And it was the work of just a few people—a few bad apples.

They succeeded, at first, in provoking many Israelites to negative zeal; but they also, finally,  succeeded in provoking God to negative zeal—and the result was disastrous.

Provocation to rebellion is, therefore, a major way to commit this dangerous sin of  Parazeloo; but not the only way. There are other ways as well.

HOW WE CAN PARAZELOO OTHERS?

Remember Parazeloo provokes; it  stirs up a negative reaction in others. How can we do that? There are various ways.

OFFENSES: Offences can and have moved to negative zeal many Christians over the years; especially if they are new or weak. Jesus warned about this possibility with very intimidating words.

"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!" (Matthew 18:6-7).

Why is Christ so adamant about not making new Christians stumble? Because stumbling can kill, not temporarily, but eternally.

Over the years, offences have taken place in many and various ways. When people teach that God’s laws are done away and provoke Christians to zealously embrace the way of freedom and unrighteousness, they are leading the little ones to sin. The offenders are in grave danger, as are the little ones.

False leaders have and still are "provoking" the little ones to negative Zeal and, in so doing, in the future they may "provoke" God to respond with a harsh correction. Parazeloo in both counts.

INSENSITIVE WORDS: Sometimes we are not in tune with our brothers and sisters’ sensitivities. Some among us are very frail. Are we careful with what we say? Do we talk first and think later. Are we too hasty to speak and slow to listen, as opposed to doing the opposite?

Most of all, are we persisting in our approach, though we have offended others before. Do we learn from our errors? If we do not, then we end up using Parazeloo. We provoke others negatively. We offend others and, thus, create a negative reaction in them, which could lead to temporary friction or prolonged anger, or bitterness and then quitting the Way.

INSENSITIVE HUMOUR: What often will make many laugh might make someone hurt. We all have sensitive areas. We all carry psychological hurts. Something humorous said unintentionally may “Parazeloo” (provoke to negative zeal or to a negative reaction) someone who is very frail. In which case, it is not wise to blame the person, but to apologize to the person and be more careful next time.

If our “kidding” which has hurt someone continues, it reveals insensitivity and even callousness on our part. If we have created a hurt reaction in a person, why do it again? And, yet, at times some people have done it. The result may be a provocation to negative zeal, that is a provocation to friction and anger.

SETTING THE WRONG EXAMPLE: Another way we can offend is, of course, by setting the wrong example. In other words, by doing that which can influence others to spiritual deterioration.

In I Corinthians 8:7, Paul corrected some Corinthians for emboldening others to do things that went against their conscience

"But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge" (I Corinthians 8:7-11).

Unfortunately, such insensitive people have always been among us. Some started well and, over time, became bad apples. Some, at times, get planted among us by Satan so as to provoke to negative zeal and infect the good apples.

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads (provokes to negative zeal) my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. (And then god’s response) 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds (Revelation 2:18-23).

HOW TO PROVOKE POSITIVELY

As opposed to negative zeal, we are encouraged by the New Testament to stir up the brethren in a positive manner.

“For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action” (2 Corinthians 9: 2).

In the above verse, the word used is not Parazeloo but a synonim: “Erethizo,” which means, "To provoke and to stimulate in a positive way."  It is essentially a synonim of parazeloo and it supports the same  principle.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”(Hebrews 10:24).

The word used above is “Paraxusmos,” another Synonim which means "To provoke or incite."

How can we provoke to Love and to good works, therefore? First of all, by example; rather than being an example of compromise, we can be an example of zeal and obedience.

New Christians watch the older members for an example, and they do follow their example. We are being watched, and this will multiply, as God brings more sheep into his fold.

We can also stir others to positive zeal by encouragement. By being supportive when they fellow Christians get weak and become frail and discouraged.

Another way is by reminding others of what God expects from us and to never adopt unchristian behaviors and attitude.

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone”(1 Thess. 5:14).

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

CONCLUSION

It is essential, therefore, to make sure that we do not to stir others to "negative zeal." Contrariwise, it is essential to exhort, encourage and pray for one another; that is, to inspire others to "positive zeal."

What we need to do is to totally clean our lives of negative Parazeloo and to strive every day to be a source of positive Parazeloo, so as to encourage, support and energize one another, especially as the day of Christ’s return approaches.

10. WRATH

INTRODUCTION

Wrath is a lethal Work of the Flesh. Every day, countless thousands bear the brutal results of the wrath of others. Some will lose their lives as you read this book because of wrath.

There are two Greek words which can be translated wrath in the New Testament: “Thumos” and “Orge.” The Greek word used in Galatians 5 is “Thumos.”

According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, "Thumos" wrath is to be distinguished from Orge wrath, in this respect: "Thumos, indicates…an outburst of wrath from inward indignation" while "Orge suggests a more settled or abiding condition of mind, frequently with a view to taking revenge" (Emphasis mine).

Orge is less sudden in its rise than Thumos, but more lasting in its nature. Thumos may issue in revenge, though it does not necessarily include it. Its characteristic, in most cases, is that it quickly blazes up and quickly subsides.

The word Thumos is found 18 times in the New Testament; ten are found in the book of Revelation, seven of which refer to the wrath of God. Thumos and Orge are coupled in two places, in the Rev. 16:19 where we read “the fierceness” (thumos) “of his wrath” (Orge) and in Rev. 19:15 “the fierceness” (Thumos) “of the wrath” (Orge) “of Almighty God.”

