Works of the Flesh: Revelries (Revellings)

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Flesh, Revelries, Flesh, Themes, Sin, Drinking, Subject Index by Osborne, Harry
This entry is part 19 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

The last of the specified works of the flesh is “revellings” (ASV and KJV), “revelries” (NKJ), “orgies” (NIV) or “carousing” (NASV and NRSV). These are all translations of the Greek word komos. In order to understand the definition and connotation of this word, it is good to consult several authorities regarding the meaning of New Testament words. The following references are included for that purpose:

  • Arndt & Gingrich, in discussing the use of the word, stated, “originally a festal procession in honor of Dionysus, then a joyous meal of banquet, in the NT… only in the bad sense excessive feasting” (461).
  • Thayer commented on the meaning and use of the word as referring to “a nocturnal and riotous procession of half-drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before houses of their male and female friends; hence used generally, of feasts and drinking-parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry” (367).
  • Vine said it had reference to “a revel, carousal, the concomitant and consequence of drunkenness” (Vol. 3, p. 293).
  • Wuest said of the word that it at first referred to “a village merrymaking.” He further noted, “Then it came to mean ‘a carousal’ such as a party of revellers parading the streets, or revels held in religious ceremonies, wild, furious, and ecstatic” (Vol. 2, p. 112).
  • R.C. Trench in Synonyms of the New Testament said that the Greek word komos combines the notions “of riot and of revelry.” He further commented, “At the same time komos is often used of the company of revellers themselves; always a festal company, but not of necessity riotous or drunken…. Still the word generally implies as much, being applied in a special sense to the troop of drunken revellers… who at the late close of a revel, with garlands on their heads, and torches in their hands, with shout and song, …pass to the harlots’ house, or otherwise wander through the streets, with insult and wanton outrage for every one whom they meet….” (226-227).

In modern terms, the above definitions bring to our mind the participants in modern Mardi Gras festivals or the party-goer with a lampshade on his head. It describes the person who has not lost control to the extent of methe (the previous word in Galatians 5:21) or oinophlugia (which komos follows in 1 Peter 4:3). Instead, komos is descriptive of the state of one who retains control, but is merrily intoxicated due to the effects of alcohol. In the vernacular of drinkers, this is the person that has “a buzz,” is “mellow” or “high.” The effects of inebriation are present with such a person, though he may feel he is still in full control. This is the person, when pulled over for drunken driving, claims to be unaffected by “just two or three drinks.” The komos man believes he is still in control, yet in reality alcohol has diminished his degree of alertness and has altered his mental state.

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Works of the Flesh: Drunkenness

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Flesh, Drunkenness, Flesh, Themes, Sin, Drinking, Subject Index by Fite, Jerry
This entry is part 18 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

If you were to look out your window and see your neighbor run full speed and smash his head against a tree, you probably would be shocked. If he knocked himself unconscious against the tree periodically, your shock would probably escalate to questioning the neighbor’s sanity. What is wrong with this guy? Why does he harm himself repeatedly? He is acting like a fool! This is the same reaction that God has when commenting on those who get drunk. “They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not hurt; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again” (Proverbs 23:35). From the more serious spiritual viewpoint, God also reveals that becoming drunk will cause one to forfeit his or her inheritance in the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).

The Greek noun, methe, is akin to methu- wine, and is translated “drunkenness” in the list of the works of the flesh. The Greek word ties together strong drink and its effect of intoxication. The noun, methe, occurs two other times in our New Testament, besides Galatians 5:21.

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Works of the Flesh: Murders

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Flesh, Murder, Flesh, Themes, Sin, Subject Index by Martin, P.W.
This entry is part 17 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

The heart of man is a strange and wild place. We are told by Christ in his word that on one hand, “…those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man” Matthew 15:18. But on the other hand “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Matthew 6:21-22. In seeking to understand the both the sin that is murder and the solution that can be offered, let us begin with a little history upon the subject.

