Factions – A Bible Class on the Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

Factions

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

Paul next mentioned factions as part of the works of the flesh. “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” (Gal 5:19-20).

The Greek word hairesis means “a choice.” The word came to mean a “party spirit” or a “sect.” The word has a multitude of meanings. However, in the New Testament, it almost exclusively refers to “sect” or “party.”

Hairesis is used nine times in the New Testament. “Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy” (Acts 5:17). “Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up” (Acts 15:5). “He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect” (Acts 24:5). “However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect” (Acts 24:14). “They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5). “But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect” (Acts 28:22). “No doubt there have to be differences (hairesis) among you to show which of you have God’s approval” (1 Cor 11:19). Galatians 5:20. “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies (hairesis), even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves” (2 Pet 2:1).

From the New Testament usage, the term conveys the idea of a division over opinions. It is quite similar to modern political parties. Do political parties bring about division in society? Do they bring about division in the church?

How are factions a work of the flesh?

What are some examples of factions in the church? How do factions harm the church?

How can we keep ourselves from being carried away by factions?


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

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