To summarize, then, both Thumos and Orge can be translated “Wrath,” but the word Thumos refers to anger that is very intense, rises quickly, and ends quickly as well. Orge is more long lasting and it is not necessarily as powerful. Thumos can turn into Orge, which is long lasting. We, of course, are dealing with the first: Thumos, which means short, sudden, and explosive rage.

"THUMOS" IS DESTRUCTIVE

Have you ever experienced “Thumos”? Have you ever experienced the effects of “Thumos”? We probably all have.

One of our parents may have come home stressed out one day, when we were young, and we may have provoked him or her, and Thumos landed upon us with a vengeance—and we have never forgotten it.

One of our childhood teachers may have had a bad day and, being brought to the limit, exploded with Thumos. Some teachers’ explosions can be unforgettable. One day a high school teacher I know was so angry at a student for being defiant and disrespectful toward another teacher that he grabbed him and banged him against a locker. Unfortunately for him, it was all caught on camera, and he has been in significant trouble, because of that.

Ironically, Thumos can, at times, be preceded by much patience and longsuffering and it may suddenly come to the fore unexpectedly. Thumos can rise out of the most controlled individual from whom one would never expect such an explosion.

What about road rage? This is definitely an area when Thumos manifests itself. According to the article, Road Rage Statistics: How to Avoid Rage & Stay Safe, around one half of drivers react to aggressive behavior with aggressive behavior. The article mentions that in a survey around 2% of drivers admitted trying to run aggressive drivers off the road. [x]

The result of road rage is staggering. Thousands lose their lives because of it, every single year. In 1997 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that two thirds of the more than 41000 traffic deaths which took place in 1997 were the consequence of road rage. [xi]

How about war rage? War rage is the killing of innocent people, by soldiers who become so vengeful that they destroy anyone in sight. How about marital rage? How many get killed yearly because of it. Solomon tells us that there are great dangers to committing adultery:

“For jealousy is the rage of a man; And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.”(Proverbs 6:34).

Every year, many men and women find that wives or husbands are having an affair and explode into a killing rage.

How about child abuse? How about people who shake a crying baby to death? How about school killings, where Principals, Vice Principals, and teachers get killed by raging students?  How about work-related killings?

Every day, Thumos takes its toll around the world with thousands of deaths, but we believers are told that we are to have no part in it.

Thumos is a serious problem. Thumos is a Work of the Flesh that needs to be mastered and controlled, especially by believers.

WHY MUST WE NOT ALLOW "THUMOS" TO BE A PART OF OUR LIVES?

1. The first reason is because it is a Work of the Flesh and, thus, it is a trait inspired and amplified by Satan.

Thumos is carnal. Thumos is a fruit of the carnal, sinful mind. Thumos is one of Satan’s favorite tools. Thumos is one of Satan’s gift to us. Thumos does not belong in a Christian’s life. Thumos does not belong in a Christian family or in a Christian church. The Apostle Paul makes it very clear that it is evil and, as such, it must not exist among us. Unfortunately, it does exist, and the Apostle Paul warns us that we must bring it under control.

“For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults” (2 Corinthians 12:20).

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

“but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).

Christians must fight Thumos and must defeat it. It must not be a part of our lives.

2. The second reason why we must put away Thumos is because Thumos can "literally" kill.

Thumos is a psychological time bomb. It explodes suddenly like a bomb, and like a bomb it can produce a lot of damage. Thumos can lead to unthinkable actions. Thumos has led to murder and to other horrible acts. Thumos is a bomb that Satan drops with unpredictable consequences.

Let’s look at some examples of Thumos in the Bible. The following example has been mentioned before, and it certainly applies again. In this example Saul’s son, Jonathan, makes the mistake of defending David and the consequences were almost fatal.

"Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of a perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own shame, and unto the shame of thy mother's nakedness?

31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?33 And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that is was determined of his father to put David to death.34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame" (1 Samuel 20:30-34).

The next example is found in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar is told that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego are not submitting to his wishes and what is his reaction?

"Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was wont to be heated" (Daniel 3:13, 19).

Herod was another tyrant who was prone to Thumos. This is Herod’s reaction to finding out that the wise men did not support his search for baby Jesus.

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men" (Matthew 2:16).

Jesus had to bear the consequences of "Thumos" on more than one occasion. In the following example he bore the wrath of his own townspeople.

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.

22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

23 And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country.

24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country.

25 But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land;

26 and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.

28 And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things;

29 and they rose up, and cast him forth out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong.

30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way (Luke 4:16-29).

In the above example we see Thumos evolving into Orge, as it often occurs, and leading to wanting vengeance. In the next example we read what Thumos did to Stephen.

"Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.

57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord;

58 and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him"

(Acts 7:54-58).

3. We must also put away Thumos, because it can have long lasting effects on us and others.

Thumos can lead to foolish actions that can leave lasting physical consequences in others and us. We have seen how it can be dangerous for others; but what about us?

Some people like to express Thumos in various creative and foolish ways, such as breaking things, punching walls, punching doors, throwing things. (In all such cases something gets broken or damaged). Others like to drive away furiously. They back up from their driveway angrily and end up hitting cars or, worse, people. Some continue driving away angrily down the road, or on a highway, and end up in serious accidents.

