Click Banner to go to main page

 

 

 Galatians chapter 5

By: Rich Puckett

As with most of my studies, my comments are in red. The blue is from Matthew Henrys and Believers Study Bible commentary.

Galatians 5: (v. 1-12) An earnest exhortation to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel.

(v. 13-15) To take heed of indulging a sinful temper.

(v. 16-26) And to walk in the Spirit, and not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh: the works of both are described.

An earnest exhortation to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel

(Gal 5:1 KJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Remember the chapter 4, because to put this in the right sense you must put it with that chapter. Where the church was fighting about the law and how much of it to obey.

Gal 5:1: Verses 1-6. Christ will not be the Saviour of any who will not own and rely upon him as their only Saviour. Let us take heed to the warnings and persuasions of the apostle to stedfastness in the doctrine and liberty of the gospel. All true Christians, being taught by the Holy Spirit, wait for eternal life, the reward of righteousness, and the object of their hope, as the gift of God by faith in Christ; and not for the sake of their own works. The Jewish convert might observe the ceremonies or assert his liberty, the Gentile might disregard them or might attend to them, provided he did not depend upon them. No outward privileges or profession will avail to acceptance with God, without sincere faith in our Lord Jesus. True faith is a working grace; it works by love to God, and to our brethren. May we be of the number of those who, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. The danger of old was not in things of no consequence in themselves, as many forms and observances now are. But without faith working by love, all else is worthless, and compared with it other things are of small value.

(Gal 5:2 KJV) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

(Gal 5:3 KJV) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

(Gal 5:4 KJV) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

This verse does not affirm the possibility of the losing of salvation. If the Galatians seek to be justified by the keeping of the law, they will have abandoned the sphere of God's grace wherein salvation is experienced and enjoyed. Any attempt to be justified by the law moves a man away from the grace of God.

(Gal 5:5 KJV) For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

(Gal 5:6 KJV) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Faith which worketh by love, you want to know how to grow in faith, have it work great things in you life? Then let work be the root of your faith. When love is the motivator we find things happen that would other wise be impossible.

(Gal 5:7 KJV) Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Gal 5:7: Verses 7-12. The life of a Christian is a race, wherein he must run, and hold on, if he would obtain the prize. It is not enough that we profess Christianity, but we must run well, by living up to that profession. Many who set out fairly in religion, are hindered in their progress, or turn out of the way. It concerns those who begin to turn out of the way, or to tire in it, seriously to inquire what hinders them. The opinion or persuasion, vs. 8, was, no doubt, that of mixing the works of the law with faith in Christ in justification. The apostle leaves them to judge whence it must arise, but sufficiently shows that it could be owing to none but Satan. It is dangerous for Christian churches to encourage those who follow, but especially who spread, destructive errors. And in reproving sin and error, we should always distinguish between the leaders and the led. The Jews were offended, because Christ was preached as the only salvation for sinners. If Paul and others would have admitted that the observance of the law of Moses was to be joined with faith in Christ, as necessary to salvation, then believers might have avoided many of the sufferings they underwent. The first beginnings of such leaven should be opposed. And assuredly those who persist in disturbing the church of Christ must bear their judgment.

(Gal 5:8 KJV) This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

(Gal 5:9 KJV) A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

How much sin is too much sin? All sin is leaven and if you just have a little it destroys the good. One lie leads to another, if sin makes you unclean even a little sin is a little dirty. One worm on the fruit tree will spread till it not only destroys one fruit but if left a lone will destroy the tree. A little cancer if left untreated will eat away the whole body. A little urine in a glass of water makes all the water not drinkable, least to me.

Luke 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

1 Cor 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

1 Cor 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

(Gal 5:10 KJV) I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

(Gal 5:11 KJV) And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

(Gal 5:12 KJV) I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

To take heed of indulging a sinful temper

(Gal 5:13 KJV) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Paul envisions three possible life-styles: (1) legalism, which he vigorously rejects in this epistle; (2) lawlessness, the only alternative according to the legalists, which he also vehemently rejects; (3) Spirit-directed living, which he enthusiastically endorses. Liberty is freedom from exterior rule. But this freedom presupposes new and greater responsibilities for the one who is liberated. The believer is no longer ruled by the law. God's Holy Spirit reigns in his heart, and the believer's responsibilities are far more profound as a result.

Gal 5:13: Verses 13-15. The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it. The apostle urges that all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. If Christians, who should help one another, and rejoice one another, quarrel, what can be expected but that the God of love should deny his grace, that the Spirit of love should depart, and the evil spirit, who seeks their destruction, should prevail? Happy would it be, if Christians, instead of biting and devouring one another on account of different opinions, would set themselves against sin in themselves, and in the places where they live.

(Gal 5:14 KJV) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(Gal 5:15 KJV) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

You are wrong to fight with each other and look to tear down, you should be looking to lift up and build the family of God.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Amos 3:4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?

Amos 3:5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?

Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

And to walk in the Spirit, and not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh: the works of both are described

(Gal 5:16 KJV) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Here is the key to living a life that is holy, Walk in the Spirit of God.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

John 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

vv. 16,17) "Flesh" sometimes refers to the physiological frame of man, as distinguished from the immaterial aspect of man, which is variously called "spirit" or "soul" (cf. Acts 2:17). More frequently the N.T. employs the term to designate the sinful tendencies that exist in man, most of which are related to bodily appetites and ambitions. This latter sense is the way Paul uses the word here, concluding that the fleshly nature wages continual warfare against spiritual impulses.

Gal 5:16: Verses 16-26. If it be our care to act under the guidance and power of the blessed Spirit, though we may not be freed from the stirrings and oppositions of the corrupt nature which remains in us, it shall not have dominion over us. Believers are engaged in a conflict, in which they earnestly desire that grace may obtain full and speedy victory. And those who desire thus to give themselves up to be led by the Holy Spirit, are not under the law as a covenant of works, nor exposed to its awful curse. Their hatred of sin, and desires after holiness, show that they have a part in the salvation of the gospel. The works of the flesh are many and manifest. And these sins will shut men out of heaven. Yet what numbers, calling themselves Christians, live in these, and say they hope for heaven! The fruits of the Spirit, or of the renewed nature, which we are to do, are named. And as the apostle had chiefly named works of the flesh, not only hurtful to men themselves, but tending to make them so to one another, so here he chiefly notices the fruits of the Spirit, which tend to make Christians agreeable one to another, as well as to make them happy. The fruits of the Spirit plainly show, that such are led by the Spirit. By describing the works of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit, we are told what to avoid and oppose, and what we are to cherish and cultivate; and this is the sincere care and endeavour of all real Christians. Sin does not now reign in their mortal bodies, so that they obey it, Romans 6:12, for they seek to destroy it. Christ never will own those who yield themselves up to be the servants of sin. And it is not enough that we cease to do evil, but we must learn to do well. Our conversation will always be answerable to the principle which guides and governs us, Romans 8:5. We must set ourselves in earnest to mortify the deeds of the body, and to walk in newness of life. Not being desirous of vain-glory, or unduly wishing for the esteem and applause of men, not provoking or envying one another, but seeking to bring forth more abundantly those good fruits, which are, through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God.

(Gal 5:17 KJV) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Cor 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1 Cor 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

1 Cor 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

1 Cor 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

1 Cor 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

1 Cor 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

(Gal 5:18 KJV) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

(Gal 5:19 KJV) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

These words are very important because they show us what is indeed sin for any thing done not in the Spirit is sin. If you can learn to understand these words then you will also know the difference between good fruit and bad fruit. These are the things Jesus spoke of when he said you would know the tree by its fruit. If you have any of these works of the flesh it says you have a spiritual heart problem and need to repent and turn from those things. This takes a lot of work on your part, and as children we grow in the will of God and some of these things are so imbedded in the mind it takes much prayer and study to learn how to keep them out of you heart, and you cannot do this with out the Spirit of God.

Adultery conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin. The Mosaic law (Num. 5:11-31) prescribed that the suspected wife should be tried by the ordeal of the "water of jealousy." There is, however, no recorded instance of the application of this law. In subsequent times the Rabbis made various regulations with the view of discovering the guilty party, and of bringing about a divorce. It has been inferred from John 8:1-11 that this sin became very common during the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem. Idolatry, covetousness, and apostasy are spoken of as adultery spiritually (Jer. 3:6, 8, 9; Ezek. 16:32; Hos. 1:2:3; Rev. 2:22). An apostate church is an adulteress (Isa. 1:21; Ezek. 23:4, 7, 37), and the Jews are styled "an adulterous generation" (Matt. 12:39). (Comp. Rev. 12.)

fornication

n 1: voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other 2: extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations; "adultery is often cited as grounds for divorce" [syn:
adultery, criminal conversation]

Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

fornication in every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.) But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8,9).

Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

fornication

\For`ni*ca"tion\, n. [F. fornication, L. fornicatio.] 1. Unlawful sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person; the act of such illicit sexual intercourse between a man and a woman as does not by law amount to adultery.

Note: In England, the offense, though cognizable in the ecclesiastical courts, was not at common law subject to secular prosecution. In the United States it is indictable in some States at common law, in others only by statute. --Whartyon.

2. (Script.) (a) Adultery. (b) Incest. (c) Idolatry.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

un·cleanness n.

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.



Unclean \Un*clean"\, a. [AS. uncl?ne. See
Unnot, and Clean.] 1. Not clean; foul; dirty; filthy.

2. Ceremonially impure; needing ritual cleansing.

He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. --Num. xix. 11.

3. Morally impure. ``Adultery of the heart, consisting of inordinate and unclean affections.'' --Perkins. --
Un*clean\"ly, adv. -- Un*clean\"ness, n.

Unclean animals (Script.), those which the Israelites were forbidden to use for food.

Unclean spirit (Script.), a wicked spirit; a demon. --Mark i. 27.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

las·civ·i·ous Pronunciation Key (l-sv-s)
adj.

