APPENDIX 2. DO NOT CONFUSE THE WORKS OF THE FLESH WITH POSSESSION.
Some books on demon possession name the evil spirits that possess a person as spirits of envy, of lust, of anger, of pride, etc., and in some books dozens of such names are given. There is no basis in Scripture for this. These preachers have confused the works of the flesh with demon possession, for what they call demon possession, Paul clearly calls works of the flesh in Gal.5v19-25.. The Bible clearly distinguishes between the world, flesh and the Devil, and so should we. 1Jn.2v15-17. 1Pet.5v6-9. Let us now consider these works of the flesh.

A. SEXUAL SINS.
1. ADULTERY. "Moicheia."
"Moicheia," occurs in Mt.15v19. Mk.7v21. Jn.8v3. (and Gal.5v19. in the Majority Text); and "moichos," which occurs in Lk.18v11. 1Cor.6v9. Heb.13v4. (and James.4v4. in the Majority Text); speaks of someone who has intercourse with the husband or wife of another person. "Moichalis," an adulteress, occurs in Mt.12v39. 16v4. Mk.8v38. Rom.7v3. James.4v4. and 2Pet.2v14. Jesus showed wonderful mercy and grace to the woman of Samaria, Jn.4v1-29.; and the woman taken in adultery, Jn.8v1-11.; Christ came to save not to condemn. Jn.3v16,17.

2. SEXUAL IMMORALITY. "Porneia."
"Porneia" is used as a general word for all kinds of unlawful sexual uncleanness, and includes homosexuality as well as fornication and harlotry. A "porne" is a prostitute and "porneia" is a selfish gratification of lust. In sharp contrast to this is true Biblical love and marriage, where each partner manifests constant genuine practical care and tenderness towards the other partner. Relationships in Christian marriage should be like that between Christ and His Church. Eph.5v24-29. Col.3v18,19. Lust defiles the personality, but true love, and the correct use of sexual powers, produces an enlargement of the soul and spirit and true worship of God.

Paul's missionary tours brought him into contact with the total moral and spiritual corruption in the Greek and Roman world. Purity was the expected norm in the early days of Rome, but when Rome conquered Greece, the debased Greek moral standards corrupted Roman life, and immorality became the established custom and practice. In Greece, there was no shame over sexual immorality either before or after marriage. The Greek practice of husbands having cultured and sophisticated mistresses, and wives having extra marital male lovers, became the norm in Rome. All kinds of sexual depravity corrupted all of society from high to low. The wife of Emperor Claudius, the Empress Messalina, was notorious for her immorality; she frequently stole out of the royal palace to at night to serve in a public brothel; no prostitute could match her capacity or endurance, she was always the last to leave.

In Rome sexual depravity manifested itself in the most appalling numbers of divorces and remarriages, and in men's treatment and attitude towards women. In Rome, women had no legal rights, a man could tell his wife to go and divorce her, just when he felt like it. Juvenal records that one woman had eight husbands in five years. Jerome tells of a woman who was the twenty first wife of her husband, and he was her twenty third husband. Plato said, "A bad man's fate would be reincarnation as a woman." God's Law did not allow this evil and contemptuous attitude to women, or the easy multiple divorce that was practised by the heathen, women had definite rights under the Law; and even the right of divorce for ill-treatment and partiality in a polygamous marriage. Exod.21v10,11. See Deut.24v1-4.. God is very angry with men who divorce their wives when they lose their beauty as they get older, and warns that He will not accept the offering of those who deal treacherously with "the wife of their youth" in this way. Mal.2v14-17. Peter emphasises the same point in 1Pet.3v7..

Dreadful unnatural vice in the form of incest and homosexuality was rampant in both Greek and Roman society. Caligula committed habitual incest with his sister Drusilla, and Nero even violated his own mother, Agrippina. It was common talk that Socrates and Plato were "content with the love of boys," and Plato's work on homosexual love, his "Symposium" 178 D, confirms this. The whole of Greek society was riddled and corrupted by homosexuality, and Rome became corrupted by this "national disease of Greece." Gibbon tells us that Claudius was the only one among the first fifteen Emperors, "whose taste in love was entirely correct." Nero went through a marriage service, and had a marriage procession in Rome, with a castrated youth named Sporus. Emperor Hadrian had his homosexual partner Antonius deified, after his death through drowning. The depravity in society was so appalling, that even pagan writers and historians were disgusted by it. When Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, there was only filth on offer under the tinsel and show. In Greece and Rome it was normal for prostitution to be connected with religion. In Corinth, a thousand so called "sacred prostitutes," came down each night from the Temple of Aphrodite, to practice their seductions; and immorality with them was looked upon as a sacred duty. It is a remarkable fact that Paul had a mighty revival in this evil and corrupt city; our Lord told Paul in a vision, "I have many people in this city." Acts.18v8-11. The Greek city of Corinth was probably the most corrupt city in the world; but the preaching of the Gospel brought deliverance to those held captive with sexual and moral problems. Paul's cure for the Corinthians was not exorcism, but the preaching of Christ crucified, confirmed by mighty signs and wonders. 1Cor.2v1-4. 2Cor.12v12. It is essential to note that God's restraining hand on evil spirits, has meant that only a small minority of the Heathen have been demon possessed, even though they have been so utterly depraved in their living.

