THE WORKS OF THE FLESH PART 3
We are on a spiritual mission to destroy the works of the flesh. Today, we continue our quest.
Idolatry is the worship of idols. This does not just mean the worship of images made out of stone, wood, or precious metals. An idol is anything that is more important to you than God. Who are your heroes? What occupies your thoughts and time? Do you have a relationship that you value more than God? Idolatry is the lack of acknowledgment of the rightful position of God in your life. One of the first commandments given by God concerned idolatry: "Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 19:4).
Witchcraft includes white and black magic, sorcery, astrology, voodoo, and the use of potions, spells, enchantments, and drugs. It includes all Satanic practices and worship. The meaning of witchcraft can be expanded to include controlling and manipulating others. Even though you are not involved in Satanic witchcraft, you can be guilty of witchcraft as a sin of the flesh if you attempt to manipulate and control people or pray curses on them. Witchcraft is spiritual rebellion against God. God says the sin of rebellion is as bad as witchcraft "...For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft" (1 Samuel 15:23).
Hatred is an emotion of intense dislike and evil attitudes or feelings towards others.
Variance is disagreement, disharmony, and dissension. It is similar to strife. This word is used only one other place in the Bible; when Jesus speaks of disharmony in the family as a sign of the last days of time (Matthew 10:35).
Emulation is the desire to copy others in order to equal or excel them. It is a spirit of rivalry and a form of jealousy. This passage in Galatians is the only reference in the Bible where the word is used in this manner (Galatians 5:19-21).
Wrath is violent anger, an angry act, or expressed rage. You should put off wrath as you would take off a dirty garment (Colossians 3:8). A man filled with wrath stirs up strife, and that brings us to the next work of the flesh...
Strife is quarreling, fighting, or conflict. It means a clash or dispute. In addition to wrath causing strife, hatred (Proverbs 10:12) and anger (Proverbs 29:22) also cause it. Scornful men cause strife (Proverbs 22:10) and foolish questions result in it (2 Timothy 2:23)
Strife is a carnal work of the flesh (James 3:14,16).
Examine your life for evidence of any of these works of the flesh.
PRAYER:
My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.