Within the text of the Bible willful murder has been distinguished from accidental homicide. The consequence under the law of Moses was capital punishment “And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 24:17; cf. Numbers 35:16,18,21,31). This law in its principle is surely based upon that indelible fact of man’s having been made in the likeness of God, “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:5,6; cf. John 8:44; 1 John 3:12,15). Under the Law of Moses there was a prohibition for any compensation for murder or the delay in the punishment of the murderer “But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die” (Exodus 21:12,14 cf. Deuteronomy 19:11,13; 2 Samuel 17:25; 20:10). To ensure the protection of the innocent, two witnesses were required in any capital case, “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death…” (Deuteronomy 17:6ff; Numbers 35:19-30) If the murderer could not be discovered, the city nearest the scene of the murder was required to make amends for the crime that had been committed (Deuteronomy 21:1-9).

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Works of the Flesh: Envy (Envyings)

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Flesh, Envy, Flesh, Themes, Sin, Subject Index by Thetford, Richie
This entry is part 16 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

In Galatians 5:19-21, the sin of envy is mentioned along with 16 others by the apostle Paul as one which, if practiced, will keep one from entering the kingdom of God. There may be some that just don’t place a great deal of emphasis on this particular sin. Yet it is listed in verse 21 just before murderers. Of all the sins that could have delivered our Lord and Savior to be delivered to the cross, it was the sin of envy that is mentioned in Matthew 27:18. There has been much writing and lessons presented on the sin of adultery which is mentioned in the same text (Galatians 5:19), but very little has been written on the subject of envy. It would do us all so much good to find out more about this word “envy” to know how serious a sin it really is.

The Word “Envy”

Envy is the Greek “phthonos.” “It is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word (Vines Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, New Testament, p. 204). It is further defined as: “having hatred or ill will; to look askance at, in upon; a feeling of discontent and ill will because of another’s advantages, possessions, etc.; resentful dislike of another who has something that one desires; desire for some advantage, quality, etc. that another has” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition).

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Works of the Flesh: Heresies (Parties)

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Heresies, Parties, Flesh, Flesh, Sin, Themes, Subject Index by Roberts, Tom
This entry is part 15 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

In the time of the Judges in Israel, forty-two thousand Ephraimites fell to their enemies because they could not speak the language of the Gileadites. “And it was so, that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, ‘Let me go over,’ the men of Gilead said unto him, ‘Art thou an “Ephraimite?’ If he said, ‘Nay,’ then said they unto him, ‘Say now Shibboleth’ and he said ‘Sibboleth;’ for he could not frame to pronounce it right..” (Judges 12:5-6).

How convenient it would be if we could determine so easily today by sibilant sounds whether or not a brother was “orthodox” regarding the faith. Since an Ephraimite could not pronounce the “sh” sound, he was known immediately to be an alien. “Shibboleth” was orthodox; “Sibboleth” was unorthodox and suspicious. While “the faith” (Jude 3) is orthodox and true doctrine, departures into error require more than a sibilant slip to discover them. However, truth does have a “certain sound” that is identifiable, while error will be “unsound” (1 Cor. 14:7-11).

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Works of the Flesh: Dissensions

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Flesh, Dissensions, Seditions, Flesh, Themes, Sin, Division, Subject Index by Vess, Dan
This entry is part 14 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

(Seditions, Divisions)

Numerous times people have written, prayed, and preached words of thanksgiving for the various denominations so abundant in America. Although there is nothing wrong with our love for the religious freedom enjoyed in this country, Paul condemned party spirits and religious division when he listed dissensions among the works of the flesh. It is just as much a work of the flesh as fornication, adultery, drunkenness, murder, etc. Galatians 5:21 warns against practicing any of these: “…of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Since our soul will be in jeopardy if we are guilty of this sin it makes good sense to understand what it is.

Definition of “Dissensions”

Dichostasia (dee-khos-tas-ee’-ah) is found three times in the Greek New Testament: Galatians 5:20; Romans 16:17; and 1 Corinthians 3:3. Some disagree with the inclusion of dichostasia in 1 Corinthians 3:3 due to the lack of support from ancient manuscripts. It means “lit., a standing apart (dicha, asunder, apart, stasis, a standing),…” (Vine, p. 1008). Thayer defines it as “to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, dissever” (p. 158). The prefix “di-” means “to divide” in many words in numerous languages. As can be seen in the words “dialogue” (two or more speakers); “diameter” (cutting a circle into two equal parts); “dissect” (dividing an organism into various parts); etc. Thus, dissension takes place whenever two or more parties are created by drawing a line between what one believes. Dissension also encourages others to choose sides.

