Works of the Flesh: Strife, Seditions, Heresies

1.   Strife

      a.   Translated “selfishness” (Goodspeed, RSV)

      b.   “selfish ambitions” (NKJV, McCord’s FHV)

      c.   Strong's Lexicon: electioneering or intriguing for office

            i.   apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put one’s self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts; partisanship, fractiousness

            ii.  This word is found before NT times only in Aristotle where it denotes a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means. (A&G)

      d.   Philippians 2:3 – Paul exhorts to be one in the mind of Christ not putting self forward or being selfish.

      e.   James 3:14 speaks against having selfishness or self-promoting in your heart. (from logos Bible Software 2.0, Thayer, A&G)

2.   Seditions

      a.   from the Greek, dichostasia, meaning dissensions or divisions

      b.   English form = dichotomy - a division or the process of dividing into two mutually exclusive or contradictory groups

      c.   Matthew 24:51; Luke 12:46

3.   Heresies

      a.   from the Greek hairesis meaning to choose or the thing chosen

      b.   Normally referring to a sect, or distinct group.

      c.   In the New Testament, applied to

            i.   the Pharisees - Acts 15:5

            ii.  the Sadducees - Acts 5:7

            iii. Christians – Acts 24:5, 14; 28:22

      d.   Also translated factions, divisions

      In this series, I have attempted to show relationship between some of the works of the flesh. It appears an easy jump from “selfish ambitions” to “seditions” (“dissensions” - NKJV) and heresies (sects, factions).

4.   Selfish ambition fractures families

      a.   Numbers 12:1-9

      b.   2 Samuel 15:1-6 – Absalom

      c.   When Daddy or Mother pursue their ambitions / careers to the exclusion of caring for their families.

5.   Selfish ambition divides dominions

      a.   2 Samuel 2 - 3 – Abner & Ishbotheth vs Joab & David

      b.   2 Samuel 15 - 18 – Absalom vs David

      c.   1 Kings 1 – Ahithophel vs Solomon

6.   Selfish ambition cleaves congregations:

      a.   Acts 20:29-32

      b.   3 John 9