Paul warned the Corinthian, that many of them had been sick, and others had even died through divine discipline because of their unclean living. 1Cor.11v29-32. Paul did not practice or suggest exorcism for moral problems, for either unbelievers or Christians. The man who committed incest with his father's wife, was disciplined by handing him over to Satan for the destruction of his body; however, a real repentance caused mercy to be shown and judgement to be withdrawn, and the man was welcomed back into Church fellowship. The cure was not exorcism, but discipline by exclusion from the Church fellowship, and possible judgement and execution by God, if there was no repentance. 1Cor.5v1-5. 2Cor.2v4-11. God loves and cares for His Church, and His chastenings are intended to spiritually benefit those who are under discipline, and purify and protect His Church from evil. 1Cor.11v32. 1Cor.5v5. Paul besought the Corinthians to flee from sexual impurity, because those who did such things would not inherit the kingdom of God. 1Cor.6v9-20. 2Cor.12v20,21. Paul told the Greek Thessalonians that they must totally abstain from sexual impurity, 1Thes.5v3-5.; and the Colossians to mortify the sins of the flesh, and to put on the new man. Col.3v5-14. These were totally new ideas to the nations that Paul went to preach to, for pandering to the evil desires of the flesh was the norm. Paul's message to these people was not exorcism, but salvation in Jesus. The cleansing blood, and risen life of Christ, gave them the power to live in purity, and victory over the flesh. Rom.8v1-4.

3. UNCLEANNESS. "Akatharsia."
"Akatharsia," speaks of moral impurity. It is used in the papyri to describe the dirt in a filthy house, and pus from an infected wound. In the Septuagint it is used of an unclean immoral woman in Hos.2v10.; the ceremonial and moral uncleanness that stops a person approaching God in Lev.18v19. 22v3.; and the moral uncleanness that destroys a person or nation in Micah.2v10. and Prov.6v16.. The word speaks of a corrupt person whose whole personality is defiled by filthiness in word thought and deed, and who glories in that corruption and filthiness.

4. SHAMELESS ABANDONED SENSUALITY. "Aselgeia."
"Aselgeia," speaks of shameless wantonness and lasciviousness. It describes someone who is audacious, insolent and violent, totally undisciplined and debased, and completely controlled by sensual desire. They have a total absence of sympathy, and are completely indifferent to the feelings and opinions of others. They have no desire to repent of their sin, or hide sin; and they openly applaud immorality. This is the shameless total abandonment to evil seen in Rom.1v32..

N.B.1. There is a progression and climax of evil in these words. "Moicheia," is infidelity in marriage. "Porneia," includes all sexual uncleanness, and unnatural sexual perversion. "Akatharsia" shows the spreading defilement and deterioration of the whole personality. "Aselgeia" speaks of shameless total abandonment to evil. These words describe the worst of sexual immorality, and the total depravity of personality; however, Paul does not say that these people were possessed, he says that this was a result of allowing the flesh to dominate the life. We know that Satan can use and incite the desires of the flesh; however, in Gal.5v119-21., Paul does not give the slightest hint of demonic incitement to evil, he states that this total depravity of soul is the result of people's desire to indulge in the sins of the flesh. Some people don't need much help from the Wicked One to be really evil, they just wallow in the sins of the flesh. The sexual sins that we have considered dominated the cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom; our Lord said the cure for this evil was mighty signs and wonders that would convict and compel them to repentance and faith. Mt.11v20-24. Lk.10v13. Rom.15v18-21.

N.B. 2. It a very serious heresy to teach Christians that their moral problems are the result of demon possession. Paul exhorts Christians to "mortify" the flesh life, and "put off the old man and his evil deeds and put on the new man and agape love," and even "to put on the Lord Jesus Christ." Eph.4v22-25. Col.3v5-17. Rom.13v14. The putting off of the old life is an act of repentance. Paul never said that the Corinthians needed to be exorcised, but he did say that they needed to repent; and he commended them for their repentance and godly sorrow, which brought deliverance from the evil in their lives. 2Cor.7v1,8-11. Paul achieved victory over the flesh and Devil by exercising self-discipline, and through a transfigured and renewed mind; 1Cor.9v24-27. Rom.12v2.; and victory over the Devil by putting on God's armour. Rom.13v12. Eph.6v11. Through the "law of the Spirit and life in Christ," we can be set free from "the law of sin and death," and the "righteousness of the Law can be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom.8v1-4.

N.B. 3. Some preachers major on exorcising various kinds of evil spirits from almost everybody they pray for. These evil spirits are given such names as spirits of anger, of lust, of homosexuality, etc.. This cannot be correct, for we fail to find any evil spirit being named in this way in the New Testament; and we never find anyone being exorcised of moral problems. It is impossible to cast out the flesh, it has to be conquered through repentance, walking in the Spirit and self discipline. Gal.5v16,24. "A spirit of divination," can be exorcised, but you cannot exorcise sins of the flesh, like adultery, fornication and homosexuality. Acts.16v16. Paul ascribes these moral problems to "the works of the flesh," and "an evil heart of unbelief." Heb.3v12. People corrupt themselves and wilfully go under the dominion of the flesh, and into the corruptions of the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Ex.32v6,7,25. Deut.9v12. Rom.1v18-32. 3v11-23. Eph.2v1-3.

Some people ascribe most physical sickness to demons; but only a very small amount of sickness is due to demon possession. Jesus did cast out a spirit that made a person dumb in Mt.9v32,33 Mk.9v17-25. Lk.11v14., and healed a person blind and dumb by casting out an evil spirit. Mt.12v22. The woman in Lk.13v11., with "a spirit of infirmity," was not exorcised by Jesus, He laid His hands on her and healed her. Satan had bound her with sickness for eighteen years by attacking her body with evil spiritual power; she was not possessed by a demon, no more than Job was when he was attacked by Satan in his body. In Mt.4v23,24. we see that epilepsy, lunacy, and physical sickness usually arise from natural causes; and divine healing is almost always quite distinct and separate from demon possession and exorcism.