Some say something nasty back at the boss and end up losing a job. Some get involved in fistfights and lose a few teeth. Some angrily answer back at a teacher or a policemen, a judge with wrathful consequences. Hitting a boulder twice, when God told him to do it only once, kept Moses from entering the Promised Land.

Another example of the long term consequences of Thumos is found in Genesis 49. Simeon and Levi allowed their wrath to lead to vengeance and the killing of many. Their father cursed them because of their foolishness.

"Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords.6 O my soul, come not thou into their council; Unto their assembly, my glory, be not thou united; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hocked an ox.7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; And their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel" (Genesis 49:5-7).

In their case, their fury brought about a curse that would have lasted for generations.

4. Because it tarnishes our name as Christian believers and the name of God whom we serve.

Believers have been given a mission: To be lights to the world; to be different; to be peacemakers not warmongers; to exude kindness, not harshness. God’s Spirit must shine through us--and Thumos will not do.

Paul had a fiery temperament at conversion. He had a strong propensity toward Thumos.

"Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? (Acts 23:3).

Even though he did not know who the man was, his reaction revealed that he had fire going through his veins. But Paul learned to control this weakness over decades of trials and tribulations and the help of God's Spirit. By the end of his life, Paul had learned to keep Thumos out of his life.

The other great Apostle, Peter, exibited a good dose of Thumos as well. In fact, because of Thumos, someone lost an ear. God put Peter through the grinder over decades and he, over time, finally calmed down as well.

The two "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17) tended toward Thumos. They would have pulverized quite a few people, if they had their way, but Christ said no. Over time, they calmed down as well. But they, too, had to be tenderized by painful experiences.

5. Only God can use Thumos righteously.

Only God has the wisdom to know when and with whom Thumos ought to be used. We humans do not.

“...but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation” (Romans 2:8).

God’s fury is just, fair and well weighed—ours is not. That is why when God’s fury is revealed in the end times, it will be well pondered and it will be administered fairly.

"And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great winepress, of the wrath of God”(Revelation 14:19).

"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having seven plagues, which are the last, for in them is finished the wrath of God" (Revelation 15:1).

“And one of the four living creatures gave unto the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” (Revelation 15:7).

Other examples of God's "Thumos," are found in Revelation 18:3, Revelation 16:19 and Revelation 19:15.

God, therefore, is the only one who is allowed to use Thumos. He will use it at the end of times to accomplish his good purposes and in the fairest of ways.

6: We must conquer Thumos, because if we don’t we will not inherit eternal life.

Galatians 5:21 make it perfectly clear that the fast and easy way out of the Kingdom is by practicing the Works of the Flesh— Thumos included.  Why are the consequences so severe? Because we must be controlled beings. Before we enter God’s Kingdom we must be in control of our emotions; we cannot be controlled by them. God simply cannot afford to have beings who have little self-control assisting Him in running the universe forever.

HOW TO CONQUER "THUMOS"

1. If we have the tendency toward Thumos, we must first and foremost admit it to ourselves.

It may be hard to admit that we tend toward Thumos, but, until we do so, the battle will not even begin.

2. We must not rationalize, or try to excuse it.

The fact that we may have endured a situation a long time before we allowed wrath to take over, is not acceptable either. The fact that the person "deserved it," will not do. People who come from areas of the world where anger is not frowned upon, would have a greater tendency toward Thumos. The fact that our culture may encourage it, or may not discourage it, is not an acceptable excuse either.

3. Remember the consequences.

Since we all have may have had Thumos moments, we all can remember the mess we made, the people we hurt, the bad taste we left behind, the embarrassment we felt, and the reasons we gave to others to say: “And you call yourself a Christian?”

4. We must admit it to God and repent.

We don’t need to necessarily admit our problem to others, but we definitely do need to admit it to God - on our knees - and to ask for forgiveness. If we have difficulty seeing the seriousness of it, we need to ask for repentance. Repentance is a gift from God. We can ask for it and we will receive it.

5. We must ask for God's strength to defeat it.

Thumos may be well entrenched in our personality. It may have been a part of us for decades, thus making it hard to get rid of it. We may need to continually ask God to free us from this weakness, until the job is done.

6. If the problem is very serious, we need to share it with a minister and close brothers or sisters, so that they will pray about it.

When we share our weaknesses and trials with a committed brother or sister, not only will we be able to get relief by venting, but we may find that others may have had the same problem and that they may have good, sound advice to share with us. Most of all, they will join us in prayer and that will be the greatest benefit of all.

7. We must correct life-style factors that could be contributing to the problem.

There are many cases where people suffer from high irritability because of physical causes. The following are some of them.

a. A diet poor in vegetables, fruits and calcium containing products. A deficiency in B vitamins and or calcium can lead to low stress tolerance, and high irritability.

b. Too much sugar. Some research about the consequences of eating sugar discourage a high intake. Some people react to sugar by becoming irritable.

c. Too much coffee. Some people should not drink coffee at all. Coffee adds to their irritability. I counseled a man once who was a walking bomb. The man oozed tension. He finally confessed to drinking thirty cups of coffee a day.

d. Alcohol: Some people drink alcohol and relax, others become irritable. Beware...

e. Not enough sleep. Most people know that little sleep makes most people tired and irritable. Sleep contributes to a tranquil mind.

