The Works

of the
Flesh

At War with the

Forces of Darkness

Mark Roberts
 Preface

The Works of the Flesh

Why does sin seem to control me?

Why are some people "more spiritual" than others?

Why can't I do the good things that I want and know I should be doing?

Christianity seems so hard sometimes! Is there anything that can be done to make living this a little easier?

Welcome to a class that will deal exclusively with answering the questions that come from
weary soldiers on the battlefield of the heart. This course is designed to explore the very tools and
mechanisms the Deceiver uses to destroy saints, the items that Paul lists as the works of the flesh
in Galatians 5. To succeed in Christianity, to attain the level of spirituality we all desire, and to free
ourselves from sin's control we must learn how to effectively defend ourselves against Satan's
terrible devices.
This course should prove enormously useful to both old and young, to the newly married
and those celebrating anniversaries with gold, to new converts and to seasoned Christians. All will
benefit from studying the works of the flesh. Why? Because all Christians are engaged in spiritual
warfare, that war between flesh and spirit, between what we want to do and what we know we
should do (see Romans 7:19ff). If we could but understand the weapons our enemy launches at us,
and master the defenses our Lord gives to us, we could surely expect victory in Jesus. Such will be
our express aim in this class. Rest assured that we are not using warfare and military terminology
and themes in this course as a "gimmick" or to be cute, but because the New Testament repeatedly
emphasizes the reality of this fight, and the need for each of us to put on our armor and engage
the enemy (see Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 2 Timothy 4:7).
This class will deal only with the works of the flesh, so you can expect an extensive discus-
sion of sin, and how to defeat temptation. The fruit of the Spirit will come under consideration
from time to time, but a detailed study of these essential Christians characteristics will be reserved
for another time.
If spiritual warfare intrigues you, if you believe you need to better understand the works of
the flesh that so often do Christians in, and if you earnestly desire to serve Christ a little better
every day this class is for you. Please note the section on the following page concerning proper
preparation for class, but know that more than anything else you will need to think, and be un-
afraid to examine your life (emphasis, your life, not your spouse's, neighbor's, children's, etc.) by
the light of scripture. We will need to ask ourselves those hard questions, "Am I allowing the flesh to
work in me, or am I cultivating the fruit of the Spirit? Who is winning the battle - flesh, or Spirit? Who
will win the war?"
Jesus Christ gives us the victory if we will but follow Him as He leads us onward against
the forces of darkness. Are you ready, soldier?
—Mark Roberts, 1991

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our war-
fare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses"
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
2
 Table of Contents

PREFACE ...................................................................... 2
TABLE of CONTENTS .................................................................. 3
BIBLIOGRAPHY and PREPARING for CLASS........................ 4
Class Sessions
LESSON 1 The Context of the Battle......................... 5
LESSON 2 Sexual Immorality ..................................... 7
LESSON 3 Impurity ...................................................... 9
LESSON 4 Lasciviousness ..........................................11
LESSON 5 Idolatry ......................................................13
LESSON 6 Sorcery .......................................................15
LESSON 7 Enmity and Strife ....................................17
LESSON 8 Jealousy and Envyings ...........................19
LESSON 9 Wrath .........................................................22
LESSON 10 & 11: Disputes, Dissensions, and Factions ...24
LESSON 12 Drunkeness and Carousings .................27
LESSON 13 "And things like these" ...........................29
Appendices
A: NIV Translation of "Flesh"..................................................30
B: Wine Drinking in N.T. Times ............................................31

The material in this workbook is not copyrighted, nor shall it be. You may use this material to teach the truth and bring
glory to God as long as you do not change it, or delete sections of it. If you feel obligated to alter this book please contact
the author first for his permission.

v.4-013001
3
THIS COURSE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE
WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING:
The wonderful book, Flesh and Spirit, William Barclay, Baker Book House,
Grand Rapids, MI.

Developing Positive Christian Attitudes, J.R.B. Publications, Bowling Green,

KY.

Galatians, R. Alan Cole, "Tyndale New Testament Commentaries,"

Eerdmans Publishing Co, Grand Rapids, MI.

1 Corinthians to Galatians, Albert Barnes, "Barnes Notes," Baker Book House,

Grand Rapids, MI.

Flesh and Spirit: A Word Study, compiled by Ferrell Jenkins, Guardian of

Truth, Fairmount, IN.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine,
Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ.

The majority of the Greek work, especially the lists of where each word is
used in the New Testament, were derived using CompuBible software. The
Strong's Concordance Numbers have been retained to allow you to do
further research easily.

PREPARING FOR CLASS SESSIONS:

It will take some effort on your part to maximize the benefits of the course.
You will need to read and study some at home. You will find that the course
guide contains extensive helps so that you can know exactly what each work
of the flesh is, the exact meaning of the particular word being studied, how it
is translated in four different translations, and where it is used throughout the
New Testament. I cannot emphasize enough how much you will personally be
benefitted by reading over this material before you arrive at class. Note the
definition of the words, look up some of the passages listed that use that spe-
cific word, and even try to fill in some of the questions. If you will allow the
course guide to "pre-heat" your mind before you come to class all of our ses-
sions together will be greatly improved. Further, it will be necessary that you
pay careful attention in class, writing additional notes and observations down
in the course guide.

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 Lesson One

The CONTEXT of the BATTLE

The first work of the flesh we will study is "immorality" (NASB) or "fornication" (KJV).
But, before we can begin an examination of the works of the flesh we must know
the context of the passages. Let us briefly turn our attention to the book of Galatians
as a whole.

KNOWING THE CONTEXT:

1. Read the book of Galatians (it is not that much!). Can you feel a natural breakdown of
the book? Many believe it breaks into three parts of two chapters each. Do you?
Construct a brief and simple outline of the book.

