Pastor Billy Myron continues teaching through the works of the flesh in Galatians 5, focusing on heresies (the final item in verse 20), followed by envyings and murders in verse 21.
Heresy involves willfully teaching or promoting a doctrine that contradicts Scripture—not an honest mistake, but a deliberate departure to create factions. In Acts, the term describes Jewish sects like the Sadducees (who denied resurrection, angels, and spirits) and Pharisees (known for strict law observance plus traditions). Both groups are called “sects” or heresies. Early Christians were also labeled a heresy by unbelieving Jews for affirming Jesus as Messiah. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul links schisms and heresies, noting they reveal who is approved. 2 Peter 2 warns of false teachers bringing in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord. Titus 3 instructs rejecting a heretic after first and second admonition, as they are subverted and self-condemned. Heresy stems from willful rejection of clear biblical truth rather than error.
Envy (Greek: phthonos) differs from jealousy: it resents others having what one lacks, often leading to spite or harm. Pilate recognized envy as the motive behind the Jewish leaders delivering Jesus for crucifixion (Matthew 27). It appears in lists of fleshly works and warnings against it for believers (Galatians 5:26, 1 Peter 2:1). In 1 Timothy 6, envy arises from false teaching and covetous motives.
Murder is highlighted as senseless killing, distinct from self-defense or manslaughter. It appears in Romans 1:29 among vices of the reprobate mind. James 4 links murder to unfulfilled lusts and carnal warfare; James 5 condemns rich oppressors who murder the righteous. Examples include Barabbas, a murderer released instead of Jesus.
The teaching emphasizes these as works of the flesh to avoid, contrasting with the fruit of the Spirit, and notes the list in Galatians 5 is nearly complete.