f. High stress levels. Stress can affect us physically and psychologically. In times of stress, our patience level is lowered and the possibility of anger increases. Stress and irritability go hand in hand. Sometimes we cause our own stress. We take too much upon ourselves. We are too quick to do overtime. We may be too quick at offering to help when we should take a break. It is OK to politely say no, when we are genuinely stressed out. It is OK to say, “I’ll help another time, this time I can’t” if we are genuinely exhausted. Not doing so could lead to more exhaustion, then, in time, resentment and then anger and then, potentially, Thumos, with people around us.

g. We must also take into consideration repressed anger. Sometimes we may be storing in the back of our minds childhood traumas that are rising up unpredictably in the form of extreme anger or shocking explosions. These are problems that need to be shared with close friends or the ministry. In some cases there may be need for professional help. It is best to talk about problems than to store them and then to explode. Some people go through this cycle: They store anger and then, finally, explode.

h. We must be filled with God’s fruits. Where the Holy Spirit abounds, the fruits of God’s Spirit abound. The closer we are to God in prayer and study and fasting the less the probability of losing control. Where love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance abound, it’s hard to find fury.

We believers must stay close to God. Our prayer life must be abundant. We must ask God to fill us with the Fruits of His Spirit on an ongoing basis, and, if we do, there will be a definite transformation over time.

CONCLUSION

In this book, we have grown in the understanding of another Work of the Flesh: Thumos. We saw that this kind of anger is very common, and that it is the cause of much pain and anguish in our world. We looked at various reasons why we must conquer it and at various things we can do to overcome it. Lastly, we saw that God provides an effective and certain way to gradually and surely bring it under

11. STRIFE

INTRODUCTION

Starting in this section of the book we will address three related Works that bring division and turmoil not only in society, but in our homes and in Christian churches as well. In fact, these three Works have been a source of great turmoil in God’s churches since time immemorial. Unfortunately, they are still alive and well among us today.

STRIFE/SELFISH AMBITION

We will start with a term translated “Strife” by the KJV and “Selfish Ambition” by the NKJV and the NIV. The better translation should be, “Selfish Ambition.”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary informs us that the word “Eretheia” means the following: "Ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; hence it denotes 'party-making. It is derived, not from eris, 'strife,' but from erithos, …; hence the meaning of 'seeking to win followers."

In a past section, we covered a somewhat similar word, “Eris,” which also refers to strife, but “Eris” refers to someone who has a contentious spirit; someone who has a contradictory nature; someone who likes to stir up friction, whatever the reason.

“Jealousies,” which we covered above, refers to stirring people to rebellion and/or to actions that are sinful.

"Eritheia," focuses specifically on people who love power, prestige, and who have a very healthy view of themselves. Although some might want to seek a following and leave their church, so as to create another group within which they are the leaders, it may not be necessarily the case with some others. Some such people don’t want to necessarily have a following and leave their church. They might simply be satisfied with power and influence within the congregation.

NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES

The Corinthian Church may have had a number of people with this problem.

“For I fear that perhaps I may come and find you not what I wish, and that you may find me not what you wish; that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder”(2 Corinthians 12:20).

In the book of Philippians, Paul tells us that some people were in fact showing this Work of the Flesh in a very unexpected way.

"I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14 and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of partisanship, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment" (Philippians 1:12-17).

They were preaching Christ so as to gain a following, and so as to cause Paul much affliction, because he knew they were manipulating new converts for their own selfish reasons.

Is such a person easy to spot? Does he have an unpleasant personality? Is he harsh, mean in his approach? Is he easy to dislike?

THE CLASSIC CASE OF ABSALOM

One example that tells us much about a person with selfish ambition is David’s son—Absalom. The story is found in 2 Samuel 15.

"After this Ab′salom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 And Ab′salom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate; and when any man had a suit to come before the king for judgment, Ab′salom would call to him, and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” 3 Ab′salom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right; but there is no man deputed by the king to hear you.” 4 Ab′salom said moreover, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a suit or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” 5 And whenever a man came near to do obeisance to him, he would put out his hand, and take hold of him, and kiss him. 6 Thus Ab′salom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Ab′salom stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:1-12, 18:9-18).

Such is a self-seeking person. Such is the person who has selfish ambition.

1. He "appears" to have much concern about others.

2. He projects his apparent concern for others very effectively.

3. He is certain of being “the better choice,” of knowing “the better way.”

4. Like a good politician, he skilfully publicizes his agenda, which is meant to improve the lot of the people.

5. He is very effective at manipulating people’s emotions.

6. He is very charismatic.

Many politicians today use these tools very effectively. They seem seemingly warm, seemingly kind, seemingly concerned about others' problems—but it’s not the real thing. "Politicians" in our Christian churches do the same. They seem to project all the Fruits of God’s Spirit, but they are an “imitation,”—and an act. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing, with an agenda, and the agenda is power and influence.

THE SELF-SEEKING PERSON IN YOUR

CONGREGATION

Such a person could be anyone in the congregation, especially — and unfortunately — leaders. Paul reinforces this sad reality in Acts 20.

"And from Mile′tus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: 28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears" (Acts 20:16-31).

Selfish ambition has been a curse within God’s churches, since the beginning. It is not a fruit of God’s Spirit but of Satan’s spirit. It is his presence, his mind, his ambition that enters spiritually weak minds and grows therein and then takes over as an obsession and it then starts infecting others.

