The acts of the flesh are obvious: … and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
Summary: As we finish Paul’s list of the “obvious” acts of the flesh, we look at the less obvious sins that occur out of the public’s view.
One of the things about the lists of sins we find in the Bible is that they are humbling. Things we might consider “little sins” are listed right alongside the ones we think of as “big sins.” In today’s passage, we are confronted with the reality that God sees “envy” in the same light as drunkenness and orgies.
There is no language in the Bible that “scores” sins. The truth is just the opposite. Jesus equates BIG sins and little sins often. In Matthew 5:28 Jesus says:
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
One little sidelong glance and the line has been crossed. As you can imagine, if one glance is the same as adultery, it is not a stretch of the imagination to conclude that two or three glances on a hot summer day could equate to an orgy in God’s eyes.
We cannot “score” sin. God’s law is not a football field wide. There is no “five-yard line” on the law that defines sin. The line that divides right from wrong is only as wide as a thread. Put one hair of your head over that thread, and you are in sin territory.
The reason for looking at the “thin line of the law” is we need to understand that the “acts of the flesh” are not limited to things we do. The “acts of the flesh” include the things we think. It is in our minds and hearts that the battle over sin is fought.
Whether we are sitting in church or sitting on a bus stop bench, it doesn’t matter. We can sin just as easily while watching television at home or a movie in a theater. The “flesh” is a non-denominational sinner. It doesn’t matter which church we go to or whether we stay at home. The battle is the same for everyone who believes Jesus is Lord.
The acts of the flesh are obvious when we see someone else act them out. Paul is showing them to us in detail. What we also need to realize is that the acts of the flesh are obvious to God, even if they are only acted out in our minds.
Application: Mind your thoughts!
Food for Thought: How do we control our thoughts?
I think your question is very appropriate for this passage. Something struck me this morning: why did Paul choose place these three together? Looking at other translations it becomes obvious Paul is waring us about how the flesh, left unchecked, becomes “out of control.”
In life with Christ, we are given control.
2 Timothy 1:7 or God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
We are to take every thought captive for Christ. Don’t give away control of our thoughts to something else. Measure our thoughts against the Word of God.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Very nice Chris. I give you one of my 🌟.
🙂
Thanks Chris!
I like the imagery of taking thought “captive”.
🙂
😯😳🫣
How do we control our thoughts?
First we must respond to the conviction of the Hoy Spirit and begin truly understanding, we are not created by God, placed on this earth to entertain ourselves by feeding this temporary housing of flesh we are confined to. John 16:8
The Holy Spirit will be the power:
Bringing our thoughts under control.
Calling us to meditate on the word of God every single day.
Make prayer a habit, as automatic as breathing.
Seek humility as we fully understand our weakness’.
Be Accountable to somebody.
John 14:26, But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
Luke 12:12, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
1 John 2:27, As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
Galatians 5:16, But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].
And live each day clothed in the full armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Ron
Relying on the Holy Spirit is great advice!
Thank you!!