B. SINS OF FALSE RELIGION.

1. IDOLATRY. "Eidolatreia."
Idolatry is the worship of images and things before God. Paul deliberately placed idolatry immediately after sexual perversion, because it was the desire for immoral living that produced idolatry, people want gods that condone immorality. The idols of the heathen were often horrendously ugly, Diana (Artemis) of the Ephesians was an hideous black squat idol covered with many breasts. Israel made a golden calf so that they could run riot in the sins of the flesh. Paul tells us that sexual powers wrongly used end up in idolatry, and idolatry of sex, and the worship of the creature instead of the Creator. Rom.1v16-22. Paul states that demons are behind idolatry. 1Cor.10v20. Where idols, demons, and Satan are worshipped there is, as would be expected, more demon possession than where they are not worshipped; however, the amount is surprisingly small, considering the commitment to evil, and the seriousness of the sin. False religion in the form of idolatry and occultism, were among the major opponents of the early Church. Many Christians were executed by the Roman state, because they would not worship the Emperor as God. The world today has its idols, it worships its film stars and pop idols, sex and material things. Jesus told us not to be anxious, for life's material necessities will be added to us if we seek first the kingdom of Heaven. Mt.6v25-34. Lk.12v22-34.

2. SORCERY AND WITCHCRAFT. "Pharmakeia."
"Pharmakon," was a drug and, "pharmakeia," the use of drugs. Plato uses "pharmakeia" in a good sense to speak of medical treatment, and he advises that drugs should not be used on diseases that were not serious, or they could complicate matters. It was also used for the misuse of drugs in murder by poisoning. The noun "pharmakeia" only occurs in Gal.5v20. Rev.9v21. and 18v23.. "Sorcerer," "pharmakus," occurs in Rev.21v8.; and "pharmakos," in Rev.22v15.. "Mageia," "sorceries," in Acts.8v11. and "mageuo," "sorcery," in Act8v9.. "Magos," is translated as "sorcerer" in Acts.13v6,8.; and the plural "magi," as "wise men" in Mt.2v1,7,16.

The practice of sorcery and witchcraft in Paul's time were very similar to their modern equivalents; images of people were made and destroyed, and curses were put upon people by invoking the powers of darkness. In Paul's time, magic, divination, astrology and the use of the occult powers mentioned in Deut.18v10-22., were commonly practised. People were full of fear, and used amulets and charms in an effort to protect themselves from witchcraft, sorcery, magical spells and the evil eye. The value of the books on magic burned in the revival at Corinth was about £50,000, which shows how rife magical practices were in Paul's time. Acts.19v19. The Egyptian sorcerers Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses, had great evil power, and turned sticks into snakes by Satan's power. Ex.7v11,12. 8v18. 2Tim.3v8. These evil occult practices were one of the main obstacles to the spread of the Gospel in the early Church, and this is why miracles were so essential, they were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel. Philip and Paul compelled the Gentiles to believe in Jesus, by doing greater miracles than the servants of Satan. Acts.8v4-13. 13v6-12. 18v11-20. Rom.15v18-21.

N.B. 1. Paul tells us that people go into idolatry, witchcraft and sorcery, because they want a belief that will allow them to indulge in the sins of the flesh. Paul tells us that if people reject God and righteousness, God gives them up to a reprobate mind and the lusts that they desire. Rom.1v18-32. N.B.v24,26,28. However, God's amazing love and protecting mercy is still around His creation, and His mighty hand restrains the powers of darkness to a great extent. 2Thes.2v7. This explains why only a small fraction of worldly people have been possessed by evil spirits, even when they have worshipped idols, and been addicted to occultism.

N.B. 2. God's children are protected from curses put upon them by occultists, for God's guiding eye and power protects Christians and their homes from Satan's malice. When Balaam tried to curse Israel by sorcery, God would not allow it, and made Balaam pronounce blessing on Israel. Numb.22v5,6. 23v8,23. Balaam was greedy for Balak's promise of wealth, he knew that God's anger would come against Israel if they went into evil; so Balaam told Balak to send in many of the beautiful women of Moab to corrupt Israel by immorality and idolatry. Rev.2v14. Numb.31v15,16. Satan still uses the same ploy today to break up people's marriages. Balaam's plan was successful, but it did not profit him, he died under divine judgement, fighting the people of God. Jude.v11. Josh.13v22. Rev.2v14. The Egyptian sorcerers, Jannes and Jambres, even turned sticks into snakes by the power of Satan. However, they found themselves out-miracled by Moses and on the receiving end of divine judgement, when they tried to resist and oppose God. 2Tim.3v8. Exod.7v11,12,22. 8v7,18,19. 9v11. Witchcraft and sorcery are repeatedly condemned and forbidden in the Scriptures; God warns that eternal punishment awaits all occultists who do not repent of their evil practices. Ex.22v18. Deut.18v10-22. Is.2v6. 47v9,12. 57v3. Jer.27v9. Dan.2v2,27. Mic.5v12. Mal.3v5. Rev.9v21. 21v8. 22v15.

C. SINS RELATED TO PERSONAL, SOCIAL, AND CHURCH LIFE.

1. ENMITIES. "Exthrai."
"Echthros," is an enemy, "exthrai," is enmity, personal animosities and quarrels. It only occurs three times in the New Testament, all of them in Paul's writings. Paul writes in Gal.2v20., that it is one of the works of the flesh. In Rom.8v7. he states, "The mind which is only interested in carnal things is hostile to God." Finally Paul tells us in Ephes.2v14-16., that the Law of God was the reason for the enmity between Jew and Gentile, and the cross of Jesus the means by which God has reconciled Jew and Gentile, and put to death the enmity between them. Enmity is the driving force behind class and racial prejudice, and the Jews were badly polluted by it, they said that the Gentiles were on a level with the forbidden unclean animals, and were fuel for the flames of Hell, and hated by the Almighty. Peter, like all Jews, was poisoned by these evil ideas, and would not even eat with a Gentile. God taught him differently through a remarkable vision, in which He commanded Peter not to call God-fearing Gentiles unclean, because they were acceptable to Him. The lesson was completed by meeting the remarkable godly Gentile Cornelius, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him and his godly praying friends. Acts.10v1-48. 11v1-7.

