S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Galatians 5:19-21 speaks of the works of the flesh, saying they are "evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissens...

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September 19 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Glen Jeffers Supporter Pastor and president of Christ In Us Ministries Int'l.

Wonderful answer but just a little further.
You said repent of sin but didn't mention the most grievous one. The sin of our dead works (Hebrew 6:1-3). The only way I repent of that is to graduate from milk (simple Bible teaching no matter how much "revelation) to the solid food (I Cor 3:1-3) of direct communion (Lord's Supper) with the Father and Him teaching me (John 6:44-45, Duet 8:1-3, Matthew 4:3-4), and feeding on Jesus' body (manna from heaven I must obey) and Jesus' blood (my covenant oath to obey Jesus' voice), in order to fulfill Father's preordained plan for my life (Eph 2:8-10, John 6:27)  just like Jesus (John 4:34, 6:38) bring glory to Father (John 17:4).
Being crucified with Christ is not just a consideration but a reckoning myself crucified (Luke 9:23-24, Romans 6:1-14), which is one baptism that is not a sacrament of the church but should be. This is a literal dying daily to my way and obeying the voice of the Lord like the OT believers (Deut 28:1-3) and like Paul (Gal 2:20) who did not set aside the grace of God (Gal 2:21) nor receive God's grace in vain (II Cor 6:1) and not fulfilling their destiny by grace through faith. Many, many, even the multitude, yes even everyone receive a measure of God's grace (Eph 4:6-7) and a measure of faith to produce our good works like Father Abraham and Rahab (James 2:1-3:18), which is our fruit of righteousness (James 3:18). Christ's grace was accomplish His purpose in saving the world. The grace and faith that Father gives everyone is for the to be a doer of the word (Obey Father's voice) and not a hearer only thus saving my soul (James 1:19-26). When will the church wake up to the fact that Jesus said we must give up our lives to be saved (Luke 9:23-25, Mark 8:34-36).

This is being born-again for flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of God nor perishable inherit the imperishable (I Cor 15:50-51). Our works of grace through faith are the only works that are  imperishable. These are the great works the faithful believers produce (John 7:38, 14:12). Believers will produce evidence of the greater works they have accomplished for the Father, even the OT believers (Hebrews 11:1, 6, 8-10, 13-16) and be welcomed by the Father as a good (works) and faithful (fruit of the Spirit) servant (Mathew 25;21, 23, II Thes 1:11-12, II Tim 4:7-8). The question is James 2:14. Father will ask, Do you have evidence?

September 23 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What are the works of the flesh?

The works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) are 17 specific behaviours that represent human nature operating independently of God and opposing the "fruit of the Spirit". These actions include sexual immorality (adultery, fornication), idolatry, sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, drunkenness, and similar sins. Consistently practising these prevents inheriting God's kingdom.

Some Key Examples of the Works of the Flesh

Based on various translations of Galatians 5:19-21, these behaviours can be categorised into four main areas:

Sexual Sins: Adultery, fornication (sexual immorality), impurity, sensuality (licentiousness), orgies, and carousing. 

Spiritual Sins: Idolatry (worship of anything over God) and sorcery/witchcraft (often related to drug usage or occult practices in the original Greek). 

Relationship/Social Sins: Hatred, strife, jealousy (envy), fits of rage (anger), selfish ambition, rivalries, dissensions, factions, and murders. 

Moral/Personal Sins: Drunkenness and revelries (riotous partying). 

Conclusion

How Can We Stay Away From Works of the Flesh?

Believers can perform spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Bible, in their own strength. Believers should consistently study the Bible, pray, and meditate, each time asking God to work in them.

Christians should consider boundaries. In general, boundaries become healthy habits.

Some boundaries apply to content. Christians should exercise discernment in what they consume, avoiding entertainment that promotes impurity, violence, or moral compromise. Instead, believers should seek uplifting influences that inspire a godly lifestyle.

The apostle Paul's writings explain how believers should replace these works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. 

Regular reminders and spiritual disciples help believers cultivate the fruits of the Spirit.

Prayer is also key to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. 

We must create a culture of prayer because it will provide 
an environment that helps us to avoid the works of the flesh.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report