2. What is the context of the famous verses containing the works of the flesh and the fruit
of the spirit (5:19ff)? What is Paul trying to say here?

3. Discuss 5:16-18. What does this mean? Is a Christian under any law? Which law is Paul
talking about here? How does verse 18 relate to your answer to question two above?
How does verse 25 affect your answer?

4. Read the list of the works of the flesh (5:19-21). Write down your initial impression of
these sins.

5. What is the flesh, as it is used here?

IN CLASS NOTES:
I. THE LETTER TO THE GALATIANS

Date:

Written from:

Purpose for Writing:

The main point of the book of Galatians is ____________________________.

5
Outline of the Book of Galatians:
I. The Gospel _____________________________, chs. __________

II. Justification by _________________, chs.__________

III. Freedom in __________________, chs. __________

Notes on the Context of Chapter Five:

II. THE FLESH AND SPIRIT:

Uses of the term "flesh" (sarx)

* please read Appendix A, with its special note on the NIV's treatment of sarx.

Conclusions:

6
 Lesson Two
SEXUAL IMMORALITY
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(19) Now the works of (19) Now the doings (19) Now the deeds of (19) The acts of the
the flesh are manifest, (practices) of the flesh the flesh are evident, sinful nature are obvi-
which are these; Adul- are clear--obvious: which are: immoral- ous: sexual immo-
tery, fornication, un- they are immorality, ity, impurity, sensu- rality, impurity and
cleanness, lascivious- impurity, indecency; ality, debauchery;
ness,

Definition from Authorities:

STRONG: "4202. porneia {por-ni'-ah}; from 4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest);
figuratively, idolatry: -fornication. 4203.porneuo {porn-yoo'-o}; from 4204; to act the
harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:
-commit (fornication).

VINE: "Porneia is used (a) of illicit sexual intercourse..., (b) metaphorically, of the associa-
tion of pagan idolatry with doctrines of, and professed adherence to, the Christian faith...."

Working Definition:
Unauthorized sexual activity.

"Porneia describes the relationship in which one of the parties can be purchased as a
thing is purchased and discarded as a thing is discarded and where there is neither union of,
nor respect for, personality." --Barclay, p. 24.

New Testament Usage of the Term:

Matthew 5:32 Ephesians 5:3

Matthew 19:9 Colossians 3:5
John 8:41 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Acts 15:20 Revelation 2:21
Acts 15:29 Revelation 9:21
Acts 21:25 Revelation 14:8
Romans 1:29 Revelation 17:2
1 Corinthians 5:1 Revelation 17:4
1 Corinthians 6:13 Revelation 18:3
1 Corinthians 6:18 Revelation 19:2
1 Corinthians 7:2
2 Corinthians 12:21
Galatians 5:19

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This Work as It Impacts Our Lives:
1. What passages in the New Testament show that porneia was a grave problem for the
early church? How do we see sexual immorality manifested in our society today? Are
times so different today than they were then?

2. What particular evils stem from sexual immorality?

3. Sexual immorality devastates the homes where it strikes. Why is this particular sin so
catastrophic?

4. Sexual immorality is still somewhat scandalous. Describe the affect of such activity on
the church, both internally and as it tries to evangelize in the world:

5. How would the practice of sexual immorality affect a person individually? What will be
going on in his mind? What will be his view of God, religion, the church, and eternity?

6. What kind of excuses may be made or offered by the sexually immoral person?

7. If all the works of the flesh are just perversions of something that is innately good, what
do you see sexual immorality as being a perversion of?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. How can we defend against sexual immorality in our lives today? What tactics and
strategies will be effective?

2. Key Scripture Defense:

8
 Lesson Three
IMPURITY
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(19) Now the works of (19) Now the doings (19) Now the deeds of (19) The acts of the
the flesh are manifest, (practices) of the flesh the flesh are evident, sinful nature are obvi-
which are these; Adul- are clear--obvious: which are: immoral- ous: sexual immoral-
tery, fornication, un- they are immorality, ity, impurity, sensu- ity, impurity and de-
cleanness, lascivious- impurity, indecency; ality, bauchery;
ness,

Definition from Authorities:

STRONG: 167. akatharsia {ak-ath-ar-see'-ah}; from 169; impurity (the quality), physically or
morally: -uncleanness. 169. akathartos {ak-ath'-ar-tos}; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a
presumed derivative of 2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally [lewd] or
specially, [demonic]): -foul, unclean.

VINE: "akatharsia denotes uncleanness, (a) physical, Matt. 23:27, (instances in the papyri
speak of tenants keeping houses in good condition); (b) moral... Gal. 5:19, 1 Thess. 2:3
(suggestive of the fact that sensuality and evil doctrine are frequently associated)...."

Working Definition:
Moral dirtiness

"A filthiness of heart and mind that makes the person defiled."
--Warren Wiersbe
The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 1, Victor Books, p. 718.

New Testament Usage of the Term:

Matthew 23:27
Romans 1:24
Romans 6:19
2 Corinthians 12:21
Galatians 5:19
Ephesians 4:19
Ephesians 5:3
Colossians 3:5
1 Thessalonians 2:3
1 Thessalonians 4:7

9
This Work as It Impacts Our Lives:
1. We see impurity in a number of ways today. List a few, perhaps trying to make up
some general classifications that can contain the large number of specific examples of
this work of the flesh.

2. What particular evils stem from such uncleanness?

3. Discuss the impact on impurity on a person's home life. What kind of entertainment
will be chosen? What other problems will moral filthiness give rise to?

4. The church is not unaffected by impurity. What happens when a church has morally
impure persons in it? What will happen to the desire for strong teaching and
preaching? to evangelize?

5. Romans 1:24, 28 mentions impurity, and shows that this is an inner sin, a sin of the
mind that leads to many sins of the body. What goes on in the mind of the impure
person? What kind of "Christian" will he be? How will he feel about judgment, God,
and eternity?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. What is it going to take to defeat impurity today? What tactics and strategies will be
effective? How must we learn to feel about sin?