2. VARIANCE, FIGHTINGS, STRIFE. "Ereis," plural, in the Majority Text.
"Eris," speaks of contention, variance, strife, and dissension. Enmity, "exthrai," is a state of mind; whereas, strife, "eris," is the product and manifestation of that hostile mind. "Eris," occurs in Rom.1v29. 13v13. 1Cor.1v11. 3v3. 2Cor.12v20. Gal.5v20. Phil.1v15. 1Tim.6v4. Tit.3v9. It is one of the evils of the heathen world, which should not be seen among Christians. Rom.1v29. 13v13. Paul uses "eris" three times when he laments the real and deep hatred and quarrellings between the sects and parties in the Church at Corinth. 1Cor.1v11. 3v3. 2Cor.12v20.

In Phil.1v15., Paul warns us that enmity can even be the motivation for preaching the Gospel. What was true then, is true today, there can be bitter rivalry and strife between denominations. Christ is often preached and uplifted in evangelism to increase a denominations membership, rather than to meet people's needs and glorify Him. The same message can be preached, but the motivation can be entirely different; we can use our organisations with the pure motive to serve and uplift Christ, or we can uplift Christ with the impure motive of exalting and increasing our denominational or personal kingdoms. The parable of the workers in the vineyard shows us that our motives for serving God will be "tried by fire" at the judgement seat of Christ. 1Cor.3v10-14. Mt.19v23. to 20v16. Jesus warns us that a hireling spirit, and wrong motives in serving God, will result in those who are first in the Church on earth, being last in God's kingdom. Mt.19v30. 20v16.

Rivalry, "eris," manifests itself in party spirit and doctrinal bigotry, and when denominations become more important than God and people. Rivalry is the enemy of true Christian love and unity, for it divides up the body of Christ. The cure is not denominational organic unity, but a true unity of the Spirit and love between all Christians. The powers of darkness are much more concerned with fostering party spirit in the Church than with demon possession, for they know that this will effectively destroy the power of the Church. The impending terrible end time trials will compel many Christians to forget their bigotry and party spirit, and make them fellowship in love and unity together.

3. JEALOUSIES. "Zeloi."
a. It is used in a good sense.
In the Septuagint in a good sense of God's zeal; "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this;" Is.9v7.; and the jealous dedicated love of God. Ezek.16v37,38. 23v25. It describes Christ's passionate zeal for God and righteousness. Ps.69v9. Jn.2v17. Paul uses it to describe the zeal of the Corinthians for him in 2Cor.7v7.; and his godly jealousy for them, 2Cor.11v2.; and the zeal in their repentance, 2Cor.7v11.; and their zeal for the poor at Jerusalem. 2Cor.9v2.. The verb "zeloo" is used for zeal for spiritual gifts in 1Cor.12v31. and 14v39..

b. It is used in a bad sense.
Paul uses "zelos" of his own and the Jews misguided "zeal for God," and the Law. Rom10v2. Phil.3v6. In Rom.13v12,13. Paul warned the Corinthians that jealousy is an evil work of the flesh; and a proof of the domination of the old nature, and told them that he feared that it could return. 1Cor.3v3. 2Cor.12v20. Jealousy cannot stand the light and glory of Christ's holy presence.


4. PASSIONATE EXPLOSIONS OF ANGER. "Thumoi."
"Thumos," occurs in Lk.4v28. Acts.19v28. Rom.2v8. 2Cor.12v20. Gal.5v20. Eph.4v31. Col.3v8. Heb.11v27. Rev.12v12. 14v8,10,19. 15v1,7. 16v1,19. 18v3. 19v15. It speaks of "stirring emotions," then, "a flair up of temper," or "passionate explosive outbursts of anger. "Thumos" anger is "great but transient anger," and is "like fire in straw;" which distinguishes it from "orge" anger; which is a long-lasting anger and cherished in the memory. "Orge" is used to speak of God's weighed judicial verdict; His anger of justice. Rom.1v18. Eph,5v6. Col.3v6. Rev.6v16,17. 11v18. etc.

a. "Thumos," can be used of anger in a good sense, of righteous indignation.
"Thumos" is used to speak of God's explosive righteous anger in His judgmental acts in the Great Tribulation, and on the great day of His wrath at Christ's coming. However, Paul states that anger ("orge"), and wrath ("thumos"), are now resting upon all those who are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness. Rom.2v8. Our Lord's anger in Mt.23, shows that it is very necessary to be angry at injustice and evil; anger can be an instrument of God's purposes; indeed, it is a sin not to be angry at times. God's "thumos" anger springs from His love; and gives us a revelation of His heart and mind, and His great concern and care for His creation.

b. "Thumos," can speak of outbursts of uncontrolled harmful rage.
"Thumos" anger, and "orge" anger, and bitterness, clamour, evil speaking and malice, are to be put away from us; and are to be replaced by tender-hearted forgiving love. Eph.4v31,32. The "thumos," explosive temper; and the "orge," brooding anger; are to be "put off," with the other evil works of the flesh. Col.3v8. In Mt.5v22, Jesus said that those who are angry with their brother without cause, are liable to judgement. "Without cause," is in the Majority Text. We can be angry, and yet not sin. Eph.4v26. In 2Cor.12v20., Paul states his fear that he would find outbursts of anger in the church at Corinth, along with other works of the flesh. Paul warns them that violent outbursts of "thumos" anger , and bitter smouldering "orge" anger, injure the weak and innocent, and destroy homes and churches.

5. STRIFE, SELFISH AMBITION. "Eritheia."
"Eritheia," means literally, "working for hire," and is from "erithos," "one who works for hire;" it speaks of one who can be bought, or bribed. Some say it speaks of a self-seeking person, and selfishness. Others think it speaks of intrigue, factions, and party rivalry, a person whose allegiance can be bought for advantage. "Eritheia" occurs in Rom.2v8. 1Cor.12v20. Gal.5v20. Phil.1v16. 2v3. James.3v14,16.

Bible translators translate "eritheia," in many different ways, they translate it as strife, contention, selfish ambition, personal rivalry, selfishness, the partisan spirit; divided loyalties, for private ends, etc. Wordsworth says; "The word "eritheia" is from "erithos," "a labourer for hire" (from root "erdo"), 1. "a mercenary;" and 2. one who "hires himself" to a cabal for "party purposes:" and therefore signifies, 3. "a venal partizan;" such as the "factions" of gladiators, and other ruffians hired by rival candidates at elections to intimidate the voters in the Roman forum. Hence "eritheia" signifies "venal partizanship." Aristotle uses the verb "eritheuesthai," to mean canvassing for office through hired partizans; it speaks of a man who seeks power for himself and his party for the very worst of motives, love of power and personal ambition, without any concern for the welfare of the people. Aristotle said that this practice could lead to revolutions.

Paul uses "eritheia" five times, Rom.2v8 2Cor.12v20. Gal.5v20. Phil.1v16. 2v3.; he uses it in the context of party spirit and divisions within the churches. In 2Cor.12v20., Paul feared that party spirit was a sin that defiled the Corinthian Church. In Phil. 1v16,17., Paul criticises the competitive party spirit of some preachers. In Phil.2v3., Paul exhorts us not to do anything from ambition, or vain glory, but to follow Christ's wonderful example, of self-renunciation and humility. In Rom.2v8., Paul uses "eritheia," of worldly people, whose self-seeking unrighteous ambition, stops them from obeying the truth. This scrambling after wealth, honour, position, and power, has disastrous effects in churches and homes, as well as the world. Rackham says the meaning is "election intrigue;" which would well describe the power politics and attitudes of the world which have corrupted church organisations. Paul is speaking of a self-seeking ambitious person, who seeks after power and office, not with the thought of loving service, but for personal and party, profit and prestige. The self-seeking sinful ambition that ruined Satan, is the sin that has ruined so many Christians, churches and denominations, and destroyed many marriages. Is.14v12-20.

6. DIVISIONS. "Dichostasia;"
"Dichostasia," means "splits in two," or "a standing apart," from "dicha," "asunder," and "stasis," "apart." It speaks of a state of acute and settled division, which destroys the unity of Christ's body, or a marriage. In the New Testament, "dichostasia" only occurs in Paul's writings. In Rom.16v7., Paul warns the Roman Christians to mark and avoid those who cause divisions. In 1Cor.3v3., of the divisions in the Corinthian church due to carnality and spiritual infancy. In Gal.5v20., of the divisions due to domination by the flesh. The outward cause of division in the Church, may seem to be theological controversy, personal animosity, class or race hatred, or denominational affiliation; however, the real cause is domination by the carnal nature, and failure to mature spiritually.

7. HERESIES. "Haireseis;"
The English word "heresies," is a transliteration of the Greek word "haireseis;" the English word speaks of false doctrine which is opposed to orthodox truth; whereas "haireseis," means "choosings, preferences," and is derived from "haireomai," or "haireo," "to choose, to select."(See Phil.1v22. 2Thes.2v13. Heb.2v25.) It can be used either for a good or bad choice, or preference. In the New Testament, "hairesis" usually speaks of a form of opinion, and is used in the sense of a sect; of the sect of the Sadducees in Acts.5v7.; of the sect of the Pharisees in Acts.15v5. and 26v5..; of Christians, as the sect of the Nazarenes in Acts.24v5., which Paul says his opponents contemptuously called heresy, "hairesin," in Acts.24v14.; in Acts.28v22. the Jews at Rome said to Paul, "concerning this sect, "hairesis," we know that it is everywhere spoken against."

The plural "haireseis," is also used to speak of preferences or choosings which cause division in the church. In 1Cor.11v19., "heresies," could be "sects," separating on doctrinal lines. Christians can have different preferences and different doctrinal views, and yet remain in perfect love and accord. However, intellectual differences can lead to the actual separation of Christians from one another, and this is what Paul is thinking of in Gal.5v20., and 1Cor.11v19.. This difference of opinion, "hairesis," can lead to actual schism, "schisma," in the body of Christ; and even to "damnable heresies," that destroy the soul, and fragment the Church. 2Pet.2v1.

8. ENVYINGS, "Phthonoi."
Envy is more destructive and malignant than jealousy. "Zelos," casts hostile grudging looks; "phthonos," "envy," has arrived at the stage of hostile acts. It is grief at another's good fortune. It is grief at another person's good fortune, it is no just the pain that they do not possess their good fortune or blessing, but the bitterness that the other person does. It is not so much the desire for what another person has; it is the desire to take away from them what they have, or prevent them from possessing it. "Zelos," "jealousy," can sometimes speak of noble ambition, and desire for something good, as well as a covetous evil desire; whereas. "phthonos," "envy," can only speak of a bitter ill will. It is not just the pain over an enemy's good fortune; it is the grief over a friend's good fortune. The jealousy, "zelos," of the Jews led to the active opposition of the more malignant "phthonos," "envy;" and caused them to murder Jesus. Though Judas became possessed by Satan, it is not recorded that any of the leaders of Israel became possessed, the evil jealousy and envy in their hearts drove them to oppose and murder Jesus. Mk.2v5-7,16,23,24. 3v1,2. 15v10. Mt.27v18.

"Phthonoi," occurs in the Majority Text, here in Gal.5v19-22.; In Rom.1v29., it is one of the sins people are filled with when they choose not to retain God in their knowledge; and in Phil.1v15,16., of some who preached Christ to spite Paul, and to hinder his ministry. Ahab's covetous envy of Naboth's vineyard led to the murder of Naboth, it is a very dangerous sin. 1Kings.21v1-19. 2Kings.9v21-26. 1Tim.6v4. Tit.3v3. 1Pet.2v1. (Gal.5v26. "phoneo"). The envy that leads to keeping up with the Jones's can lead to tragic circumstances.

9. MURDERS. "Phonoi."
Envy and strife has led to large numbers of murders throughout the centuries. In Gal.5v21., the alliterative reading, "phthonoi phonoi," "envy, murder," occurs in a large majority of texts and versions; A, C, D, F, G, K, P, Psi, the Byzantine manuscripts, the Lectionaries, most Old Latin manuscripts, the Vulgate, the Syriac Peshitta and the Harklean, the Coptic Bohairic, the Gothic, the Armenian, the Ethiopic, Cyprian, etc.. Paul uses "phthonoi phonoi," envy, murder, together in Rom.1v29.; and with good reason, for envy has often caused murder and war, as we see in the case of Cain and Abel, and world history. Gen.4v1-10. James.3v14-4v6.

10. DRUNKENNESS. "Methe."
Paul warns us that drunkards will not inherit God's kingdom, and we are not even to eat with them. Lk.21v34. 1Cor.5v10,11. Untold millions of marriages and homes have been destroyed, and are still suffering today from drunkenness. It causes physical and psychological injury to wives and children, financial deprivation, stress, anxiety and fear. Paul said he would not drink wine if it caused anyone to stumble, this is an important principle. Prov.20v1. Rom.14v21. 1Cor.8v9,13. Social drinking with unbelievers is very dangerous. 1Cor.6v9 to 7v1. It is true that Jesus drank wine with perfect self-control. Mt.11v19. Lk.7v34. However, Jesus warns us that drunkenness will stop us from being prepared for His coming, and will end in eternal punishment. Mt.24v48-51. Lk.21v34. Also see Prov.20v1. Is.28v7. Ezek.23v33. 39v19.

11. RIOTOUS ORGIES AND FEASTING. "Komos."
Paul uses "methe," "drunkenness," and "komos," "riotous feasting," in Rom.13v13, the only other place where they occur together in the New Testament. Paul was not thinking of a celebration, he was speaking of total debauchery, orgies and riotous blasphemous feasting; like Belshazzar's feast. Dan.5v1-31. Peter warns against this "revelling and banqueting," in 1Pet.4v3..

12. AND SUCH LIKE. Paul states that the list could be extended, it is it is comprehensive but not exhaustive.

CONCLUSION.
The works of the flesh cannot be exorcised. Paul tells us that the cure for the works of the flesh, is repentance, the crucifixion of the flesh with its affections and lusts, living and walking in the Spirit, and the growth of the fruit of the Spirit. Gal.5v16-26. Those who replace this teaching of Paul with a false Christian exorcism; lead Christians into a quagmire of self deception, unscriptural fantasies, demonic dominance, and serious psychological and spiritual damage.


APPENDIX 3. THE QUESTION OF THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF CHRISTIANS.
Introduction. There has been a great deal of controversy over whether the eternal security of Christians is conditional or unconditional. Is the will of God irresistible regarding salvation, or can a believer frustrate the will of God and become an apostate from the faith? The Scriptures teach that believing in Jesus does not take away our free will, and that it is possible for Christians to apostacise and lose their salvation. However, the Scriptures also emphasise the eternal security of those who follow their Lord. The perils of the last days make it imperative for us to establish these truths firmly in our minds and lives.

1. SOME SCRIPTURES THAT SHOW A CHRISTIAN'S SECURITY IN CHRIST.

In John.10v28., "They shall never, never perish is an emphatic double negative.
Jesus used the double negative "ou me" with "apolontai," the aorist subjunctive of "apollumi," "to be lost, to destroy," to promise that the sheep who hear His voice and follow Him will NEVER, NEVER PERISH. Eternal words that will never die! They encourage and inspire every struggling Christian. The conditions for the security of Christ's sheep are not exacting, for His yoke is gentle, kind and light. Mt.11v28-30.

They believe in Jesus. Jn.6v47. Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that believes on me has eternal life."

They have a living relationship with Jesus. In Jn.10v14,27. Jesus uses the present indicative active of "ginosko," "to know experientially." This shows Christ's continuous active relationship with His sheep.

They hear the voice of Jesus, and follow Him. They earnestly long for and listen to the voice and truths of Jesus. The words "hear," and "follow," in Jn.10v3,4,27. are in the present indicative active and show the continuous "obedience of faith" of Christ's sheep. Rom.1v5. Jesus uses a strong double negative ("ou me") in Jn.10v5., to state that His sheep will not follow false shepherds, but will flee from them.

N.B. Both Christ's and the Father's hands hold, enfold, and protect Christ's sheep.
In Jn.10v28,29., Jesus uses the future tense, "harpasei," when He said, "no one shall snatch them out of My hand." When He said, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand;" He uses the present active infinitive, "harpazein," to show the Father's active continuous protection of His sheep. No one has the power to snatch Christ's sheep out of God's hand; they are secure in His love and care. Jn.3v16. 6v37,39,40. 17v12. 18v9.

a. The hand of God's eternal purpose.
Rom.8v28-30. Paul says that predestination is based upon God's foreknowledge of our choice, and His efforts to conform us to the image of Christ, He does not violate our free will. People choose to be saved or lost. Mt.23v37. Lk.19v41-44. Jn.10v26.

b. The hand that guards for ever.
Nothing can separate us from our Father's and Saviour's love. Rom.8v31-39. In 1Pet.1v4,5., we read that Christians "are guarded in the power of God," the present participle "phrouroumenous," shows the continuous process of God's protection. Jn.17v12. Jn.6v37,39,40. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--- v39. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. v40. And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life."

N.B. In Heb.13v5., God encourages us with five nevers.
God will never, never fail us; and never, never, never forsake us and leave us down and out in a mess. This is manifested in God's mercy to David. Ps.32. God's hand was heavy upon David for about 12 months after his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. God forgave David, gave him songs of deliverance, and promised him guidance. Christ also answered Peter's fears and self-condemnation. Lk.5v1-11. When Peter said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Jesus assured Peter He would bless him. "If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart." 1Jn.3v20. Did Peter get out of the Father's hand when he denied that he knew Jesus? The answer is a very definite, "No." Peter was dominated by fear, and his heart was not in his denials, and in his heart he had not apostacised from Jesus. This is in sharp contrast with Judas, whose heart had rejected Jesus; his soul was destroyed by nationalistic pride, thwarted ambition, avarice and theft.

N.B. The key to eternal security is eating Christ's flesh and blood. Jn.6v51-71.
When Jesus said that He was the living bread from Heaven, and that His disciples had to eat His flesh and drink His blood to remain spiritually alive, "many disciples" got offended, murmured against Jesus, and "went back, and walked no more with Him." Jn.6v51-54,63,66. Jesus knew that His instruction to eat His flesh and drink His blood would produce a major crisis and cause many disciples to leave Him; He knew from the beginning those who truly believed. Many disciples believed for a while that Jesus was the Messiah, but they did not believe the right thing; they wanted deliverance from Rome, not deliverance from sin. Judas left Jesus in his heart at this point, for in Jn.6v70,71., our Lord said that Judas was already slandering Him; "devil" is "diabolos," "a slanderer." God prepared the apostles for this trial by the watchful praying of Jesus, and three mighty miracles; Jesus fed the five thousand, walked on the water, and then miraculously transported the boat. However, these mighty miracles failed to turn Judas from his unbelief and his slander and love of evil. Mt.14v23.

N.B. The flesh and blood of Jesus consist of the truth and love manifested in His life and ministry.
Jesus explained that the truth He spoke and lived was His flesh and blood. "The flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and are life." Jn.6v63. When we consume and assimilate Christ and His truth into our being, we are transfigured into His likeness. 2Cor.3v18. Heb.3v1. 12v2. This will preserve Christians from backsliding and apostasy.

2. SOME SCRIPTURES THAT SHOW THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO FALL AWAY FROM GOD.
Heb.6v1-6., states that it is impossible to renew apostates to repentance who have experienced the full truth.
"Impossible," "adunaton," occurs 4 times in Hebrews. Heb.6v4,18. 10v4. 11v6. It cannot be watered down to mean difficult. Wilful sin in full light causes eternal spiritual death. Heb.10v26,27. Mk.3v28-30. Lk.12v45,46. "Renew again," is "palin anakainizein," which means literally "AGAIN TO RENEW AGAIN." "Palin" means "again," and "anakainizein," is the present active infinitive of "anakainizo," "to renew again, to make new again." ("Anakainizo" only occurs here in the New Testament, but "anakainoo" occurs in 2Cor.4v16. and Col.3v10.)

In Heb.6v6., "If they shall fall away," "fall away" is "parapesontas," the aorist active participle of "parapipto," "to fall beside, to go astray, to fall away." It warns of shipwreck of faith and apostasy. 1Tim.1v19. In Lk.8v13., Jesus uses "aphistantai," the present of "aphistemi," "to go, or fall away, to withdraw, to warn us that we can "fall away" after being joyful believers; He" Mt.12v43-45. 24v48-51. Rom.8v13. 11v20-22.

a. They were once for all enlightened. Heb.6v4. "Enlightened," is the first aorist passive participle of "photizo," "to enlighten, to illuminate." God has illuminated the understanding and eyes of the person. Lk.11v36. In Heb.10v32. Paul tells the Hebrews that they suffered for the truth after they were illuminated and became Christians. This illumination is "the full knowledge of the truth," Heb.10v26.; it is vitally linked with regeneration. Only saved people are spoken of being in the light, the unsaved are spoken of as walking in darkness. Jn.3v20,21. 8v12. Rom.13v12. 2Cor.4v4. Eph.5v8. Col.1v12,13. 1Thes.5v5.

"Once," is "harpax," which means "once for all," and tells us the person has seen and experienced the full light of God. They have left the darkness of their former life, having been enlightened by the Spirit of God to Jesus, the true light. They have been a child of the light, and have experienced the FULL light of truth, not just an intellectual appreciation of truth. See Eph.1v18.

b. They have tasted of the heavenly gift. Heb.6v4. "Have tasted," is "geusamenous," the aorist active participle of "gueomai," "to taste of, to taste." The verb expresses a real and conscious partaking and personal enjoyment of the gift of salvation. It is translated "to eat," in Acts.10v10. 20v11. 23v14. and "to taste," in Heb.2v9. 6v4,5. Mt.16v28. 27v34. Mk.9v1. Lk.9v27. 14v24. Jn.2v9. 8v52. Col.2v21. 1Pet.2v3. When our Lord tasted death, He experienced it. These people have tasted and seen that the Lord is good and experienced salvation, and then made shipwreck of their faith. 1Tim.1v19. Heb.10v23-31.

c. They were made partakers of the Holy Ghost. The word for "partakers" is "metochous," which means "partner and fellow with." It is used in Heb.3v14. of us being a partaker with Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; and in Heb.1v9. of Jesus being anointed more than His "FELLOWS." Sinners are not partners with the Holy Spirit; the world cannot receive Him. Jn.14v17. Jude.v19. We are partners with and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Eph.1v13,14.

d. They have tasted the good Word of God. Heb.6v5. Those who taste the Word of God are saved. Mt.13v20-23. Lk.8v13-15. Jn.15v3. Acts.2v41. 4v4. 8v14. 11v1. 17v11. Rom.10v9,10. Eph.5v26. James.1v18-25. 1Pet.1v18-23.

e. They have tasted the powers of the age to come. These are the open manifestations of God and the manifestations of His spiritual gifts. The apostates taste heavenly realities and reject them.

f. These apostates "crucify to themselves again the Son of God." Heb.6v6. "Anastaurountas," is the present active participle of "anastauroo," "to crucify again." Bloomfield says that "anastauroo," does not follow the Classical Greek sense, "crucify," or "crucify up," but follows Hellenistic New Testament Greek usage which means "re-crucify." Bloomfield writes, "That it does mean this (re-crucify) here is plain from the context; otherwise the point carried between "palin," "anakainizo," and "anastauroo" will be destroyed, and the sense not a little weakened." The present active tense shows the terrible truth that apostates actively and continually re-crucify to themselves the Lord Jesus.

g. The end of the apostates, who crucify the Son of God afresh and put Him to an open shame.
"Rejected." "Adokimos," it is translated as "castaway" in the Authorised version in 1Cor.9v27.. See 1Cor.15v1,2.
"Nigh unto a curse." Apostates again come under the curse from which they were redeemed. Gal.3v10,13,14.
"Whose end is to be burned." Heb.6v8. See Is.66v22-24. Mt.25v46. Mk.9v43-49. Rev.14v9-11. 20v10-15. 21v8..

MORE SCRIPTURES WHICH SHOW THAT A CHRISTIAN CAN APOSTACISE FROM THE FAITH.
Heb.10v24-31. The apostates tread under foot the Son of God and count the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified an unclean thing, ("koinon" as in Acts.10v14.), and they treat with utter contempt and insult the Spirit of grace that they had received blessings from. Heb.6v4. There is no forgiveness for this determined unrepentant blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mt.12v31,32. Mk.3v28-30. Their names are removed from the book of life. Rev.3v5. 22v19.

2Pet.2v1-22. Peter warns that false teachers will cunningly bring in destructive heresies and divisions, and even deny the Lord that brought them, and MANY will follow their pernicious ways. They have forsaken the straight way and are gone astray like Balaam. The mists of darkness are reserved for them for ever. v15-17. They are like a dog that returns to eat up its vomit, and like a washed pig that returns to wallow in the filthy mire. Jude warns us in Jude.v3,4,10-13. That these apostates slip into the Church and set themselves up as teachers. They go in the way of Cain and after the error of Balaam. They are spots in Christians feasts of love. They have no fruit, they are TWICE DEAD;---wandering stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Jesus gives us both the greatest encouragements to faith, and earnest warnings about apostasy. Let us keep them both in a correct balance, and walk in His light and rest in His love.

CONCLUSION AND RECAPITULATION.
It would be quite wrong to finish on a negative note in this study, for God wants us to realise our total security in Jesus, when we determine to follow and serve Him. So let us consider again some of our heavenly Father's precious promises to us.

N. B. 1. Our heavenly Father's protecting power and love is our guarantee against demon possession.
In Heb.6v13-20., we read of God's covenant promise and oath to Abraham, and that these two immutable things are available to all the heirs of promise. The assurance and hope inspired by God's inability to lie, and His immutable counsel and oath, are a strong consolation and anchor of the soul to all who have fled to Jesus for refuge. Some have translated, "to ametatheton tes boules autou," "the immutability of His counsel," as "the unchangeableness of His will;" God will never change His mind over His promise to protect His children, He has promised to protect us, He will fulfil His Word and promise. We read in 1Pet.1v5., that God's almighty protective power and love is an ever present fact and reality. When Peter states that all believers in Jesus; "are guarded," "phrouroumenous," he uses the present passive participle of "phroureo," to garrison; the present tense shows the continuous process of this protection. Unless a Christian turns their back on Jesus, and becomes an apostate, it is quite impossible for them to be possessed by demons.

N. B. 2. Both Christ's and the Father's hands enfold, hold, and protect Christ's sheep.
Here, in closing, we will repeat again a Scripture we have considered earlier. In Jn.10v28,29., Jesus uses the future tense, ("harpasei"), when He said, "no one SHALL SNATCH them out of My hand." When Jesus said, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to SNATCH them out of my Father's hand;" He uses "harpazein," the present active infinitive of "harpazo," "to seize, to carry off by force, to claim for oneself eagerly, to snatch out, or to snatch away," to show the Father's continuous protection of His sheep. No one has the power to seize and snatch Christ's sheep out of God's hand; they are secure in His love and care. Jn.3v16. 6v37,39,40. 17v12. 18v9. Immediately after saying these words, Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." They are not only one in essence and character, they are one in their determination to bring us safely into their eternal kingdom.

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