The results? Not peace; not unity; not harmony, but tension, division and turmoil.

Are we motivated by selfish ambition? Do we want to be a “somebody” within the congregation? Do we have such a healthy view of ourselves that we have to push forth our agenda, directly or indirectly? Do we get upset, if our way is not implemented? Must we have a clique of followers looking up to us, praising our superior knowledge, our superior wisdom, our superior spirituality?

If that is the case, we are a tool in Satan’s hands, and we need to free ourselves from his chains. We need to admit it to ourselves and, most of all, to God; for, if we don’t, we are actually fighting Jesus Christ, and He will finally shine a spotlight on our works and attitude and will make them come to nothing.

THE END RESULT OF AMBITION

Earlier in this section, I mentioned the example of Absalom. He fought God and lost. His end was being caught by the hair in branches and was afterwards pierced through and killed.

“And Ab′salom chanced to meet the servants of David. Ab′salom was riding upon his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on” (2 Samuel 18:9).

King David had asked Joab, in 2 Samuel 18:5, to be gentle with his son Absalom for his sake. But when Joab found Absalom hanging in the tree, he ignored David’s words, and plunged three javelins into Absalom’s heart. Then Joab’s men finished killing Absalom, cut him down from the tree and put him into a pit. They piled rocks over him, thus burying him like a common a criminal.

A horrible end to an “Eritheia” attitude.

The next term, closely linked to all the other words relating to causing strife in the church is, "Dissensions."

12. DISSENSION

INTRODUCTION

In the previous section we addressed the Work, “Strife.” The next Work also addresses another dimension relating to divisions.

The Greek word used is “Dichostasia.”  Dichostasia, or , is a compound word from dixa, "separately" and stásis, "a standing, stance"). Strong’s Concordance defines it as “Division, dissension, standing apart.” Thayer, likewise, defines it as “To stand apart, dissension, division.”

In the New King’s James Bible we find that both Romans 16:17 and 1 Corinthians 3:3 translate Dichostasia as "divisions."

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).

“…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (Corinthians 3:3).

Dichostasia is the opposite, of course, of “standing together,” of  "being together.” It is used several times in the New Testament, and it clearly implies separation and division. In the Gospel of  Mark, we find that the word Dichostasia is actually used of “rebellion.”

“And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion” (Mark 15:7).

These people had stood apart and had "rebelled." In this case, the rebellion had deteriorated to the point of murder.

NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES

In Acts 15 we see some fanatical extremists intent on creating dissension within the church. Paul and Barnabas stand up to them.

"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." (Acts 15:2 KJV).

In Acts 23, Paul is before a tribunal accused by both Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul skilfully deflects the attention onto the disagreements the two groups had about the resurrection. As a result, a great dissension arose between them.

7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God" (Acts 23:7-9).

Clearly, “Dissension” means more than just disagreements or an emotional exchange of ideas. It indicates an escalation which may have originated in a simple discussion, which escalated to a loud exchange, which led to anger expressed loudly, to a loss of emotional control, to imputing motives, to name calling, and to finally even a potential physical fight. Thus we may go from a “mild dissension” (A mild, emotional exchange, or a manageable argument), to a “strong dissension” which gets loud, intense, very emotional. The result, of course, is division, or standing apart.

Can this ever happen among Christians? Yes, it can. I, personally saw it happen many years ago at a large Christian convention where two older men started arguing about a seat and then started shouting at each other, before hundreds of people. I was passing by; I heard the loud exchange and quickly put an end to it. It looked as though a fight would have ensued at any moment, and it probably would have, had I not been there.

Divisions are a manifestation of carnality. The two men who were striving about a seat at a Christian gathering were manifesting a perfect example of tangible carnality.

“…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Cor. 3:3).

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

What kind of attitude should a Christian have, when a discussion starts getting too hot?

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”(James 3:17).

A truly Christian attitude values peace, and approaches discussions and differences with gentleness. Finally, a spiritual Christian will yield, so as not to allow arguments to escalate.

Such a response  requires a level of humility, and of swallowing some pride, especially if we are sure we are on the right; but that’s what we are called to do to keep the peace and to prevent things to escalate and get out of hands.

13.  HERESIES

INTRODUCTION

The Greek word for "Heresies" is also fascinating. The Greek word is “Hairesis.” Vine's Expository Dictionary defines “hairesis” as follows: "A choosing, choice; ...that which is chosen, and hence, an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects."

But there is much more. Vine’s also adds that "…such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage" (Emphasis mine).

The heart and core of the matter is not defending and protecting truth. The heart and core is “the prospect of advantage.”

HERESIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Heretics have abounded from the origins of Christianity. In studying the New Testament, we find heretics that were conservatives, and ones who are liberals. Some hold odd views, plain and simple.

The first heretical group that became a source of great problems in the Church were the arch-conservative, “they of the circumcision,” that is those who taught that to be saved, Christians had to be circumcised and keep the whole Law.

"For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain" (Titus 1:9-11).

There is the key: Their ultimate motive was not a desire to achieve doctrinal purity, but a desire to have followers who would pay tithes to them.

Later we find the liberals become a problem as well, and they are addressed mostly by the Apostle Peter, John and Jude.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities" (II Peter 2: 1-10 KJV).