  1. Given to or expressing lust; lecherous.
  2. Exciting sexual desires; salacious.

  3. [Middle English, from Late Latin lascvisus, from Latin lascvia, lewdness, playfulness, from lascvus, lustful, playful. See las- in Indo-European Roots.]


    las·civi·ous·ly adv.
    las·civi·ous·ness n.

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.



Lascivious \Las*civ"i*ous\, a. [L. lascivia wantonness, fr. lascivus wanton; cf. Gr. (?) lecherous, (?) to wish, Skr. lash to desire.] 1. Wanton; lewd; lustful; as, lascivious men; lascivious desires. --Milton.

2. Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions.

He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. --Shak. --
Las*civ\"i*ous*ly, adv. -- Las*civ\"i*ous*ness, n.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


lasciviousness

n : feeling morbid sexual desire [syn:
prurience, pruriency, carnality]

Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

(Gal 5:20 KJV) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Idolatry

\I*dol"a*try\, n.; pl.
Idolatries. [F. idol[^a]trie, LL. idolatria, L. idololatria, Fr. Gr. ?; ? idol + ? service.] 1. The worship of idols, images, or anything which is not God; the worship of false gods.

His eye surveyed the dark idolatries Of alienated Judah. --Milton.

2. Excessive attachment or veneration for anything; respect or love which borders on adoration. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


Idolatry

n 1: religious zeal; willingness to serve God [syn:
devotion, veneration] 2: the worship of idols; the worship of images that are not God [syn: idol worship]

Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

Idolatry image-worship or divine honour paid to any created object. Paul describes the origin of idolatry in Rom. 1:21-25: men forsook God, and sank into ignorance and moral corruption (1:28). The forms of idolatry are, (1.) Fetishism, or the worship of trees, rivers, hills, stones, etc. (2.) Nature worship, the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, as the supposed powers of nature. (3.) Hero worship, the worship of deceased ancestors, or of heroes. In Scripture, idolatry is regarded as of heathen origin, and as being imported among the Hebrews through contact with heathen nations. The first allusion to idolatry is in the account of Rachel stealing her father's teraphim (Gen. 31:19), which were the relics of the worship of other gods by Laban's progenitors "on the other side of the river in old time" (Josh. 24:2). During their long residence in Egypt the Hebrews fell into idolatry, and it was long before they were delivered from it (Josh. 24:14; Ezek. 20:7). Many a token of God's displeasure fell upon them because of this sin. The idolatry learned in Egypt was probably rooted out from among the people during the forty years' wanderings; but when the Jews entered Palestine, they came into contact with the monuments and associations of the idolatry of the old Canaanitish races, and showed a constant tendency to depart from the living God and follow the idolatrous practices of those heathen nations. It was their great national sin, which was only effectually rebuked by the Babylonian exile. That exile finally purified the Jews of all idolatrous tendencies. The first and second commandments are directed against idolatry of every form. Individuals and communities were equally amenable to the rigorous code. The individual offender was devoted to destruction (Ex. 22:20). His nearest relatives were not only bound to denounce him and deliver him up to punishment (Deut. 13:20-10), but their hands were to strike the first blow when, on the evidence of two witnesses at least, he was stoned (Deut. 17:2-7). To attempt to seduce others to false worship was a crime of equal enormity (13:6-10). An idolatrous nation shared the same fate. No facts are more strongly declared in the Old Testament than that the extermination of the Canaanites was the punishment of their idolatry (Ex. 34:15, 16; Deut. 7; 12:29-31; 20:17), and that the calamities of the Israelites were due to the same cause (Jer. 2:17). "A city guilty of idolatry was looked upon as a cancer in the state; it was considered to be in rebellion, and treated according to the laws of war. Its inhabitants and all their cattle were put to death." Jehovah was the theocratic King of Israel, the civil Head of the commonwealth, and therefore to an Israelite idolatry was a state offence (1 Sam. 15:23), high treason. On taking possession of the land, the Jews were commanded to destroy all traces of every kind of the existing idolatry of the Canaanites (Ex. 23:24, 32; 34:13; Deut. 7:5, 25; 12:1-3). In the New Testament the term idolatry is used to designate covetousness (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13; Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:5).

Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

witchcraft

\Witch"craft`\, n. [AS. wiccecr[ae]ft.] 1. The practices or art of witches; sorcery; enchantments; intercourse with evil spirits.

2. Power more than natural; irresistible influence.

He hath a witchcraft Over the king in 's tongue. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


witchcraft

n : the art of sorcery [syn:
witchery]

Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University


witchcraft (1 Sam. 15:23; 2 Kings 9:22; 2 Chr. 33:6; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4; Gal. 5:20). In the popular sense of the word no mention is made either of witches or of witchcraft in Scripture. The "witch of En-dor" (1 Sam. 28) was a necromancer, i.e., one who feigned to hold converse with the dead. The damsel with "a spirit of divination" (Acts 16:16) was possessed by an evil spirit, or, as the words are literally rendered, "having a spirit, a pithon." The reference is to the heathen god Apollo, who was regarded as the god of prophecy.

Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

hatred

n : the emotion of hate; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action [syn:
hate] [ant: love]

Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University


hatred among the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:20). Altogether different is the meaning of the word in Deut. 21:15; Matt. 6:24; Luke 14:26; Rom. 9:13, where it denotes only a less degree of love.

Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

variance

\Va"ri*ance\, n. [L. variantia.] 1. The quality or state of being variant; change of condition; variation.

2. Difference that produce dispute or controversy; disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel.

That which is the strength of their amity shall prove the immediate author of their variance. --Shak.

3. (Law) A disagreement or difference between two parts of the same legal proceeding, which, to be effectual, ought to agree, -- as between the writ and the declaration, or between the allegation and the proof. --Bouvier.

A variance, in disagreement; in a state of dissension or controversy; at enmity. ``What cause brought him so soon at variance with himself?'' --Milton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


variance

n 1: an event that departs from expectations [syn:
discrepancy, variant] 2: discord that splits a group [syn: division] 3: the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value 4: a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions; "a growing divergence of opinion" [syn: discrepancy, disagreement, divergence] 5: the quality of being subject to variation [syn: variability, variableness] [ant: invariability, invariability] 6: an activity that varies from a norm or standard; "any variation in his routine was immediately reported" [syn: variation]

Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

em·u·la·tion Pronunciation Key (my-lshn)
n.

  • Effort or ambition to equal or surpass another.
  • Imitation of another.
  • Computer Science. The process or technique of emulating.
  • Obsolete. Jealous rivalry.
  • Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

    wrath

    n 1: intense anger (usually on an epic scale) 2: belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins) [syn:
    anger, ire, ira]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    strife

    n 1: lack of agreement or harmony [syn:
    discord] 2: bitter conflict; heated often violent dissension

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    se·di·tion Pronunciation Key (s-dshn)
    n.

  • Conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state.
  • Insurrection; rebellion.

  • [Middle English sedicioun, violent party strife, from Old French sedition, from Latin sditi, sditin- : sd-, s-, apart; see s(w)e- in Indo-European Roots + iti, act of going (from itus, past participle of re, to go. See ei- in Indo-European Roots).]


    se·dition·ist n.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

    her·e·sy Pronunciation Key (hr-s)
    n. pl. her·e·sies

    1. An opinion or a doctrine at variance with established religious beliefs, especially dissension from or denial of Roman Catholic dogma by a professed believer or baptized church member.
    2. Adherence to such dissenting opinion or doctrine.
    3. A controversial or unorthodox opinion or doctrine, as in politics, philosophy, or science.
    4. Adherence to such controversial or unorthodox opinion.


    [Middle English heresie, from Old French, from Late Latin haeresis, from Late Greek hairesis, from Greek, a choosing, faction, from haireisthai, to choose, middle voice of hairein, to take.]

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

    (Gal 5:21 KJV) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

    And such like, this gives a great deal of what God expects us not to be and leaves room for us to look at every action in our lives to see if it brings Glory to God or not.

    Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

    Envy

    \En"vy\, v. i. 1. To be filled with envious feelings; to regard anything with grudging and longing eyes; -- used especially with at.

    Who would envy at the prosperity of the wicked? --Jer. Taylor.

    2. To show malice or ill will; to rail. [Obs.] ``He has . . . envied against the people.'' --Shak.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.



    Envy

    n 1: a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something possessed by another [syn:
    enviousness, the green-eyed monster] 2: spite and resentment at seeing the success of another (personified as one of the deadly sins) [syn: invidia] v 1: feel envious towards; admire enviously 2: be envious of; set one's heart on [syn: begrudge]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    murder

    n : unlawful premeditated killing of a human being [syn:
    homicide, slaying] v 1: kill intentionally and with premeditation; "The mafia boss ordered his enemies murdered" [syn: slay, hit, dispatch, bump off, polish off, remove] 2: "The tourists murdered the French language" [syn: mangle, mutilate]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University


    murder Wilful murder was distinguished from accidental homicide, and was invariably visited with capital punishment (Num. 35:16, 18, 21, 31; Lev. 24:17). This law in its principle is founded on the fact of man's having been made in the likeness of God (Gen. 9:5, 6; John 8:44; 1 John 3:12, 15). The Mosiac law prohibited any compensation for murder or the reprieve of the murderer (Ex. 21:12, 14; Deut. 19:11, 13; 2 Sam. 17:25; 20:10). Two witnesses were required in any capital case (Num. 35:19-30; Deut. 17:6-12). If the murderer could not be discovered, the city nearest the scene of the murder was required to make expiation for the crime committed (Deut. 21:1-9). These offences also were to be punished with death, (1) striking a parent; (2) cursing a parent; (3) kidnapping (Ex. 21:15-17; Deut. 27:16).

    Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

    drunk·en Pronunciation Key (drngkn)
    adj.