2. Key Scripture Defense:

10
 Lesson Four
LASCIVIOUSNESS
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(19) Now the works of (19) Now the doings (19) Now the deeds of (19) The acts of the
the flesh are manifest, (practices) of the flesh the flesh are evident, sinful nature are obvi-
which are these; Adul- are clear--obvious: which are: immoral- ous: sexual immoral-
tery, fornication, un- they are immorality, ity, impurity, sensu- ity, impurity and de-
cleanness, lascivi- impurity, indecency; ality, bauchery;
ousness,

Definition from Authorities:

STRONG: 766. aselgeia {as-elg'-i-a}; from a compound of 1 (as a negative particle) and a
presumed selges (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentious-
ness (sometimes including other vices): -filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.

VINE: "aselgeia denotes excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wanton-

ness... the prominent idea is shameless conduct."

Working Definition:
Loving open sin.

Just Do Me.

—large, printed slogan on young woman's T-shirt,

variation of Nike Shoes' "Just Do It," twisted to advocate a clear
openness to, and desire for, fornication.

New Testament Usage of the Term:

Mark 7:22
Romans 13:13
2 Corinthians 12:21
Galatians 5:19
Ephesians 4:19
1 Peter 4:3
2 Peter 2:7
2 Peter 2:18
Jude 1:4

This Work as It Impacts Our Lives:

1. Our society is becoming consumed with a love for open sin. Cite examples:

11
 2. Does lasciviousness lead to more sin, or is it the manifestation of a full-blown rebellious
life? In other words, is this as bad as it can get, the most depraved condition a person
can be found in?

3. What is going to happen at home if a person becomes swept away in lasciviousness?

4. How would the existence of lasciviousness in a Christian's life affect the church?

5. Most people justify themselves in whatever activity they are in by using rationalization
and excuses. Lasciviousness adds a unique dimension to this because it hardens the
heart. What is going on in the lascivious person's mind?

6. What will it take to bring the lascivious person to repentance?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. We do not often imagine that we could become involved in such debase living, yet we
see others caught up in it far too often. What should we do to insure it does not
happen to us?

2. Key Scripture Defense:

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 Lesson Five
IDOLATRY
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(20) Idolatry, witch- (20) Idolatry, sor- (20) idolatry, sor- (20) idolatry and
craft, hatred, variance, cery, enmity, strife, cery, enmities, strife, witchcraft; hatred, dis-
emulations, wrath, jealousy, anger (ill jealousy, outbursts of cord, jealousy, fits of
strife, seditions, her- temper), selfishness, anger, disputes, dis- rage, selfish ambition,
esies, divisions, (dissen- sensions, factions, dissensions, factions
sions),

Definition from Authorities:

STRONG: 1495.eidololatreia {i-do-lol-at-ri'-ah}; from 1497 and 2999; image-worship (liter-

ally or figuratively): -idolatry. 1497. eidolon {i'-do-lon}; from 1491; an image (i.e. for wor-
ship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such: -idol.

VINE'S: "Idolatry whence English, idolatry, (from eidolon, and latreia, service). Idol -
eidolon, primarily a phantom or likeness (from eidos, an appearance, literally that which is
seen), or an idea, fancy, denotes in the N.T. (a) an idol, an image to represent a false god."

Working Definition:
Worshipping created objects.

"Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God."
--Martin Luther

New Testament Usage of the Term:

1 Corinthians 10:14
Galatians 5:20
Colossians 3:5
1 Peter 4:3

This Work as It Impacts Our Lives:

1. Think about the cultures that have actively practiced idolatry, such as the Egyptians,
Babylonians, and Greeks. Were these people stupid and ignorant? How then did they
come to worship pieces of stone, wood, and marble?

13
 2. How do we see idolatry manifested in our society today? Think about the quote from
Luther above. Are people worshipping images today as they did in New Testament
times? Does this mean idolatry is dead? Note Ezekiel 14:1-5.

3. What particular evils stem from practicing idolatry?

4. When idolatry is a part of main-stream culture, how can the church react to it?

5. How would idolatry affect a person individually? What goes on in the mind of the
idolater? Will he think he is lost, or "okay?" If sinful activity is part of the worship of
his god, such as in temple prostitution, will he think he is doing wrong?

6. If all the works of the flesh are just perversions of something that is innately good, what
do you see idolatry as a perversion of?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. There is really only one defense to idolatry. Read John 4:24 and comment:

2. Key Scripture Defense:

14
 Lesson Six
SORCERY
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(20) Idolatry, witch- (20) Idolatry, sor- (20) idolatry, sor- (20) idolatry and
craft, hatred, vari- cery, enmity, strife, cery, enmities, strife, witchcraft; hatred,
ance, emulations, jealousy, anger (ill jealousy, outbursts of discord, jealousy, fits
wrath, strife, sedi- temper), selfishness, anger, disputes, dis- of rage, selfish ambi-
tions, heresies, divisions, (dissen- sensions, factions, tion, dissensions, fac-
sions), tions

Definition from Authorities:

STRONG: 5331.pharmakeia {far-mak-i'-ah}; from 5332; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by
extension) magic (literally or figuratively): -sorcery, witchcraft. 5332. pharmakeus {far-
mak-yoos'}; from pharmakon (a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion); a druggist ("pharmacist")
or poisoner, i.e. (by extension) a magician: -sorcerer.

VINE: "pharmakeia primarily signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells; then, poison-
ing; then, sorcery, Gal. 5:20... In sorcery, the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, was
generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with the provision
of various charms, amulets, etc., professedly designed to keep the applicant or patient
from the attention and power of demons, but actually to impress the applicant with the
mysterious resources and powers of the sorcerer."

