Walking in Purity: Overcoming Works of the Flesh

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The Bible provides clear warnings and guidance about behaviors and attitudes that lead us away from God. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "works of the flesh," which include uncleanness, lasciviousness, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, and revelries. These are not just outdated terms but timeless warnings about spiritual pitfalls.

Understanding the Terms:

1. Uncleanness and Lasciviousness:
These represent moral impurity and unbridled lust. Romans 1:24 states, “Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.” Purity requires honoring God with our thoughts and actions.
Example: Joseph in Genesis 39 resisted Potiphar’s wife’s advances, demonstrating purity over indulgence.


2. Variance and Emulations:
Variance refers to discord and quarrels, while emulations imply jealousy or striving to outdo others for selfish reasons. Philippians 2:3 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Example: Cain and Abel’s story in Genesis 4 showcases the dangers of envy and striving against one another.


3. Wrath and Strife:
These are uncontrolled anger and contentious behaviors. James 1:20 warns, “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Example: King Saul's wrath against David (1 Samuel 18-19) led to his downfall, contrasting with David’s humility and trust in God.


4. Seditions and Heresies:
Seditions involve divisive actions, while heresies are false teachings or doctrines. Titus 3:10 advises, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
Example: The rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16 shows how sedition against God’s chosen leaders led to judgment.


5. Envyings and Revelries:
Envy is desiring what belongs to others, while revelries refer to wild, indulgent partying. Proverbs 14:30 teaches, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Example: The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) indulged in revelry but found redemption when he returned to the Father.



Living in the Spirit:

Paul contrasts these works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome the temptations of the flesh.

Practical Steps to Walk in Purity:

1. Daily Prayer and Repentance: Confess sins and seek God’s strength to overcome temptations. (1 John 1:9)


2. Bible Meditation: Regular study transforms our minds. (Romans 12:2)


3. Accountability: Fellowship with believers helps in spiritual growth. (Hebrews 10:24-25)


4. Guarding the Heart: Avoid influences that stir fleshly desires. (Proverbs 4:23)


A Call to Action:

Let us examine our lives and ask, “Am I walking by the Spirit or the flesh?” The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in righteousness and experience the abundant life Christ promises (John 10:10). Choose today to reject the works of the flesh and embrace the Spirit’s transformative work.

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

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