As our time here on earth unfolds, we often encounter situations that test our patience, challenge our beliefs, and push us to our limits. In these moments, we face a critical choice: Will we react with anger and hostility or respond with grace and understanding?
Our journey through Galatians chapter 5 provides an insightful exploration into what the Apostle Paul terms “the works of the flesh.” This list serves as a moral compass, outlining behaviors, attitudes, and actions that stand in opposition to walking “in the Spirit.” Today, we delve into the destructive forces of wrath, strife, and sedition—works of the flesh that can tear apart relationships, local churches, and even our own spiritual well-being.
Wrath: The Danger of Uncontrolled Anger
Wrath, at its core, is violent anger – a vehement expression of indignation that can consume us if left unchecked. It’s an emotion that, when allowed to fester, leads to destructive actions and “strife.” The Bible provides numerous examples of wrath, both human and divine. While God’s wrath against sin is justified and righteous, human wrath often leads to destructive consequences.
Consider the story in the book of Esther, where we see the aftermath of King Ahasuerus’ wrath against his wife Vashti. “After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her” (Est 2:1). The king’s anger, once appeased, left him reflecting on the harsh decisions made in the heat of the moment. This serves as a poignant reminder of how wrath can cloud our judgment and lead to regrettable actions.
The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the nature of wrath:
“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” (Proverbs 15:18)
This verse illuminates the close connection between wrath and strife, showing how unchecked anger can escalate conflicts and damage relationships. The scriptures teach us to feel anger without letting it overwhelm us, an invitation to practice restraint amidst life’s provocations. To harbor wrath is to carry a heavy burden, but the call of faith is to release this weight and not “let the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26). By doing so, we prevent the devil from gaining a foothold in our lives, allowing room for peace to flourish in our hearts.
Strife: Contention that Divides
Closely intertwined with wrath, strife exemplifies contention and rivalry. Strife is the struggle for superiority—a competitive spirit that places personal gain over corporate harmony. It’s a work of the flesh that can manifest in various aspects of our lives – from personal relationships to religious and political spheres. The warning here is clear: strife divides brethren, undermining unity by glorifying self-interest. The story of Abraham and Lot (Gen. 13) illustrates how strife over resources led to divisions, a motif echoed across various scriptural teachings.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, addresses the issue of strife within the context of preaching the gospel. He acknowledges that some were preaching Christ out of envy and strife, while others did so out of goodwill (Philippians 1:15-18). This reveals an important truth: even seemingly noble actions can be tainted by impure motives rooted in strife.
Paul’s response to this situation is both surprising and instructive. He rejoices that Christ is being preached, regardless of the motives behind it. However, he also provides a better way forward:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations, urging us to act out of genuine love and humility rather than a desire for personal gain or recognition. In a world rife with competition, whether in politics or personal lives, strife is omnipresent. The biblical admonition is to pursue peace, esteem others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3), and treat strife as a call to humility. We are encouraged to step back from conflict, finding honor in laying down discord rather than fanning its flames.
Seditions: Disruptions, Both Spiritual and Civic
Sedition, as noted within the scriptures, holds a dual implication—spiritual and civic. It represents a divisive spirit that not only challenges secular authority but also disrupts spiritual harmony. In essence, sedition involves stirring up rebellion against established authority or doctrine. The early church faced numerous challenges from false doctrines, which are directly equated to sedition within the context of a local church. Meanwhile, political seditions are depicted as defiance against rightful governance.
In Romans 16:17, Paul warns against those who cause divisions contrary to sound doctrine:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
This highlights the danger of sedition within the body of Christ, where false teachings can lead to harmful divisions among believers.
In a political context, we see examples of sedition in the Bible as well. In Ezra 4:15, we read about a city described as “rebellious” and “hurtful unto kings and provinces,” where sedition had been stirred up in times past. This serves as a reminder that rebellion against legitimate authority can have far-reaching consequences.
The story of Barabbas in Luke 23 provides another striking example. Barabbas, described as one guilty of sedition and murder, was chosen for release by the crowd instead of Jesus. This juxtaposition between the innocent Christ and the seditious Barabbas underscores the gravity with which sedition was viewed.
Understanding sedition in this light reminds us of the fine line between righteous dissent and wanton division. It cautions against the allure of drawing followers away from truth, emphasizing instead the importance of unity and adherence to sound doctrine. In both spiritual and social spheres, sedition challenges the peace the “fruit of the Spirit” seeks to cultivate.
Overcoming the Works of the Flesh
As we reflect on these destructive forces – wrath, strife, and sedition – it’s crucial to remember that they are identified in Galatians 5 as “works of the flesh.” This means they stem from the stinking thinking of the flesh i.e., the residual thought patterns and coping mechanisms of the “old man,” not from the Spirit of God.
So how do we combat these tendencies within ourselves? The answer lies in allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, renewing our minds through the Word of God (Rom. 12:1-2). We are called to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5), which involves consciously rejecting angry, divisive, or rebellious thoughts and replacing them with the truth of God’s word.
Practical steps we can take include:
- Practicing self-control and being “slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
- Seeking unity, peace, and edification with fellow members of the body of Christ (Romans 14:19).
- Respecting legitimate authority while standing firm for the truth of God’s word (Romans 13:1-7).
- Studying and applying sound doctrine to guard against false teachings (2 Timothy 2:15).
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us be mindful of the destructive potential of wrath, strife, and sedition. Instead of giving in to these works of the flesh, may we strive to embody the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).
In doing so, we not only improve our own lives but also become powerful witnesses to the transformative power of God’s love and grace. Let us choose, each day, to walk in the Spirit, resisting the pull of the flesh and embracing the abundant life Christ offers.
May we be grateful for the spiritual discernment God provides through His Word. Let us use this understanding to examine our hearts, root out any seeds of wrath, strife, or sedition, and cultivate instead a spirit of love, unity, and peace. In this way, we can be a light in a world often darkened by conflict and division, pointing others to the hope and redemption found in Christ alone.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
March 21, 2025
Resources For Further Study
59) Galatians 5:20 The Works Of The Flesh, Part 4 (Wrath, Strife, & Seditions) (YouTube Video)
What Is The Flesh? (Blog Article)
The War Within: Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, & Lasciviousness) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 2 (Witchcraft) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 3 (Hatred, Variance, & Emulations) (Blog Article)