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Works of the Flesh: Selfish Ambitions

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Strife, Selfish Ambition, Factions, Flesh, Flesh, Sin, Themes, Subject Index by Needham, James P.
This entry is part 13 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

(Strife, Factions)

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21, New King James).

The works of the flesh in this passage can be categorized as follows:

     

  1. Sins of fleshly lust: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness.
  2. Sins of irreligion: Idolatry, witchcraft, seditions (divisions, Marshall), heresies (sects. Marshall).
  3. Sins of personal disposition: variance, emulations, wrath, strife, Envyings, murders, (not found here in the better manuscripts and later versions. JPN), drunkenness, revellings and such like.

This article will discuss a sin of personal disposition, namely, strife (Greek, erithia).

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Works of the Flesh: Outbursts of Wrath

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Flesh, Flesh, Themes, Wrath, Sin, Subject Index by Deaton, Steven
This entry is part 12 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

There are many sins of which men may be guilty. As you know, some of these are listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Among the sins listed, there are ones people view as “major” and others as “minor.” Some believe “uncleanness” and “lewdness” to be minor, while “idolatry” and “sorcery” are major. Yet, God lists them in the same category of works of the flesh. Another sin that is viewed as minor is “outbursts of wrath,” though it is listed with “hatred,” “envy,” and “drunkenness.” Nothing could be further from the truth, as we shall see.

Definition

The “outbursts of wrath,” of Galatians 5:20, is defined as “passion, angry heat….anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again” (Thayer). Vine states that the Greek word “thumos,” the root of “outbursts of wrath,” means “Hot anger, passion.” E. Huxtable, in The Pulpit Commentary, states “wrath” in Galatians 5:20 “denotes violent ebullitions [boilings] of passionate anger.” An examination of various uses of this word in the New Testament will further “define” this work of the flesh.

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Works of the Flesh: Jealousies (Emulations)

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Jealousies, Emulations, Flesh, Flesh, Sin, Themes, Subject Index by Goforth, Wayne
This entry is part 11 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

A tree is known by its fruits, and in this passage (Galatians 5:19-23) Paul lists the works of the flesh contrasted to the fruits of the Spirit. Paul here lists sins of sensuality, idolatry and of personal relations. Of the later, he names eight sins, of which our word “jealousy” or “emulation” (KJV) is a part.

Definition

Jealousy is from the Greek word zelos, which literally means “to boil.” It should be noted that each of the works of the flesh has a proper and improper usage in the Christian life. So it is with our word. One can be jealous in a legitimate way or illegitimate way. The word has good uses as in Exodus 20:5 (God is a jealous God), and 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, while negative uses such as in our passage, and in 2 Corinthians 12:20, “For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and [that] I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest [there] [be] contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults.” Notice that this is a listing of sins similar to that of Galatians 5.

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Works of the Flesh: Contentions (Variance, Strife)

Posted on May 1st, 2001 in Contentions, Variance, Strife, Flesh, Flesh, Sin, Themes, Subject Index by Zamora, Luis
This entry is part 10 of 19 in the series, Flesh.

Among the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, sandwiched between “hatred” and “jealousy,” is a little word, “contentions.” A little word, but a great sin. A child I know once asked his mother to tell him what an “image” was so that he would never bow down before one. In like manner, it behooves us to define—or rather, to allow the Holy Spirit to define—this “contention” so that we may not fall prey to it, “for we are not ignorant of [Satan’s] devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

We should note that the word translated “contentions” (and also “strife” ) in the NKJV is the greek word eris, and the dictionary definition is:

    Strife, quarrel, contention
    1.Battle-strife 2.Quarrel, strife, discord; wordy wrangling or disputation 3.Eris, a goddess who excites to war (sister of Ares) 4.Contention, rivalry (Liddell & Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon)

Specifically, we should note that the word has a military origin, indicating a spirit of war or rivalry—even infighting. This much secular input is useful, but we must go to the New Testament to get a true understanding of the meaning and application the Holy Spirit intended.

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