The works of the flesh, continued once more.
·
Egocentric sins.
A dictionary definition of “egocentric” is, thinking only of oneself,
without regard for the feelings or desires of others; self-centered.
o
Selfish ambitions: The King James translated
this “strife” which can fit. But here is
a definition from the Arndt and Gingrich Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament: “electioneering or intriguing for office; apparently, in the NT
a courting distinction, a desire to put one’s self forward, a partisan and
fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts.” Philippians 2:3 speaks of this as a
contradiction to the humble mind that was in Christ Jesus (2:5-8). With this work to begin the list you see how
we come to the others.
o
Dissensions: This is the word for “divisions.” In the church, divisions can be traced back
to someone who was moved by selfish ambition.
(The Greek word is “dichostasia,” as in “dichotomy.”)
o
Heresies: The root meaning of this word means “the
act of taking, capturing.” It came to
refer to heresy (false doctrine) and heretics (those who hold them). It is used of the Sadducees (Ac. 5:17) and
Pharisees (Ac. 15:5), but was also used by the Jews of Christianity (Ac. 24:5,
the “sect” of the Nazarenes). Again,
false teaching revolves around someone driven by selfish ambition.
o Envy:
Jealousy is hating someone because they have been blessed. Envy is wishing I had the blessing that
belongs to another. Envy is driven by
selfish ambition. On many occasions in
the Scriptures envy was the cause of great acts of evil. The Jews delivered up Jesus because of envy
(Mt. 27:28). Some preached against Paul
because of envy (Phil. 1:15). It is what
is being described in James 4:1-5.
·
Lack of self-control sins. The sins in this list are sins of excess. It shows what happens when we are in control;
something that might be beneficial becomes an issue of evil when it
characterizes our lives.
o
Murders: This is evil thoughts and hatred taken
to excess. Remember that Jesus said a
person committed murder by his hateful thoughts (Mt. 5:21-26).
o
Drunkenness: This is the sin of excessive use of
alcohol. Drunkenness brings the entire
body under control (Eph. 5:18), and not for good.
o Revelries:
This is the sin of excessive partying. Strong
has an interesting description of where this came from: “a nocturnal and
riotous procession of half drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper
parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some
other deity, and sing and play before houses of male and female friends; hence
used generally of feasts and drinking parties that are protracted till late at
night and indulge in revelry.”
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