Working Definition:
Attempting to change reality by occultic techniques.

"Your unconscious mind... [has a] power that turns wishes into realities when the wishes are
strong enough." --Norman Vincent Peale, Positive Imaging, p. 77

New Testament Usage of the Term:

Galatians 5:20
Revelation 9:21
Revelation 18:23

This Work as It Impacts Our Lives:

1. Sorcery continues to be a problem in our society. How?

15
 2. What other sins and evils come with the belief in the occult?

3. The occult and the church have always done battle, as in Acts 19:17-20. On what
"fronts" must the church fight today?

4. Sorcery feeds certain desires in the mind, such as the desire for power and control.
What will this lead to?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. How can we defend against sorcery and the occult in our lives today? What tactics and
strategies will be effective?

2. What should be the Christian's attitude toward all occultic practices? What of
horoscopes? Fortune telling? Ouija boards? New Age crystal and pyramid power
ideology? Superstition?

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 Lesson Seven
ENMITY and STRIFE
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(20) Idolatry, witch- (20) Idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry and witch-
craft, hatred, vari- enmity, strife, jeal- enmities, strife, jeal- craft; hatred, dis-
ance, emulations, ousy, anger (ill tem- ousy, outbursts of an- cord, jealousy, fits of
wrath, strife, sedi- per), selfishness, divi- ger, disputes, dissen- rage, selfish ambition,
tions, heresies, sions, (dissensions), sions, factions, dissensions, factions

Enmity Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 2189. echthra {ekh'-thrah}; feminine of 2190; hostility; by implication, a reason
for opposition: -enmity, hatred. 2190. echthros {ech-thros'}; from a primary echtho (to
hate); hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary
(especially Satan): -enemy, foe.

VINE: "from the adjective echtros (see enemy) is rendered, "enmity"... It is the opposite of
agape, love."

Working Definition of Enmity:

Hateful attitude.

"If some one says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does
not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen."
--1 John 4:20

Strife Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 2054.eris {er'-is}; of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling:
-contention, debate, strife, variance.

VINE: "strife, contention, is the expression of enmity."

Working Definition of Strife:

The hateful attitude at work.
New Testament Usage of the Term New Testament Usage of the Term
Enmity: Strife:
Luke 23:12 Romans 1:29; 13:13
Romans 8:7 1 Corinthians 1:1; 3:3
Galatians 5:20 2 Corinthians 12:20
Ephesians 2:15 Galatians 5:20
Ephesians 2:16 Philippians 1:15
James 4:4 1 Timothy 6:4
Titus 3:9
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These Works as They Impact Our Lives:
1. How do we see hatred and strife in our world today?

2. What other problems come from hatred and strife?

3. Contention and quarreling wreck havoc in a home quickly. Discuss what will happen:

4. The church is not untouched by enmity and strife either. How do we see these works
of the flesh among brethren?

6. What is the real problem with the person who is contentious and hard to get along
with? What kind of excuses and rationalizations may he offer for his behavior?

7. Does this passage forbid debating Bible issues?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. How can we insure that we are not party to enmity and strife, nor guilty of it?

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 Lesson Eight
JEALOUSY and ENVYINGS
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(20) Idolatry, witch- (20) Idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry and witch-
craft, hatred, variance, enmity, strife, jeal- enmities, strife, jeal- craft; hatred, discord,
emulations, wrath, ousy, anger (ill tem- ousy, outbursts of an- jealousy, fits of rage,
strife, seditions, her- per), selfishness, divi- ger, disputes, dissen- selfish ambition, dis-
esies, (21) sions, (dissensions), sions, factions, (21) sensions, factions (21)
envyings.... (21) envy.... envying.... and envy....

Jealousy Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 2205. zelos {dzay'-los}; from 2204; properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a
favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively, of
God], or an enemy, malice): -emulation, envy(-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy,
zeal. 2204. zeo {dzeh'-o}; a primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e.
(figuratively) be fervid (earnest): -be fervent.

VINE: "zeal, jealousy, is rendered "jealous" in the Revised Version (Authorized Version,
"envying") in Romans 13:13... in Galatians 5:20, Revised Version "jealousies" (Authorized
Version, "emulations")."

Working Definition of Jealousy:

Strong desire to have what another possesses.

"I am envy, begotten of a chimney sweeper and an oyster-wife. I cannot read, and
therefore wish all books were burnt. I am lean with seeing other eat. O that there would
come a famine through all the world, that all might die, and I live alone! Then thou shouldest
see how fat I would be."
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus
Christopher Marlowe

Envy Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 5355. phthonos {fthon'-os}; probably akin to the base of 5351; ill-will (as detrac-
tion), i.e. jealousy (spite): -envy.

VINE: "envy is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advan-
tage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word."

Working Definition of Envy:

Hating that others do well.

19
New Testament Usage of Jealousy: New Testament Usage of the Envy:
John 2:17 Matthew 27:18
Acts 5:17 Mark 15:10
Acts 13:45 Romans 1:29
Romans 10:2 Galatians 5:21
Romans 13:13 Philippians 1:15
1 Corinthians 3:3 1 Timothy 6:4
2 Corinthians 7:7 Titus 3:3
2 Corinthians 7:11 James 4:5
2 Corinthians 9:2 1 Peter 2:1
2 Corinthians 11:2
2 Corinthians 12:20
Galatians 5:20
Philippians 3:6
Colossians 4:13
Hebrews 10:27
James 3:14, 16

These Works as They Impact Our Lives:

1. Can jealousy be good? Note Isaiah 9:7, Psalm 69:9 and John 2:17.

2. Can envy be good? What is the difference in the way the scriptures uses the two
terms?

3. List some Bible examples of jealousy and envy at work:

4. What are people jealous or envious of today?

5. What can jealousy and envy lead to?

6. If a person becomes consumed with envy how would you expect it to affect his home
life?

20
 7. Is envy and jealousy one of the sources of church strife and problems? Discuss how
and why:

8. What is the jealous person focused on, and how will that continued focus affect him
personally?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. How can we defend against jealousy in our lives today?

