Pastor Billy Myron continues the series on the Christian life, focusing on Galatians 5 and the works of the flesh. He emphasizes identifying the source of temptations—flesh, Satan, or the world system—because victory methods differ for each. The flesh uses appealing desires, while Satan appeals to flawed reasoning.
The teaching examines three works from Galatians 5:20: hatred (hostility/ekhthros), strife, and zeal.
Hatred (Hostility): This is active enmity, stronger than mere indifference (maseo). It involves wanting harm for others. Examples include Romans 8:7 (carnal mind is enmity against God, not subject to His law), Ephesians 2 (Christ abolishes hostility between Jew and Gentile), James 4:4 (friendship with the world is enmity with God), Acts 13 (Elymas opposing Paul as an enemy of righteousness), and 2 Thessalonians 3 (treat disobedient believers as brothers to admonish, not enemies).
Strife: This reflects contentiousness and an appetite for unnecessary argument or division. Seen in Romans 13:13 (cast off works of darkness including strife) and 1 Corinthians 1 and 3, where carnal Corinthians exhibited strife, divisions, and factions over teachers like Paul and Apollos. Paul urges unity and maturity in Christ.
Zeal: This word can be positive or negative depending on its object—a desire to outdo or excel. Positive uses include 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 14:1, 39 (be zealous for greater spiritual gifts and to prophesy). Galatians 4:17-18 contrasts bad zeal (Judaizers zealously affecting Galatians for exclusionary purposes) with good zeal in a worthy cause. Negative examples appear in Acts 13 (Jews filled with zeal contradicting Paul) and James 4 (zeal driven by lusts and worldly standards leading to conflict). Believers must ensure zeal targets what is good and aligned with God’s will.
The session underscores walking by the Spirit to avoid fulfilling fleshly works and maintaining a proper frame of mind.
