Witchcraft | A Bible Class on the Acts of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit
The next work of the flesh mentioned in Paul’s list is witchcraft. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
What is witchcraft? In what way(s) is witchcraft a work of the flesh?
The Greek term used for witchcraft in Galatians 5:20 is pharmakeia. Does that sound like any English word you know? The word literally means “a mild remedy” and comes from pharmakon which means “drug,” whether a remedy or noxious.
How did the word “drug” come to mean “witchcraft?” Drugs—potions—were used in the casting of spells.
This specific Greek term is only used two other times in the New Testament. “Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Rev 9:21). “The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray” (Rev 18:23).
Witchcraft was consistently condemned in the Old Testament. “Do not allow a sorceress to live” (Deut 22:18). “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God” (Lev 19:31). “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people” (Lev 20:6). “A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads” (Lev 20:27). “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God” (Deut 18:9-13). Manasseh “sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger” (2 Chr 33:6).
God’s disdain for witchcraft seems to be rooted in the lack of trust divination demonstrates. God wants his people to trust him for the future. Divination seeks to know the future apart from God.
There would also be a real possibility of hatred demonstrated through the casting of spells.
Witchcraft would also allow folks to make a name for themselves that they were someone great. Acts 8:9-11.
Witchcraft could also be a means of amassing great wealth through greed and deception. Acts 16:16-21.
What are some ways witchcraft is practiced today?
This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.