2. Key Scripture Defense:

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 Lesson Nine
WRATH or ILL TEMPER
KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(20) Idolatry, witch- (20) Idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry and witch-
craft, hatred, variance, enmity, strife, jeal- enmities, strife, jeal- craft; hatred, discord,
emulations, wrath, ousy, anger (ill tem- ousy, outbursts of jealousy, fits of rage,
strife, seditions, her- per), selfishness, divi- anger, disputes, dis- selfish ambition, dis-
esies, sions, (dissensions), sensions, factions, sensions, factions

Definition from Authorities:

STRONG: 2372. thumos {thoo-mos'}; from 2380; passion (as if breathing hard): -fierceness,
indignation, wrath. Compare 5590. 2380. thuo {thoo'-o}; a primary verb; properly, to rush
(breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e. (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive
case); by extension to immolate (slaughter for any purpose): -kill, (do) sacrifice, slay.

VINE: "hot anger, passion... thumos (wrath) is to be distinguished from orge (anger), in
this respect, that thumos indicates a more agitated condition of the feelings, 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. Orge is less sudden in its rise than thumos,
but more lasting in nature. Thumos expresses more the inward feeling, orge the more
active emotion. Thumos may issue in revenge, thought it does not necessarily include it. It
is characteristic that it quickly blazes up and quickly subsides, though that is not necessar-
ily implied in each case."

Working Definition:
Uncontrolled temper.

In the United States over 2 million wives are beaten every year, and over 1 million
children are physically abused. Further, over 50% of all homicides involve 2 people who
know each other, and the murder is usually preceded by an argument.
From Make Anger Your Ally
by Neil Clark Warren

New Testament Usage of the Term:

Luke 4:28 Revelation 14:8
Acts 19:28 Revelation 14:10
Romans 2:8 Revelation 14:19
2 Corinthians 12:20 Revelation 15:1
Galatians 5:20 Revelation 15:7
Ephesians 4:31 Revelation 16:1
Colossians 3:8 Revelation 16:19
Hebrews 11:27 Revelation 18:3
Revelation 12:12 Revelation 19:15

22
This Work as It Impacts Our Lives:

1. Why do people become angry?

2. Is it a sin to be angry? If so, why? If not, why not? Note Ephesians 4:26 and Mark 3:5.

3. How can we tell if our anger is righteous or evil? What test would you employ?

4. If a person has a quick temper what kind of home life would you expect him to have?

5. How would temper problems in a Christian's life affect the church?

6. How does a quick temper affect a person individually?

7. What are the common rationalizations offered by those who are quick tempered?

8. Are there wrong ways to deal with anger? Detail:

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. What can we do today to keep our temper in check?

2. Key Scripture Defense:

23
 Lessons Ten and Eleven

DISPUTES, DISSENSIONS,
and FACTIONS
A Mini-Course in Church Conflict

KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(20) Idolatry, witch- (20) Idolatry, sorcery, en- (20) idolatry, sorcery, (20) idolatry and witch-
craft, hatred, variance, mity, strife, jealousy, enmities, strife, jeal- craft; hatred, discord,
emulations, wrath, anger (ill temper), self- ousy, outbursts of an- jealousy, fits of rage,
strife, seditions, her- ishness, divisions, (dis- ger, disputes, dis- selfish ambition,
sensions), party spirit
esies, sensions, factions, dissensions, fac-
(factions, sects with
peculiar opinions, her- tions
esies)

Disputes Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 2052. eritheia {er-ith-i'-ah}; perhaps as the same as 2042; properly, intrigue, i.e.
(by implication) faction: -contention(-ious), strife.

VINE: "denotes 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, a
hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers."

Working Definition of Disputes:

Personal ambition.

"There are those whose work in the Church is designed to exalt their own prominence and impor-
tance... there are those in the Church... who do in fact plan and intrigue in support of a policy and a line;
and it may well happen that they are more concerned to secure the triumph of their policy than to secure
the general welfare of the Church."
--Barclay, pp. 55-56

"Surely the church is a place where one day's truce ought to be allowed to the dissensions and
animosities of mankind."
--Edmund Burke

Dissension Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 1370. dichostasis {dee-khos-tas-ee'-ah}; from a derivative of 1364 and 4714;
disunion, i.e. (figuratively) dissension: -division, sedition.

VINE: "literally, a standing apart (dicha, asunder, apart, stasis, a standing), hence a dissen-
sion, division, is translated "seditions" in Gal. 5:20."

Working Definition of Dissension:

Quarrelsome intolerance.
24
Factions Defined by the Authorities:
STRONG: 139. hairesis {hah'-ee-res-is}; from 138; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party
or (abstractly) disunion: -heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect. 138. haireomai
{hahee-reh'-om-ahee}; probably akin to 142; to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer: -choose.
Some of the forms are borrowed from a cognate hellomai {hel'-lom-ahee}; which is other-
wise obsolete.

VINE: "denotes (a) a choosing, choice (from haireomai, to choose); then, 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, Gal.
5:20.... (b) a sect; this secondary meaning, resulting from (a), is the dominating significance
in the New Testament."

Working Definition of Factions:

Building a clique, divisive group, or sect.

New Testament Usage New Testament Usage New Testament Usage

of the Term Disputes: of the Term Dissension: of the Term Factions:
Romans 2:8 Romans 16:17 Acts 5:17
2 Corinthians 12:20 1 Corinthians 3:3 Acts 15:5
Galatians 5:20 Galatians 5:20 Acts 24:5
Philippians 1:16 Acts 24:14
Philippians 2:3 Acts 26:5
James 3:14 Acts 28:22
James 3:16 1 Corinthians 11:19
Galatians 5:20
2 Peter 2:1

These Works as They Impact Our Lives:

Questions for Lesson Ten

1. Why do churches have conflicts? Is division ever right?

2. Read Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8. Can matters of Christian liberty become points of
division? How should this be handled?

