Discord | Bible Class on the Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

Discord—according to the New International Version—is the next work of the flesh in Paul’s list. Other translations use different words to render the Greek term. English Standard Version: “Strife” King James Version: “Variance”

The Greek term eris was used to mean “strife.” The word often meant the strife on the battlefield. Eris was the name of the goddess of war. The word meant rivalry and contention.

Do we see much strife in today’s world?

Eris is used nine times in the New Testament. About the pagan homosexuals, Paul said, “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips” (Rom 1:29).

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy” (Rom 13:13).
How can keep from behaving in dissension?

“My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you” (1 Cor 1:11). Did the Corinthians really have that many quarrels among them? What are some examples of the quarrels among the Corinthians? Are there many churches today which have quarrels? How can churches keep from having quarrels?

“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” (1 Cor 3:3). How does quarreling make one worldly? In what way(s) is quarreling a work of the flesh?

“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder” (2 Cor 12:20). Galatians 5:20. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill” (Phil 1:15).

1 Timothy 6:3-4. In what way(s) do false teachers have an “unhealthy interest” in strife? What steps might sound Christians take to help minimize the strife brought about through error?

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless” (Tit 3:9).

What are some examples of strife in Scripture?

This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.