THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE EVIDENT
God made man with a moral nature that must choose to do good and not do wrong. The animals are simply creatures of instinct and physical desire or flesh. If a man lives according to his fleshly desires, he is little different from the animals. Are you okay with that? Is it acceptable to you for people to behave like animals doing whatever the flesh desires?
Every time I turn my head, I cannot help but see the works of the flesh of Galatians 5:19-21 treated as acceptable in our society. These sins are promoted on TV, the big screen, newspaper, social media, the internet, in all kinds of entertainment. They are no longer hidden but instead are encouraged in our society. Take for instance the internet which is filled with this kind of stuff. Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram and others such as these are filled with these sins. I often hear people say that our society has moved on and that I need to be a little bit more tolerant and not so backward. But you know what the truth is? The truth is that our society or culture hasn’t moved that much! Why? Because despite our modern technology and social acceptance and tolerance, our people are more aware and encouraged to partake of these sins of darkness.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” (Titus 1:15).
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13).
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5).
“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” (Leviticus 20:6).
Society tells us now that hatred is acceptable. But the Bible says,
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” (Titus 3:3).
“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:9-11).
“For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” (1 Corinthians 3:3).
Society tells us that it is okay and acceptable to have fits of rage, for they go insane when things don’t go their way to the point where they cannot control themselves. But the Bible says,
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11).
Society tells us that selfish gratification and ambition are acceptable, for they will go at any length to get what they want no matter the consequences and who is hurt in the way. They want the praise of men and recognition for themselves just like the Jewish brethren that Paul spoke of in Galatians 6:12.
“It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.”
Our society tells us that it is acceptable to have dissensions, for it is okay to have our own opinion as long as it agrees with theirs. Otherwise, it will become a big issue for them! But the Bible says,
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2).
“They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them.” (Galatians 4:17).
“A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30).
“Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21).
“For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” (1 Peter 4:3).
CONCLUSION: