The Works of the Flesh

Written by: John Sernaque

Call to Worship

Galatians 5: 19-21

5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

5:21 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.

"Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil. “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21. If they persist in sin, the judgment you have declared from God’s word is pronounced upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin, they disown Christ; the church must show that she does not sanction their deeds, or she herself dishonors her Lord. She must say about sin what God says about it. She must deal with it as God directs, and her action is ratified in heaven. He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself." {DA 805.4}

We are to call sin by its right name. This is why teachings, such as, once saved, always saved, are extremely dangerous. The Bible says that if we continue in sin, the works of the flesh, we will not inherit the kingdom of God. God calls on us to confess and repent of our sins. Jesus saves us from our sins, not in our sins. If we come to God in prayer, in true repentance and contrition of soul, He has told us that He will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But if we pray to God while we are holding on to known sins, our prayers will go unheard and unanswered. Jesus has set the standard for us to follow. Jesus came to this world with a human nature, yet no iniquity was found in Him. Do not be deceived, believing that you can continue to sin and not face judgement. God knows everything. He is omniscient. Ask God for strength, that through Him, you may overcome as He overcame, so that you would sin no more.

Dear heavenly Father,

We come to You, as sinners, yet You still give us the opportunity to come to You just as we are. We are sorry and repent of our sins and ask for Your forgiveness. We pray that You will grant us Your strength and courage to be able to overcome the evils and temptations of this world, even as You overcame, that we would sin no more. May our old selves pass away. Let us be in You, and You in us, that we may become new creatures. May all the Glory be to You, dear Lord. Save us from our sins, we pray. In the name of Jesus Christ we thank You and praise You. Amen.