〽️ *THE WORKS OF THE FLESH* Part Two _A Call to Be Born Again_ *LET'S READ* “I say then, walk by the Spirit, and you shall not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another…” *LET'S THINK* Let's continue listing the works of the flesh, which we have divided into three major areas, as we mentioned in the previous study: sexual, ethical, and interpersonal. ☮️ *ETHICAL AREA* Idolatry, sorcery, drunkenness, dissensions, heresies This area has to do with our unity with God, with the truth, and with doctrinal teaching. Christian ethics is not simply "behaving well," but living faithfully to the holiness of God and the integrity of His Word, and thus fulfilling His will in us. This is why we were born again, this is why a Christian lives: to do God's will, just as Christ did for His Father and God. ▪️Idolatry is anything that takes the place of God in the heart. Idolatry is an extremely serious sin, as it not only displaces the truth but also enthrones darkness and blasphemy. For idolatry, God punished Israel by destroying its people at various historical moments. Let's look at some of these works: ▪️Sorcery (Greek: pharmakeia) is related to spiritual manipulation and the use of occult means to gain power or control over people. Tarot readings, bone and other substance readings, love spells, and other rituals are acts that are reprehensible to God. A Christian would never do anything like this. Drunkenness denotes a loss of self-control and a dishonor to the Christian witness and to one's own body. Dissensions and heresies (false teachings) break the unity of the body of Christ and lead others away from the truth. These are found even in the church itself, proclaimed by wolves in sheep's clothing and by ignorant and proud brothers. These practices are an insult to the holiness of God. They are evidence of a life not guided by the Spirit, and often, as we have said, they even infiltrate the church. Drunkenness and dissensions are especially dangerous, for they cause the weak to stumble and bear a bad witness to the world. 🚹 *INTERPERSONAL AREA* Enmities, arguments, jealousy, anger, rivalries, envy These sins manifest themselves in our relationships with others, and are often the most common and dangerous in the ecclesial and personal context. ▪️Enmities and arguments arise from a heart that has not been reconciled with God. ▪️Jealousy and envy reveal a lack of contentment and a distorted view of one's neighbor. ▪️Anger is an uncontrolled reaction that causes harm. ▪️Rivalries are fruits of pride and unhealthy competition. The Bible calls us to build one another up (Ephesians 4:29), but when we allow these sins, we become stumbling blocks for others. Let us remember that Jesus said that whoever causes one of his little ones to stumble, it would be better for him if he had not been born (Matthew 18:6). 🔑 *APPLICATION:* Ask yourself honestly, and let the Spirit guide you: Am I walking faithfully in the Word? Am I an example in my conduct within the congregation and in my personal life? Do I truly hate sin and disorder in my life? Do I sincerely want to please God? Am I promoting peace and unity? Have I caused others to stumble because of my pride or envy? 🌱 *NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN* All these works of the flesh are symptoms of a deeper root: an unregenerate heart. We cannot simply "improve" our behavior; we need a new birth. Only when we are made new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) can the Holy Spirit produce His fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23). ⚠️ *FINAL EXHORTATION* Dear brother or sister, do not ignore the seriousness of the works of the flesh. Paul was clear: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). This is not a message of condemnation, but of spiritual urgency. It is time to examine our hearts, surrender to Christ, and allow the Holy Spirit to form His character in us. Live by the Spirit. Walk in the light. Be holy as He is holy. *LET US PRAY* My God!!! Have mercy on us. Give us Your Spirit to abandon our old nature and live Your Word and be healed. Have mercy on Your people and lead us to experience true repentance, lead us to confront the sin that dwells within us, and let us see Your light. In Your name we pray. 📣 *Share!* and join our new WhatsApp channel to receive directly. Fraternally, Germain Castellanos *COMMUNITY H242* www.communityh242.org _Your faith wherever you are_ 👁️‍🗨️