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Whenever and wherever I have preached and taught Jesus Christ and people have responded, there has come a time when a spirit of division rose up within the resulting fellowship(s). Some person or group began speaking evil about another person or group. People began recruiting others to agree with their divisive way of thinking, seeking to justify their evil ways by winning others over on to their side. Backbiting as a result of bitterness, pride, offense, envy, anger and confusion became pervasive, at least within a small group. The ensuing divisiveness wanted to take center stage over the seeking of Jesus Christ, thus exposing itself as the work of evil spirits,
It makes no sense for those who are enjoying the growth of the spirit of Christ within their lives to point fingers at others’ perceived weaknesses or shortcomings, especially at those who bring the good news of Christ. This finger pointing is simply based on feelings and the “fact-finding” which results from such feelings. Negative feelings, without the guidance of Christ, always seek to justify themselves, yet if allowed to be expressed are nothing but the works of the flesh as recorded in Galatians.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 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 who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
The word “works” is from the Greek word energeo, and can be translated “energizings.” This indicates that there is a life force doing the energizing, which indicates the working of devil spirits. This doesn’t mean someone who gets angry for a bit is possessed by a devil, but it does indicate that someone who is driven by these things has given themselves over to the energizings of devil spirits.
Some people use this last verse to say that anyone who does these things won’t get to heaven, but that isn’t what is being revealed here. God is telling us that people being driven by these evil energizings are not growing into their spiritual inheritance, no matter how much effort they put into justifying their evil feelings.
But……
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness (kind practicality), goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (self mastery); with such the law doesn’t concern itself. Galatians 5:22, 21
Quite a bit different, these fruit of the spirit, are they not? They are so different than the energizings of the flesh. Compare the two. The one group are dark, self-serving, evil; the other are light, lovely, desirable. Which do you choose? The one will separate and divide an individual from the group, leaving them in isolation and despair; the other will inspire unity and appreciation, for self and others. The one pushes, the other rewards. The one dwells on the flesh, the other on the spirit of Christ. Satan vs. Christ. That is always our choice.
What to do about this divisiveness? The worse thing that can be done is to enter into the fray, into the accusations and personal attacks and/or the justifying and self-defense. Rather, what is to be done when divisiveness raises its ugly head is the same thing which is needed even without such attacks underway… seek Christ. Put on the whole armor of the spirit of Christ, the armor of God.
Finally my brethren, be strong (dunamis – empowered) in the Lord and in the power (ischus – developed strength) of his might (kratos – overcoming power). Ephesians 6:10
The battle takes place in the heart and mind, and the battle is not ours, but rather is the Lord Christ’s. Allow his spirit to live richly within your living and thinking, and do not seek any specific result or action in the flesh, for that is Satan’s arena. Do not think evil of any man, for that itself is the work of the evil one. Realize that the enemy, your enemy, who is also the enemy of God, is spiritual, not physical. The ones suffering the most from Satan’s attacks are the ones in whom Satan is working.
Keep seeking Christ. Allow his spirit to guide you, strengthen you, imbue you with wisdom. There is no fleshly result that is required by God, only that you draw close to Him and walk with Him. Division in the body of Christ is bound to happen on this side of the gathering together. Pray you are never a willing participant in the fleshly energizings which inspire such divisive thinking and behavior. Rather, stay strong in the spirit of the Lord and in the faith which has been given you by what the Father has revealed within you. Christ is enough.
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Other related studies:
Different Gifts | Give Me Christ
How to love other Christians | Give Me Christ
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