3. How should personality conflicts be handled?

4. What terrible sin is behind most church problems (note James 4:1, 6).

25
 5. What do you learn from Jesus' handling of the Pharisees in Mark 3:1-6? Why didn't
Jesus just tell the man with the withered hand that He would meet him in the morning
and heal him then?

6. Acts 15:1-35 contains an outstanding model of how church problems should be

resolved. Read these verses and note specifics of how the early church dealt with its
difficulties:

7. What was the problem with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41? When this crisis was
solved what was the net result for the work of God's kingdom?

8. Diotrephes created numerous problems for the church in 3 John 9-11. How does John
want this conflict solved? What do we learn from this situation?

Questions for Lesson Eleven

1. Read Colossians 3:12-13 and note specifics about the heart that wants to get along with
others:

2. Ephesians 4:15 tells us that speaking the truth is important, but must be coupled with
an attitude. Identify that attitude:

3. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 give us both the motivation and the method for correcting others.
Read these verses and distinguish both of these vital points:

4. What kind of wrong attitudes in conflict do we find in 1 Corinthians 5:6? Other

thoughts on wrong attitudes:

5. How can we stop church conflict before it starts?

6. How should Christians act in the midst of controversy and strife?

7. Key Scripture Defense:

26
 Lesson Twelve

DRUNKENNESS and CAROUSINGS

KJV AMPLIFIED NASB
(21) and envy; drunk-
(21) Envyings, mur- (21) Envy, drunken- (21) Envying, drunk- enness, orgies, and
ders, drunkenness, ness, carousing, and enness, carousing, the like. I warn you,
revellings, and such like. I warn you be- and things like these, as I did before, that
like: of the which I tell forehand, just as I did of which I forewarn you those who live like this
you before, as I have previously, that those just as I have fore- will not inherit the
also told you in time who do such things warned you that those kingdom of God.
past, that they which shall not inherit the who practice such
do such things shall kingdom of God. things shall not inherit
not inherit the king- the kingdom of God.
dom of God. NIV

Drunkenness Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 3178. methe {meth'-ay}; apparently a primary word; an intoxicant, i.e. (by
implication) intoxication: -drunkenness.

VINE: "strong drink, denotes drunkenness, habitual intoxication."

Working Definition of Drunkenness:

Intoxicated.

"Alcohol is by any estimate a great scourge. Maybe tobacco is worse. But tobacco
generally kills old people. Alcohol kills everybody."

--Dr. Theodore Reich, psychiatrist and alcohol researcher

Jewish hospital, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis

Carousing Defined by the Authorities:

STRONG: 2970. komos {ko'-mos}; from 2749; a carousal (as if letting loose): -revelling,
rioting. 2749. keimai {ki'-mahee}; middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched
(literally or figuratively): -be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie. Compare 5087.

VINE: "a revel, carousal, the concomitant and consequence of drunkenness."

Working Definition of Carousing:

Wild parties.

New Testament Usage of the Term New Testament Usage of the Term
Drunkenness: Carousing:
Luke 21:34 Romans 13:13
Romans 13:13 Galatians 5:21
Galatians 5:21 1 Peter 4:3
27
These Works as They Impact Our Lives:
1. Does our society have problems with alcoholism and drinking parties today? Give
evidence of your conclusion:

2. What other sins go hand in hand with drinking alcohol and carousing?

3. What kind of affect does alcoholism have on the home?

5. While nearly everyone agrees drunkenness is sinful, some wish to believe that social
drinking is not sinful. Do we learn something from this particular work of the flesh that
would help us with the social drinking issue? Please read appendix B for more
information.

4. How does this kind of living affect the church?

5. How does carousing and drinking affect a person individually? Does something
change in a persons' mind so that they become open to more and more sin?

Keys to Victory over this Work of the Flesh:

1. What kind of rationalizations are offered by those who want to drink and "party"?

2. Few set out to become drunks, but many get there anyway! How can we make certain
we never travel that road?

3. There is intense pressure on our young people to become involved in carousing. What
can we do to help and protect them?

28
 Lesson Thirteen

"And things like these"

KJV AMPLIFIED NASB NIV

(21) Envyings, mur- (21) Envy, drunken- (21) Envying, drunk- (21) and envy; drunk-
ders, drunkenness, ness, carousing, and enness, carousing, enness, orgies, and
revellings, and such like. I warn you be- and things like the like. I warn you,
like: of the which I forehand, just as I did these, of which I fore- as I did before, that
tell you before, as I previously, that those warn you just as I have those who live like this
have also told you in who do such things forewarned you that will not inherit the
time past, that they shall not inherit the those who practice kingdom of God.
which do such things kingdom of God. such things shall not
shall not inherit the inherit the kingdom of
kingdom of God. God.

1. Is this list in Galatians 5 comprehensive? Are these all the weapons that Satan uses
against us?

2. Are we being warned against other sins?

3. What kind of things might fit into this category?

4. What criteria could be used to decide whether an activity is from the Spirit or the flesh?

29
APPENDIX A

ADDITIONAL NOTE ON THE NEW INTERNATIONAL

VERSION AND SARX
The New International Version has been most inconsistent in its translation of sarx. In
certain passages the translators have used the phrase "sinful nature" for sarx. For example, the
word sarx is used 10 times in Ephesians, and the NIV has rendered it "sinful nature" in Eph. 2:3. It
is safe to say that a large majority of the translators hold to the doctrine of hereditary total deprav-
ity. It seems that here they have sought to sustain their theological viewpoint with this rendering.