  • Delirious with or as if with strong drink; intoxicated.
  • Habitually drunk.
  • Of, involving, or occurring during intoxication: a drunken brawl. See Usage Note at drunk.
  • Cooked with wine or another alcoholic beverage: drunken mushrooms.

  • drunken·ly adv.
    drunken·ness n.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


    drunkenness

    \Drunk"en*ness\, n. 1. The state of being drunken with, or as with, alcoholic liquor; intoxication; inebriety; -- used of the casual state or the habit.

    The Lacedemonians trained up their children to hate drunkenness by bringing a drunken man into their company. --I. Watts.

    2. Disorder of the faculties, resembling intoxication by liquors; inflammation; frenzy; rage.

    Passion is the drunkenness of the mind. -- South.

    Syn: Intoxication; inebriation; inebriety. --
    Drunkenness, Intoxication, Inebriation. Drunkenness refers more to the habit; intoxication and inebriation, to specific acts. The first two words are extensively used in a figurative sense; a person is intoxicated with success, and is drunk with joy. ``This plan of empire was not taken up in the first intoxication of unexpected success.'' --Burke.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    drunkenness

    n 1: a temporary state resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol [syn:
    inebriation, inebriety, intoxication, tipsiness] [ant: soberness] 2: prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms [syn: alcoholism, alcohol addiction] 3: the act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess; "drink was his downfall" [syn: drink, drinking, boozing, crapulence]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    rev·el Pronunciation Key (rvl)
    intr.v. rev·eled, also rev·elled rev·el·ing, rev·el·ling rev·els, rev·els

  • To take great pleasure or delight: She reveled in her unaccustomed leisure.
  • To engage in uproarious festivities; make merry.

  • n.

    A boisterous festivity or celebration; merrymaking. Often used in the plural.


    [Middle English revelen, to carouse, from Old French reveler, to rebel, carouse, from Latin rebellre, to rebel. See rebel.]


    revel·er or revel·ler n.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.



    Revel \Rev"el\, v. i. [imp. & p. p.
    Reveledor Revelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Reveling or Revelling.] [OF. reveler to revolt, rebel, make merry, fr. L. rebellare. See Rebel.] 1. To feast in a riotous manner; to carouse; to act the bacchanalian; to make merry. --Shak.

    2. To move playfully; to indulge without restraint. ``Where joy most revels.'' --Shak.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

    The phrase "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" should not be interpreted to mean that the person who, at any time, commits one of these sins will go to hell. The present tense of the participle "practice" (prassontes, Gk.) indicates that what is warned against here is a habitual lifestyle. One who habitually lives in such a manner will not "inherit the kingdom of God."

    (Gal 5:22 KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

    love Pronunciation Key (lv)
    n.

  • A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.
  • A feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person with whom one is disposed to make a pair; the emotion of sex and romance.
    1. Sexual passion.
    2. Sexual intercourse.
    3. A love affair.
  • An intense emotional attachment, as for a pet or treasured object.
  • A person who is the object of deep or intense affection or attraction; beloved. Often used as a term of endearment.
  • An expression of one's affection: Send him my love.
    1. A strong predilection or enthusiasm: a love of language.
    2. The object of such an enthusiasm: The outdoors is her greatest love.
  • Love Mythology. Eros or Cupid.
  • often Love Christianity. Charity.
  • Sports. A zero score in tennis.

  • v. loved, lov·ing, loves
    v. tr.

    1. To have a deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward (a person): We love our parents. I love my friends.
    2. To have a feeling of intense desire and attraction toward (a person).
    3. To have an intense emotional attachment to: loves his house.
      1. To embrace or caress.
      2. To have sexual intercourse with.
    4. To like or desire enthusiastically: loves swimming.
    5. Theology. To have charity for.
    6. To thrive on; need: The cactus loves hot, dry air.


    v. intr.

    To experience deep affection or intense desire for another.


    Idioms:
    for love

    Out of compassion; with no thought for a reward: She volunteers at the hospital for love.

    for love or money

    Under any circumstances. Usually used in negative sentences: I would not do that for love or money.

    for the love of

    For the sake of; in consideration for: did it all for the love of praise.

    in love

    1. Deeply or passionately enamored: a young couple in love.
    2. Highly or immoderately fond: in love with Japanese painting; in love with the sound of her own voice.

    no love lost

    No affection; animosity: There's no love lost between them.


    [Middle English, from Old English lufu. See leubh- in Indo-European Roots.]

    Synonyms: love, affection, devotion, fondness, infatuation
    These nouns denote feelings of warm personal attachment or strong attraction to another person. Love is the most intense: marrying for love. Affection is a less ardent and more unvarying feeling of tender regard: parental affection. Devotion is earnest, affectionate dedication and implies selflessness: teachers admired for their devotion to children. Fondness is strong liking or affection: a fondness for small animals. Infatuation is foolish or extravagant attraction, often of short duration: lovers blinded to their differences by their mutual infatuation.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

    love This word seems to require explanation only in the case of its use by our Lord in his interview with "Simon, the son of Jonas," after his resurrection (John 21:16, 17). When our Lord says, "Lovest thou me?" he uses the Greek word _agapas_; and when Simon answers, he uses the Greek word _philo_, i.e., "I love." This is the usage in the first and second questions put by our Lord; but in the third our Lord uses Simon's word. The distinction between these two Greek words is thus fitly described by Trench:, "_Agapan_ has more of judgment and deliberate choice; _philein_ has more of attachment and peculiar personal affection. Thus the 'Lovest thou' (Gr. agapas) on the lips of the Lord seems to Peter at this moment too cold a word, as though his Lord were keeping him at a distance, or at least not inviting him to draw near, as in the passionate yearning of his heart he desired now to do. Therefore he puts by the word and substitutes his own stronger 'I love' (Gr. philo) in its room. A second time he does the same. And now he has conquered; for when the Lord demands a third time whether he loves him, he does it in the word which alone will satisfy Peter ('Lovest thou,' Gr. phileis), which alone claims from him that personal attachment and affection with which indeed he knows that his heart is full." In 1 Cor. 13 the apostle sets forth the excellency of love, as the word "charity" there is rendered in the Revised Version.

    Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

    joy Pronunciation Key (joi)
    n.

      1. Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness.
      2. The expression or manifestation of such feeling.
    1. A source or an object of pleasure or satisfaction: their only child, their pride and joy.


    v. joyed, joy·ing, joys
    v. intr.

    To take great pleasure; rejoice.


    v. tr. Archaic

    1. To fill with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction.
    2. To enjoy.


    [Middle English joie, from Old French, from Latin gaudia, pl. of gaudium, joy, from gaudre, to rejoice. See gu- in Indo-European Roots.]

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.



    joy

    \Joy\, n. [OE. joye, OF. joye, joie, goie, F. joie, L. gaudia, pl. of gaudium joy, fr. gaudere to rejoice, to be glad; cf. Gr. ? to rejoice, ? proud. Cf.
    Gaud, Jewel.] 1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; pleasurable feelings or emotions caused by success, good fortune, and the like, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exhilaration of spirits; delight.

    joy

    n 1: the emotion of great happiness [syn:
    joyousness, joyfulness] [ant: sorrow] 2: something or someone that provides pleasure; a source of happiness; "a joy to behold"; "the pleasure of his company"; "the new car is a delight" [syn: delight, pleasure] v 1: feel happiness or joy [syn: rejoice] 2: make glad or happy [syn: gladden] [ant: sadden]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    long-suf·fer·ing (lôngsfr-ng, lng-)
    adj.

    Patiently enduring wrongs or difficulties.


    n.

    Patient endurance. See Synonyms at patience.


    long-suffer·ing·ly adv.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


    Long-suffering \Long"-suf`fer*ing\, n. Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked.

    The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. --Ex. xxxiv. 6.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.



    Long-suffering \Long"-suf`fer*ing\, n. Long patience of offense.

    Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering? --Rom. ii. 4.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    long-suffering adj : patiently enduring continual wrongs or trouble; "an enduring disposition"; "a long-suffering and uncomplaining wife" [syn: enduring] n : patient endurance of pain or unhappiness [syn: long-sufferance]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    gen·tle Pronunciation Key (jntl)
    adj. gen·tler, gen·tlest

    1. Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender.
    2. Not harsh or severe; mild and soft: a gentle scolding; a gentle tapping at the window.
    3. Easily managed or handled; docile: a gentle horse.
    4. Not steep or sudden; gradual: a gentle incline.
      1. Of good family; wellborn: a child of gentle birth.
      2. Suited to one of good breeding; refined and polite: a gentle greeting to a stranger.
    5. Archaic. Noble; chivalrous: a gentle knight.


    n. Archaic

    One of good birth or relatively high station.


    tr.v. gen·tled, gen·tling, gen·tles

    1. To make less severe or intense: The peaceful sunset gentled her dreadful mood.
    2. To soothe, as by stroking; pacify.
    3. To tame or break (a domestic animal, for instance): gentle a horse.
    4. To raise to the status of a noble.


    [Middle English gentil, courteous, noble, from Old French, from Latin gentlis, of the same clan, from gns, gent-, clan. See gen- in Indo-European Roots.]


    gentle·ness n.
    gently adv.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


    gentleness

    \Gen"tle*ness\, n. The quality or state of being gentle, well-born, mild, benevolent, docile, etc.; gentility; softness of manners, disposition, etc.; mildness.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    gentleness

    n 1: the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual [syn:
    gradualness] [ant: abruptness] 2: mildness of manner or disposition

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    good·ness Pronunciation Key (gdns)
    n.

    1. The state or quality of being good.
    2. The beneficial or nutritious part.

    3. interj.

      Used to express mild surprise.