These are therefore the liberal heretics. They promise much in the way of eternal rewards—for a lot less; a much better sounding deal, in other words. Less effort, less sacrifice, less suffering, more carnality without fear.

HERESIES TODAY

This, unfortunately, is what is happening today in some modern Christian denominations—but to the extreme. They openly allow immorality and invite it into their churches, as though it is now acceptable behavior.

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked" (I John 2:3-6) (Emphasis mine).

Thus, true Christians do not get attracted to “easier” ways. True Christians don’t allow empty promises of liberty without responsibility to capture them. In fact, true Christians see that attitude as a loud warning that they are dealing with liberal heretics—and steer away.

HERETICAL ODDBALLS

Some heretics don’t push either extreme conservatism or extreme liberalism; they simply find a pet idea. Usually, they spread an out-of-the-ordinary idea; they become obsessed with it and start propagating it, so as to stand out among the rest. Hymeneus and Philetus fit that mold, long ago.

“And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some”(2 Timothy 2:18).

Some heretical ideas can be very appetizing. Many end up being attracted to them. Those of us who have been around for a long time have heard all sorts of unusual and new revelations. The people who come up with the ideas start sharing it with others; they are warned to stop; some continue spreading it secretly; some openly; some finally succeed in getting a following; some leave and start their own little ministry.

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW HERETICS?

Why is God allowing these people to come and go? Why does God allow these people to create confusion and division? Should the presence of these types surprise us? Demoralize us? Discourage us?

“For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you” (Corinthians 11:19).

When these types arise, attitudes and motives come to the fore. The ones who are among us for the right reasons are manifested. The ones who are not among us for the wrong reasons are manifested as well. Suddenly true spirituality becomes clear and evident. One can appear humble, and sweet, and kind, and good, but when divisive attitudes and ideas arise among us then the spotlight is shined upon reality.

And so pruning takes place; either because people leave or because they are pruned away from the congregation by the leadership. The result is a stronger, healthier church.

Thus, we must stay close to God. We must ask God to fill us with His attitudes, His motives, His fruits, lest Satan use us to lead others astray, or lest we become so blind that we, too, will be led the wrong way, and become obsessed with heretical ideas that will puff up our minds and will lead us into conflict with church authorities and finally be put out of the church.

14.  ENVY

INTRODUCTION

Envy is an invisible and very dangerous Work of the Flesh. It is difficult to admit to, but it is present in all humans, and the results are never positive.

The Greek word for envy is, “Phtonos.” Vine's of New Testament Words defines the word as follows: “…the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage of prosperity of others.” (Emphasis mine).

Envy is a powerful, conscious, or subconscious force that has caused, is causing, and will continue to cause much turmoil among human beings.

The Bible dedicates several scriptures to this satanic trait and shows clearly its power.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16).

Envy is the driving force behind attitudes and actions that can cause havoc within a congregation.

“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? (Or Envy, KJV)” (Proverbs 27:4).

In the above verse, envy is actually placed a notch above wrath and anger. Wrath can cause great evil and yet envy, we are told, can cause greater harm. It is likened to a force that smashes at us and throws us down. It is an evil that once in motion is very hard to stop.

ENVY IS DESTRUCTIVE

Do we recall why Joseph was sold into slavery?

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt” (Acts 7:9).

Envy can be at work in any relationship, even within families, and it can cause rips and damage among blood relatives.

The power of envy is such that it was the force used by Satan to move the religious leaders in the Temple to kill the Son of God.

"Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy” (Matthew 27:17-18 NKJV).

The same force was at work in the same people, when, later, they opposed the Apostles.

“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:44-46).

The source of it all? Satan. The carnal mind is fed by Satan, the source of all envy; the Father of envy--the same power that was working in us before conversion.

“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” (Titus 3:3).

When we were called, we were asked to repent of all those carnal attitudes--including envy. But the carnal mind doesn’t relent that easily. Envy refuses to let go of our minds, and in some of us, on occasion, it can return and take over again, as it did with the Corinthians.

“…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3).

Envy hides within our heart and can be very well hidden. It is not easy to spot and it is hard to admit. Yet it must be recognized—and it must be defeated.

HOW TO FIGHT ENVY

How can we fight and defeat such a mighty foe?

1. First of all, by understanding that its presence is the presence of Satan’s mind. Envy in us is a portion of Satan in us. It is one of his gift to humans.

Envy is one of Satan's main characteristics. He gladly shares it with all of humanity, and watches its destructive impact from the distance.

2. We must admit that we, too, may feel envy, and we must grow in the awareness of its presence.

Envy is hard to admit. Admitting it entails great honesty with ourselves and God. By being aware of its presence in us, we can better respond defensively.

3. We must realize that envy actually destroys our health.

This truth was revealed long ago by King Solomon in the book of Proverbs.

"A sound heart (A mind at peace without the corrosive power of envy) is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones" (Proverbs 14:30).

Obviously, if envy has such a powerful effect on our bodies, it has just as much of an effect on our minds. Envy has a corrosive power.  It works like rust on metal. It eats away at the mind, until there is little mental health left.

4. We fight envy by casting down thoughts of envy immediately as they arise.

"Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day” (Proverbs 23:17).

