Galatians 5:19-21 – The works of the flesh

Now apparent are the works of the lfesh, which are adultery, prostitution, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry, enchantment, enmities, strife, jealousies, furies, factions, dissensions, sects, envies, murders, drunkennesses, revelries and the like …

It is a list of no less than 15/16 “works of the flesh” listed here. And the list isn’t even complete, as evidenced by “and the like”. That the works here mentioned are “of the flesh ” is “public,” that is, plain and evident.

The listing of “works of the flesh” falls into several categories. The first three works (adultery, uncleanness, debauchery) are in the sphere of sexuality . Numbers four and five (idolatry, enchantment) are more religious in nature. “Enmities, strife, jealousy, furies, factions, dissensions, sects, evies” are works that are mainly social . The last two works (drunkenness, revelries) are distinguished by intemperance .

Once “the flesh” is activated, such works are the result. It may be true that the law condemns these works, but at the same time it also provokes “the flesh” to do these things (Rom. 7:5). Everything you give attention grows and what you forbid becomes attractive. That is not a fault of the law, but it clearly demonstrates the weakness of the flesh (Rom.8:3). Thank God, the Evangel passes (Easter = pass over!) the flesh…

Delen: