Sin At Work

Christians, hear a lot about “works”. We most often relate works to our efforts to do the right things, good things, positive things. I doubt few of us have ever given much thought to the fact that our works can be a negative, even dark ambition.

As you look closely at Galatians 5, are you surprised to learn that our sin nature isn’t some passive thing against which we struggle, it is something we perpetuate through our own deliberate acts. Sin is something we work at.

Points to Ponder

• The Greek word for works in verse 19 is ergon. Thayer defines it as “business, employment, that which any one is occupied. That which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking”.
• Paul gives us fifteen specific works of the flesh
  • Immortality
  • Impurity
  • Sensuality
  • Idolatry
  • Sorcery
  • Enmities
  • Strife
  • Jealousy
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Disputes
  • Dissensions
  • Factions
  • Envying
  • Drunkenness
  • Carousing
• What does he warn us about if we practice of such things?
• Are there any of the works of the flesh Paul lists that you specifically struggle with?

Something to Think About

When we set out to do a job, we make a conscious decision, a determination if you will, to what our mind has conceived to do. Have you ever considered that your sinful nature works the same way?

© 2012 Sandra Bivens Smith