In Colossians the term sarx is used 9 times. It has been rendered "sinful nature" only in 2:11
and 2:13. Note the way sarx is translated throughout Colossians in the NIV.

Col. 1:22 - physical body (The reference is to Christ. Why did not they translate it sinful
nature?)
Col. 1:24 - flesh (The reference is to Paul's physical body.)
Col. 2:1 - met me personally (for seen my face in the flesh).
Col. 2:5 - body
Col. 2:11 - sinful nature
Col. 2:13 - sinful nature
Col. 2:18 - unspiritual
Col. 2:23 - sensual
Col. 3:22 - _____________ - (Here the NIV omits any translation for the phrase kata sarka
- according to the flesh.)

It is granted that the word sarx does not have the same meaning everywhere it is used, and many
of the renderings of the NIV are quite good. The problem is that the NIV translators have used
"sinful nature" only when it seems to bolster the theological view of hereditary total depravity.
The use of so many different words and phrases by which to render sarx obliterates the actual
usage of sarx.

In Romans 1:3 where sarx is used of Christ it is translated "human nature." When sarx is
used of man in Rom. 7:5, 18, and 25 it is rendered "sinful nature." In Romans 8:3, where sarx is
used 3 times, the NIV has it "sinful nature" in the first instance where it refers to man. But when it
refers to Christ coming in the "likeness of sinful flesh" (the Greek is sarkos hamartias, flesh of sin),
they have used "sinful man". Such haphazard rendering can only be for the purpose of advancing
the theological view of total depravity.

--Ferrell Jenkins

[Author's Note: The NIV is gaining increasing acceptance among God's people, largely due to its
readability and ease of use. However, many may not be aware of some serious translation problems
regarding the word "sarx." Brother Ferrell Jenkins graciously allowed me to reprint his fine article on
this subject that originally appeared in his book Flesh and Spirit (see bibliography on page 2). His fine
research will be invaluable should someone try to prove denominational doctrine from a NIV. --MR].

30
APPENDIX B
WINE DRINKING IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES
Robert H. Stein
Christianity Today, June 20, 1975

As evangelicals we maintain that the Bible is for us the only infallible rule of faith and practice. It is
our final authority in all matters of doctrine (faith) and ethics (practice). Yet the Bible was not written to
evangelicals living in the twentieth century. The science - or better, the art - of interpreting the biblical text so
that the revelation of God written centuries ago is meaningful and correctly understood today is called "herme-
neutics." The basic principle of hermeneutics, to be somewhat simplistic, is that the question "What does it
mean for us today?" must be preceded by the question "What did it mean for them yesterday?" If we do not
seek first to understand what the text meant when it was written, it will be very difficult to interpret intelli-
gently what it means and demands of us today.
My subject here is the use of the term "wine" in the New Testament. Some readers may already be
thinking, "Is he going to try to tell us that wine in the Bible means grape juice? Is he going to try to say that
the wine mentioned in the New Testament is any different from the wine bottled today by Christian Brothers
or Chateau Lafite-Rothschild or Mogen David?" Well, my answers are no and yes. No, the wine of the Bible
was not unfermented grape juice. Yes, it was different from the wine of today.
In ancient times wine was usually stored in large pointed jugs called amphorae. When wine was to be
used it was poured from the amphorae into large bowls called kraters, where it was mixed with water. Last year
I had the privilege of visiting the great archaeological museum in Athens, Greece, where I saw dozens of these
large kraters. At the time it did not dawn on me what their use signified about the drinking of wine in biblical
times. From these kraters, cups or kylix were then filled. What is important for us to note is that before wine
was drunk it was mixed with water. The kylix were filled not from the amphorae but from the kraters.
The ratio of water to wine varied. Homer (Odyssey IX, 208f.) mentions a ratio of 20 to 1, twenty parts
water to one part wine. Pliny (Natural History XIV, vi, 54) mentions a ratio of eight parts water to one part
wine. In one ancient work, Athenaeus's The Learned Banquet, written around A.D. 200, we find in Book Ten a
collection of statements from earlier writers about drinking practices. A quotation from a play by Aristophanes
reads: "'Here, drink this also, mingled three and two.' DEMUS. 'Zeus! But it's sweet and bears the three parts
will!'" The poet Eunos, who lived in the fifth century B.C., is also quoted:

The best measure of wine is neither much nor very little; For 'tis the cause of either grief or madness.
It pleases the wine to be the fourth, mixed with three nymphs.

Here is the ration of water to wine is 3 to 1. Others mentioned are:

3 to 1 - Hesiod
4 to 1 - Alexis
2 to 1 - Diocles
3 to 1 - Ion
5 to 2 - Nichochares
2 to 1 - Anacreon

Sometimes the ratio goes down to 1 to 1 (and even lower), but is should be noted that such a mixture is referred
to as "strong wine." Drinking wine unmixed, on the other hand, was looked upon as a "Scythian" or barbarian
custom. Athenaeus in this work quotes Mnesitheus of Athens:

The god has revealed wine to mortals, to be the greatest blessing for those who use it aright, but for
those who use it without measure, the reverse. For it gives food to them that take it and strength in
mind and body. In medicine it is most beneficial; it can be mixed with liquid and drugs and it brings
aid to the wounded. In daily intercourse, to those who mix and drink it moderately, it gives good
cheer; but if you overstep the bounds, it brings violence. Mix it half and half, and you get madness;
unmixed, bodily collapse.