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


    goodness

    \Good"ness\, n. [AS. g?dnes.] The quality of being good in any of its various senses; excellence; virtue; kindness; benevolence; as, the goodness of timber, of a soil, of food; goodness of character, of disposition, of conduct, etc.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    goodness

    n 1: that which is good or valuable or useful: "weigh the good against the bad"; "among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization" [syn:
    good] [ant: bad, bad] 2: moral excellence or admirableness: "there is much good to be found in people" [syn: good] [ant: evil, evil]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University


    goodness in man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good.

    Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

    faith Pronunciation Key (fth)
    n.

  • Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
  • Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See Synonyms at belief. See Synonyms at trust.
  • Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.
  • often Faith Christianity. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.
  • The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.
  • A set of principles or beliefs.

  • Idiom:
    in faith

    Indeed; truly.


    [Middle English, from Anglo-Norman fed, from Latin fids. See bheidh- in Indo-European Roots.]

    Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


    faith

    \Faith\, n. [OE. feith, fayth, fay, OF. feid, feit, fei, F. foi, fr. L. fides; akin to fidere to trust, Gr. ??????? to persuade. The ending th is perhaps due to the influence of such words as truth, health, wealth. See
    Bid, Bide, and cf. Confide, Defy, Fealty.] 1. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.

    2. The assent of the mind to the statement or proposition of another, on the ground of the manifest truth of what he utters; firm and earnest belief, on probable evidence of any kind, especially in regard to important moral truth.

    Faith, that is, fidelity, -- the fealty of the finite will and understanding to the reason. --Coleridge.

    3. (Theol.) (a) The belief in the historic truthfulness of the Scripture narrative, and the supernatural origin of its teachings, sometimes called historical and speculative faith. (b) The belief in the facts and truth of the Scriptures, with a practical love of them; especially, that confiding and affectionate belief in the person and work of Christ, which affects the character and life, and makes a man a true Christian, -- called a practical, evangelical, or saving faith.

    Without faith it is impossible to please him [God]. --Heb. xi. 6.

    The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind which is called ``trust'' or ``confidence'' exercised toward the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior. --Dr. T. Dwight.

    Faith is an affectionate, practical confidence in the testimony of God. --J. Hawes.

    4. That which is believed on any subject, whether in science, politics, or religion; especially (Theol.), a system of religious belief of any kind; as, the Jewish or Mohammedan faith; and especially, the system of truth taught by Christ; as, the Christian faith; also, the creed or belief of a Christian society or church.

    Which to believe of her, Must be a faith that reason without miracle Could never plant in me. --Shak.

    Now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. --Gal. i. 23.

    5. Fidelity to one's promises, or allegiance to duty, or to a person honored and beloved; loyalty.

    Children in whom is no faith. --Deut. xxvii. 20.

    Whose failing, while her faith to me remains, I should conceal. --Milton.

    6. Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity; as, he violated his faith.

    For you alone I broke me faith with injured Palamon. --Dryden.

    7. Credibility or truth. [R.]

    The faith of the foregoing narrative. --Mitford.

    Act of faith. See Auto-da-f['e].

    Breach of faith, Confession of faith, etc. See under Breach, Confession, etc.

    Faith cure, a method or practice of treating diseases by prayer and the exercise of faith in God.

    In good faith, with perfect sincerity.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    faith

    \Faith\, interj. By my faith; in truth; verily.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    faith

    n 1: a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality" [syn:
    religion, religious belief] 2: complete confidence in a person or plan etc; "he cherished the faith of a good woman"; "the doctor-patient relationship is based on trust" [syn: trust] 3: institution to express belief in a divine power; "he was raised in the Baptist religion"; "a member of his own faith contradicted him" [syn: religion] 4: loyalty or allegiance to a cause or a person; "keep the faith"; "they broke faith with their investors"