Sometimes our envy is directed at people outside the church, perhaps even relatives that are better off  financially than we are. Satan may say to us, "Look at them. Don’t you wish you could be in as good a shape financially? Look at him or her, they are moving along in every respect and you’re not." He may, thus, succeed in placing envy in our minds; but we are told not to envy sinners and to wait for God to add things up in the end. In the meantime, we are to follow Paul’s injunction:

“…casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

This means constant vigilance, and a readiness to fight back and not allow envy to take root in our minds.

5. We must ask God to replace Satan’s thoughts with thoughts and attitudes of love, and love equals rejoicing at the success of others.

Envy is too powerful for us to defeat on our own. To succeed we must use God's power. We must daily stay close to Him and ask Him for His mind to be in us, and to push out of our minds any carnal attitudes that might arise in us. Thus, this great foe will be vanquished—and that is the only way.

15. MURDER

INTRODUCTION

In this section we will address a Work of the Flesh that might appear, at first, not to have much relevance for Christians—but it does. This work of the flesh is Murder.

The vast majority of Christians will never commit murder. Actual murder is extremely rare among Christians and, when it has been present, Satan was heavily involved. Yet it is listed as a Work of the Flesh that even we Christians must be weary of.

We know what murder is. It is the taking of another human's life. This is the evident dimension of this Work of the Flesh. Biblically-knowledgeable Christians know, though, that there is more to murder than meets the eye.

Jesus Christ took time to emphasize the source of murders;

“For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries…” (Mark 7:21).

Evil, such as murder, has a beginning. It begins as thoughts. The thoughts are often fed by anger, or by irrational ideas. One must deal with the evil thoughts and attitudes that Satan places in our minds, as soon as they take root.

MURDER WITHOUT SHEDDING BLOOD

But there are other ways to murder fellow humans, and Jesus made sure His followers were made aware of them as well.

"Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca (Empty Head), shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool (Or stupid), shall be in danger of the hell of fire"(Matthew 5: 21-22).

Though words such as "stupid," or "empty head," or similar words do not kill literally, they can kill someone’s self-esteem. Persistent put downs have led some people to ultimately do the unthinkable, as we see today, all too often, as a consequence of cyber bullying.

Hatred is a form of murder. Anger can lead us to murder a person’s character by saying things about the person that poisons his good name. This is the kind of murder we Christians must be particularly weary of.

"Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth" (1 Corinthians 8:1)

Love builds, and it does not tear down. A critic tears down. A critic assassinates others’ character. A critic destroys the good name of others. Are we guilty of this kind of murder?

If we are, it’s time to stop being a tool in Satan’s hands and be a tool in God’s hands instead. It’s time to build, not to destroy.

16.  DRUNKENNESS

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol is seen by many as God’s gifts to humanity. Alcohol was meant to add temporary relief and joy to a challenging life.

“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God”(Ecclesiastes 3:13).

Alcohol consumed wisely is a gift from God; used unwisely, it becomes a gift from Satan, and it will become a tool in his hands to cause pain and anguish in the abuser and in those around him.

ALCOHOL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The first time that alcohol is mentioned in the Bible in a sinful way is in Gen. 19: 32. This is the story of two young ladies who actually used alcohol to help them commit incest with their own father. Lot's two young daughters were clearly not filled with faith in God. In reading the story, at first one may be tempted to understand their concern. Maybe they really thought that there was no one left in the world and that there was a necessity for such a drastic measure. But, upon close scrutiny, one realizes there was no justifiable reason for such conclusion.

The angels had made it clear that only Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed, and Lot's family had been given permission to go to a small town nearby that would not have been destroyed.

The two girls' minds were carrying the Sodomite virus of sexual perversions, and had no compunctions about doing what they did. And what did they use to help? Alcohol. Alcohol was the tool used in a heinous sin that led to the birth of two boys that later became the fathers of two very challenging tribes: Moab and Ammon.

Alcohol again became a source of trouble for Israel, after leaving Egypt. By abusing alcohol it became easier for them to commit sinful acts that strongly angered God. Paul warns us not to follow their example.

“Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Corinthians 10:7).

Alcohol can be a source of great trouble. Alcohol can mock humans and carries them into irrationality and foolishness.

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).

Whoever is controlled by alcohol is not wise. Whoever allows himself to be controlled by alcohol is, in fact, foolish.

“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that tarry late into the night, till wine inflame them!”(Isaiah 5:11).

This is a very stern warning. The consequences are very serious. Thus we are warned by God to use alcohol sparingly and wisely.

ALCOHOL IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

But what about Paul's advise to Timothy. Are there health benefits to wine?

“Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23).

This advice was given specifically to Timothy, not to everyone. It would have been beneficial for Timothy, no doubt, but for some others it would not have been beneficial at all. Some people may have an immediate allergic reaction to alcohol. Some who drink it to relieve depression risk getting addicted. Some who use it to relieve physical pain may get addicted as well.

There are times when we should abstain totally. If we invite to our house a brother or a sister who is struggling with alcohol, it may be best not to serve it at all, or to serve de-alcoholized wine, instead. If alcohol is served, you might choose to sit beside the brother or sister, and drink a soft drink with him or her. I know a Christian who once did this very thing to make things easier for his spiritual brother.

“It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth”(Romans 14:21).

Our responsibility as Christians is to help our brothers and sisters. We must never provide reasons for stumbling to any of them.

ALCOHOL IN THE FUTURE

Alcohol is a gift from God, and it will continue being so into His Kingdom.