It is evident that wine was seen in ancient times as a medicine (and as a solvent for medicines) and of

31
course as a beverage. Yet as a beverage it was always thought of as a mixed drink. Plutarch (Symposiacs III, ix),
for instance, states. "We call a mixture 'wine,' although the larger of the component parts is water." The ration
of water might vary, but only barbarians drank it unmixed, and a mixture of wine and water of equal parts was
seen as "strong drink" and frowned upon. The term "wine" or oinos in the ancient world, then, did not mean
wine as we understand it today but wine mixed with water. Usually a writer simply referred to the mixture of
water and wine as "wine." To indicate that the beverage was not a mixture of water and wine he would say
"unmixed (akratesteron) wine."
One might wonder whether the custom of mixing wine with water was limited to the ancient Greeks.
The burden of proof would be upon anyone who argued that the pattern of drinking wine in Jewish society
was substantially different from that of the examples already given. And we do have examples in both Jewish
and Christian literature and perhaps in the Bible that wine was likewise understood as being a mixture of wine
and water. In several instances in the Old Testament a distinction is made between "wine" and "strong drink".
In Leviticus 10:8, 9, we read, "And the LORD spoke to Aaron, saying, 'Drink no wine nor strong drink, you nor
your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting...'". Concerning the Nazarite vow Numbers 6:3 states
that the Nazarite "shall separate himself from wine and strong drink." This distinction is found also in
Deuteronomy 14:26; 19:6; Judges 13:4, 7, 14; 1 Samuel 1:15; Proverbs 20:1; 31:4, 6; Isaiah 5:11, 22; 28:7; 29:9; 56:12;
and Micah 2:11.
The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia (Vol. 12, p. 533) states that in the rabbinic period at least "'yayin' [or wine] is
to be distinguished from 'shekar' [or strong drink]: the former is diluted with water ('mazug'); the latter is
undiluted ('yayin hai')." In the Talmud, which contains the oral traditions of Judaism from about 200 B.C. to
A.D. 200, there are several tractates in which the mixture of water and wine is discussed. One tractate (Shabbath
77a) states that wine that does not carry three parts of water well is not wine. The normal mixture is said to
consist of two parts water to one part wine. In a most important reference (Pesahim 108b) it is stated that the
four cups every Jew was to drink during the Passover ritual were to be mixed in a ratio of three parts water to
one part wine. From this we can conclude with a fair degree of certainty that the fruit of the vine used at the
institution of the Lord's Supper was a mixture of three parts water to one part wine. In another Jewish refer-
ence from around 60 B.C. we read, "It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water alone, while
wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious and enhances one's enjoyment" (II Maccabees 15:39).
In ancient times there were not many beverages that were safe to drink. The danger of drinking water
alone raise another point. There were several ways in which the ancients could make water safe to drink. One
method was boiling, but this was tedious and costly. Different methods of filtration were tried. The safest and
easiest method of making the water safe to drink, however, was to mix it with wine. The drinking of wine (i.e.,
a mixture of water and wine) served therefore as a safety measure, since often the water available was not safe.
(I remember drinking some water in Salonica, Greece, that would have been much better for me had it been
mixed with wine or some other purifying agent.)
When we come to the New Testament the content of the wine is never discussed. The burden of proof,
however, is surely upon anyone who would say that the "wine" of the New Testament is substantially different
from the wine mentioned by the Greeks, the Jews during the intertestamental period, and the early church
fathers. In the writings of the early church fathers it is clear that "wine" means wine mixed with water. Justin
Martyr around A.D. 150 described the Lord's Supper in this way: "Bread is brought, and wine and water, and
the president sends up prayers and thanksgiving" (Apology I, 67, 5). Some sixty-five years later Hippolytus
instructed the bishops that they shall "eucharistize [bless] first the bread into the representation of the Flesh of
Christ; and the cup mixed with wine for the antitype of the Blood which was shed for all who have believed
in Him" (Apostolic Tradition XXIII,1). Cyprian around A.D. 250 stated in his refutation of certain heretical
practices:

Nothing must be done by us but what the Lord first did on our behalf, as that the cup which is offered
in remembrance of Him should be offered mingled with wine...

Thus, therefore, in considering the cup of the Lord, water alone cannot be offered, even as wine alone
cannot be offered. For if anyone offer wine only, the blood of Christ is dissociated from us; but if the
water be alone, the people are dissociated from Christ... Thus the cup of the Lord is not indeed water
alone, nor wine alone, unless each be mingled with the other [Epistle LXII, 2, 11 and 13].

Unmixed wine and plain water at the Lord's Supper were both found unacceptable. A mixture of wine and
water was the norm. Earlier in the latter part of the second century Clement of Alexandria stated:

It is best for the wine to be mixed with as much water as possible...For both are works of God, and the
mixing of the two, both of water and wine produces health, because life is composed of a necessary
element and a useful element. To the necessary element, the water, which is in the greatest quantity,
32
 there is to be mixed in some of the useful element [Instructor II, ii, 23.3-24.1].

To consume the amount of alcohol that is in two martinis by drinking wine containing three parts water to one
part wine, one would have to drink over twenty-two glasses. In other words, it is possible to become intoxi-
cated from wine mixed with three parts water, but one's drinking would probably affect the bladder long
before it affected the mind.
In concluding this brief article I would like to emphasize two points. First, it is important to try to
understand the biblical text in the context in which it was written. Before we ask "What does the biblical text
mean for us today?" we must ask "What did it mean to them originally?" Second, there is a striking difference
between the drinking of alcoholic beverages today and the drinking of wine in New Testament times. If the
drinking of unmixed wine or even wine mixed in a ration of one to one with water was frowned upon in
ancient times, certainly the drinking of distilled spirits in which the alcoholic content is frequently three to ten
times greater would be frowned upon a great deal more.

[Author's Note: Mr. Stein's article originally appeared in a denominational paper. However, due to
his scholarship and the important points the article raises (especially for those who wish to equate the
wines of Bibles times with the alcoholic beverages of today) we deem it suitable to include here. We
trust that we can gain the good that is presented without sanctioning the everything Mr. Stein or
Christianity Today believes in. --MR]

33