Dissensions are those times when we break unity without good cause. Rivalries are divisions between people driven by selfish ambition. Paul's reference to "fits of anger" is from the word thymoi, implying uncontrolled outbursts of emotions such as rage. ![]() Strife refers to the stirring up of discord and division. Enmity means hating certain people or groups. Next, Paul lists a group of relationship sins, all of which translate neatly from Greek into English. By extension, the "sorcery" Paul refers to often includes calling on demons or nature in an attempt to access supernatural power without God's help. This term implies the use of drugs, potions, and poisons, often for the sake of twisting a person's mind or spirit. Interestingly, this is from the Greek term pharmakeia, related to the term from which we derive the English word pharmacy. Simply put, Christians should absolutely worship no other god in any way whatsoever. It's still common today, both directly and in the sense of putting material things above God in our lives. It was absolutely common in the world of Paul's day. It is the one sin throughout Scripture over which God seems to express the most outrage. ![]() Idolatry is the worship of idols and pagan gods. Now he lists two sins related to religion and spirituality. In the previous verse, Paul listed sins related to sexuality, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality. Those who refuse to do so will end up squandering their lives in service to sins like these. Christians are meant to use their freedom and the power of God's Spirit with them to serve others in love (Galatians 5:13). Instead, Paul's intent is to describe the nature of self-serving lifestyles. He is not creating a new set of rules or laws for people who are free in Christ. Paul is listing sinful actions and lifestyles, calling them the "evident" results of living for the flesh, instead of in the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16–18).
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