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University


    faith Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Phil. 1:27; 2 Thess. 2:13). Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. It admits of many degrees up to full assurance of faith, in accordance with the evidence on which it rests. Faith is the result of teaching (Rom. 10:14-17). Knowledge is an essential element in all faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Yet the two are distinguished in this respect, that faith includes in it assent, which is an act of the will in addition to the act of the understanding. Assent to the truth is of the essence of faith, and the ultimate ground on which our assent to any revealed truth rests is the veracity of God. Historical faith is the apprehension of and assent to certain statements which are regarded as mere facts of history. Temporary faith is that state of mind which is awakened in men (e.g., Felix) by the exhibition of the truth and by the influence of religious sympathy, or by what is sometimes styled the common operation of the Holy Spirit. Saving faith is so called because it has eternal life inseparably connected with it. It cannot be better defined than in the words of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism: "Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel." The object of saving faith is the whole revealed Word of God. Faith accepts and believes it as the very truth most sure. But the special act of faith which unites to Christ has as its object the person and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 7:38; Acts 16:31). This is the specific act of faith by which a sinner is justified before God (Rom. 3:22, 25; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9; John 3:16-36; Acts 10:43; 16:31). In this act of faith the believer appropriates and rests on Christ alone as Mediator in all his offices. This assent to or belief in the truth received upon the divine testimony has always associated with it a deep sense of sin, a distinct view of Christ, a consenting will, and a loving heart, together with a reliance on, a trusting in, or resting in Christ. It is that state of mind in which a poor sinner, conscious of his sin, flees from his guilty self to Christ his Saviour, and rolls over the burden of all his sins on him. It consists chiefly, not in the assent given to the testimony of God in his Word, but in embracing with fiducial reliance and trust the one and only Saviour whom God reveals. This trust and reliance is of the essence of faith. By faith the believer directly and immediately appropriates Christ as his own. Faith in its direct act makes Christ ours. It is not a work which God graciously accepts instead of perfect obedience, but is only the hand by which we take hold of the person and work of our Redeemer as the only ground of our salvation. Saving faith is a moral act, as it proceeds from a renewed will, and a renewed will is necessary to believing assent to the truth of God (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4). Faith, therefore, has its seat in the moral part of our nature fully as much as in the intellectual. The mind must first be enlightened by divine teaching (John 6:44; Acts 13:48; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:17, 18) before it can discern the things of the Spirit. Faith is necessary to our salvation (Mark 16:16), not because there is any merit in it, but simply because it is the sinner's taking the place assigned him by God, his falling in with what God is doing. The warrant or ground of faith is the divine testimony, not the reasonableness of what God says, but the simple fact that he says it. Faith rests immediately on, "Thus saith the Lord." But in order to this faith the veracity, sincerity, and truth of God must be owned and appreciated, together with his unchangeableness. God's word encourages and emboldens the sinner personally to transact with Christ as God's gift, to close with him, embrace him, give himself to Christ, and take Christ as his. That word comes with power, for it is the word of God who has revealed himself in his works, and especially in the cross. God is to be believed for his word's sake, but also for his name's sake. Faith in Christ secures for the believer freedom from condemnation, or justification before God; a participation in the life that is in Christ, the divine life (John 14:19; Rom. 6:4-10; Eph. 4:15,16, etc.); "peace with God" (Rom. 5:1); and sanctification (Acts 26:18; Gal. 5:6; Acts 15:9). All who thus believe in Christ will certainly be saved (John 6:37, 40; 10:27, 28; Rom. 8:1). The faith=the gospel (Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5; Gal. 1:23; 1 Tim. 3:9; Jude 1:3).

    Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

    The "fruit" of the Spirit refers to the attitudes of life and thought which become characteristic of those who "walk in the Spirit" (v. 16). A good test for those who claim to be "spiritual" can be formulated from the checklist in vv. 22, 23.

    (Gal 5:23 KJV) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

    All of these things are what a Christian should be. These are the good fruits that men should see and if we have them will show other Christ in us. I'm sorry to say that you find few people today that have these, yet the church house is full, you seldom hear messages or teaching that will help people learn to develop this kind of fruit. Nothing worse then a sermon that when its done has said nothing or said a lot that taught nothing. What good is it to say don't lie, if they don't know what a lie is? We must teach that power comes from God to change we cannot do it of ourselves or by rules, it comes by his Spirit. And even more so a person that does not have these fruits is not very likely to make it to heaven.

    Meekness

    \Meek"ness\, n. The quality or state of being meek.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    Meekness

    n 1: the feeling of patient submissive humbleness 2: a disposition to be patient and long suffering

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University


    Meekness a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked (James 3:13). Peculiar promises are made to the meek (Matt. 5:5; Isa. 66:2). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt. 11:29), Abraham (Gen. 13; 16:5, 6) Moses (Num. 12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Cor. 9:19).

    Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

    tem·per·ance Pronunciation Key (tmpr-ns, tmprns)
    n.

  • Moderation and self-restraint, as in behavior or expression.
  • Restraint in the use of or abstinence from alcoholic liquors. See Synonyms at abstinence.
  • Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


    temperance

    \Tem"per*ance\, n. [L. temperantia: cf. F. temp['e]rance. See
    Temper, v. t.] 1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; moderation; as, temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth; specifically, moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.

    2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness. [R.] ``A gentleman of all temperance.'' --Shak.

    He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. --Spenser.

    3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.] ``Tender and delicate temperance.'' --Shak.

    Temperance society, an association formed for the purpose of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage.

    Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


    temperance

    n 1: the trait of avoiding excesses [syn:
    moderation] [ant: intemperance] 2: abstaining from excess [syn: sobriety]

    Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University

    (Gal 5:24 KJV) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

    The word Christian means to be like Christ, now you have just read the difference between someone that has the mind of Christ and someone that has the mind of Satan or flesh. Which one are you? If you a Pastor how many of those that look to you to teach them the way to heaven are learning these things? Do they see them working in you? Until you crucify the flesh you cannot have this attributes alive in your heart. You may have some of them but its by these things we know who love each other and God.

    (Gal 5:25 KJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

    (Gal 5:26 KJV) Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

    We must not be holier then thou, the life we live should be one that lets the light shine but not forced into the eye's till it blinds. Our reward is not in how big a church we have, the car we drive or the house we live in. It is not in how many books you write or how big the following you have. Our reward is in how we walk with God and teach others to like wise.

    1 Cor 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.