One reason why we spent so many weeks examining the works of the flesh before doing this study is because our carnal, selfish nature must be dealt with before we can be entrusted with the true riches of the kingdom. Some of this is dealt with as we learn to handle earthly riches. Even so, we are...

As we have discussed, Israel was not just called out of bondage, but into the glorious freedom of God and into a new land of promised prosperity and blessing. Likewise, we are not just called out of this world, or this present evil age, but we are called to the kingdom of God. It, too, is a place...

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5:13-14). Before we begin to examine the...

Now it came about when they had finished circumcising all the nation, that they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the...

Briefly reviewing what we have covered earlier in this study, after Paul recited the experiences of Israel in the wilderness, we read: “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (I Corinthians 10:11). This...

The last of the works of the flesh that Paul lists in Galatians 5 is “carousing.” This is more than just joking around. The Greek word that is translated implies being loud and foolish. The carnal nature is prone to being self-centered and likes to be the center of attention. The more we let the...

Before we continue this study of the works of the flesh, I would like to remind you how these relate to our study of the biblical prophecies about the end times. Our main goal for studying the end times is to be able to accomplish our purpose in them. As the Lord said in Matthew 24:14: “this gospel...

The next “work of the flesh,” we will study from Galatians 5:22 is “drunkenness.” Of course, getting drunk, or high, should have no place in the life of a Christian. To become drunk is at best to reduce your ability to control yourself, or to resist the devil. When this happens we can count on the...

The next “work of the flesh” we will study from Galatians 5:20 is “envying.” This is similar to “jealousy” that we studied previously, but not quite the same. Jealousy is more directed at a person, while envy is directed more at possessions, positions, or what they have. Though all of these works...

The next "work of the flesh," noted in Galatians 5:20 is translated "heresies," or "factions." We often relate heresy to teaching a false doctrine, but a heresy is actually creating a division or faction in the church. Of course, this is often the result of a false doctrine, but it is not limited...