The first four works of the flesh concerned sins of a sexual nature. The next two, idolatry and witchcraft (sorcery - NKJV) concern false religions which would have been a prevalent problem among the Galatian people.

1. Idolatry -- a brief study
1. There is some dispute regarding the origin of this word, W.E. Vine's dictionary says the word is a compound of two Greek words: eidolon = "idol" and latreia = "service" (cf Romans 12:1), though this is denied by Kittle (vol 2, p 380).
2. There is more involved in this word than simply kneeling before an image of metal, wood, or stone. The word's meaning implies the dedication of one's life in service to a false god.



2. Idolatry in the History of the Old Testament
1. First appearance of idolatry (teraphim) is found in Genesis 31:9 - its basic meaning is "spirit" or "demon." (Vine's, OT, p 120)
2. Another interesting appearance of teraphim is found in 1 Samuel 19:11-16 and Michal hiding David's disappearance.
3. Exodus 20: the 10 Commandments and following -- vv 3-5, 22-26
4. Deuteronomy 7:2-6
5. Exodus 32:1-6
6. Prevalent gods / idols of the Old Testament
1. Baal = "bel" or "lord," a general name given to numerous heathen gods.
2. Molech:
1. a.k.a. Milcom (1 Ki 11:5-7) & Malcam (2 Sam 12:30-31)
2. National god of the Ammonites
3. Leviticus 20:2-5
3. Idolatry in the New Testament
1. Acts 17:16-23 Mars Hill
2. Acts 19 -- Diana and the Ephesians
3. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
4. 1 Corinthians 10:14 (cf v 7, 11; 8:1-13)
5. 1 John 5:21

1. Idolatry is still a problem today in America
1. In Haiti, Ghana, India, etc classic idolatry is still practiced
2. In America and in developed nations, idolatry takes a more insidious form = covetousness -- Colossians 3:5
1. "Covetousness" in Colossians 3:5 not the same as "covet earnestly" in 1 Corinthians 12:31 - this is a completely different word meaning to "be zealous for."
2. 2 Corinthians 9:5-7
3. Luke 12:15-21