“But I say unto you, I shall not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).

In God's Kingdom, we will drink excellent wine in Jesus’ company.  Even in those blessed days wine will continue being used socially—and moderately. According to this scripture, even spiritual beings will continue enjoying wine. But we will set the example for moderation—not abuse.

CONCLUSION

If Galatians 5 had been written in recent times it would have, no doubt, included all addictions, and, though not included, they are there nonetheless. "He who sins is a slave to sin," Christ said. If anything controls us, and we cannot control it, it is equivalent to alcoholism, and must be brought under control.

Some people may need extra help, and may need to turn to Alcoholics Anonymous or similar organizations that help with addictions. If that’s what it takes, so be it. Nevertheless, God is there to help us, if we sincerely beseech Him.

17.  REVELLINGS

INTRODUCTION

The Greek word used for "Revellings" is "Komos." Komos, according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary,  means “to revel, to carouse or the…consequence of drunkenness.”  Revelries are loud, boisterous parties. They are behaviors which result from alcohol or drug abuse. It refers to losing control and doing or saying that which otherwise would not be said, and doing that which otherwise would not be done. Revelries lead to unacceptable, sinful behaviors and, thus, they are prohibited.

“Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy”(Romans 13:13).

“For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries”(1 Peter 4:3).

WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS DO?

Most Christians would never be found in such situations. Sometimes some have, and have had to leave respectfully.  Many years ago, while I was working in the mental health field, my boss invited my wife and I to a party. We went and, as the evening went on, it became clear that certain "special" cookies were going to be served later in the evening. We respectfully left early, so as not to participate.

When things deteriorate during a party, Christians respectfully depart. If we sense in advance that a party might go in that direction, we should find a good reason not to go.

Our Christian youth is more liable to be involved in such situations. Young people today can easily create a “revelry,” thanks to poor parental supervision, and drug and alcohol use and abuse.

Our young people have to be smart enough and courageous enough to stay away or to depart, if things deteriorate. They might have a tough time doing so, given group pressure, but they must do it, for in such situations, as we well know, some very regretful things have happened.

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment" (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

This is a warning given to young people from the God of love but, in principle, it applies to adults as well.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the series on the work of the flesh. The author hopes that the above in-depth exploration has helped the reader develop a much better awareness of how Satan the Devil operates through his Works of evil and how, at times, he succeeds in polluting even our own minds. The author also hopes that the improved awareness will lead to greater vigilance and an increased willingness to fight back and not allow Satan’s Works to reside in our minds. God is willing to join us in this brutal fight and, if He is allowed to fight with us, the battle will, for certain, be won.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MICHAEL CAPUTO has been a Christian Minister since 1985. Michael has ministered to churches in both Europe and North America. He is the author of several books, such as the award-winning, God Seen Through the Eyes of the Greatest Minds. Michael has also been a part-time college-level educator for 16 years. He is the author of various web sites, including Militant Atheism Exposed and God and Jesus Christ: Their Nature, Will and Word. Michael resides in Canada with His beautiful wife, Leonilda, and his three special children, Anthony, Julie and Victor.

WORKS CITED

[i] Associated Press, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. In Statistic Brain web site. <http://www.statisticbrain.com/infidelity-statistics> (22-03-2013).

[ii] Feldhahn, Shaunti.  "For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men," Mulnomah Publishers. <http://shop.cbn.com/firstchapter.asp?mode=view&index=577> (15-03-2013).

[iii] F. Wilbur Gingrich, Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.

[iv] Will and Ariel Durant. Lessons from History. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1968, 35-36.

[v] Willis, Mike, The Book of Galatians. Quoted in, Stan Cox, “The Works of the Flesh.” <http://www.watchmanmag.com/0405/040517.htm> (27-03-2013).

[vi] Cox, Stan, “Uncleanness” <http://www.watchmanmag.com/0405/040517.htm> (27-03-2013).

[vii] . Funk and Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary. New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1974, p. 319.

[viii] “Escape from the Power of the Ouija Board.” <http://www.christian-faith.com/testimonies/ouija.html> (03- 04-2013).

[ix] Matthew Henry's Concise Edition. BibleClassics.com. <http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/genesis/mhc/genesis13.htm> (30-09-2013).

[x] "Road Rage Statistics - How to Avoid Rage & Stay Safe." Road and Travel Magazine. <http://www.roadandtravel.com/safetyandsecurity/2007/road-rage.htm>  (05-04-2013).

[xi] "A Communicative Approach to Road Rage: Accounts of Driving and Retaliation." All Academic Research. <http://citation.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/1/1/9/0/pages111909/p111909-2.php> (05-04-2013).

BIBLICAL REFERENCES

1. Vine, W. E. An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Chicago: Moody Press, 1985.

2. Thayer, J. H. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1977.

3. Strong, J. The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1984.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. ADULTERY

2. FORNICATION

3. UNCLEANNESS

4. LASCIVIOUSNESS

5. IDOLATRY

6. WITCHCRAFT

7. HATRED

8. VARIANCE

9. EMULATIONS

10. WRATH

11. STRIFE

12. DISSENSION

13. HERESIES

14. ENVY

15. MURDER

16. DRUNKENNESS

17. REVELLINGS

CONCLUSION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

WORKS CITED

BIBLICAL REFERENCES