***

1. Angry contention; fighting.
2. Any contest for advantage or superiority.

electioneering or intriguing for office

  * apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put one's self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts

 * partisanship, fractiousness

This word is found before NT times only in Aristotle where it denotesa self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means. (A&G)Paul exhorts to be one in the mind of Christ not putting self forwardor being selfish (Phil 2:

Strife in this passage is the second definition from Funk and Wagnalls.  It is wanting to be ahead of others rather than the first definition of angry contention and/or fighting. You can use the verb strive as a companion definition.  This strife is that burning desire to be superior. It reminds me of that driver on the highway who passes every car. They have to be ahead of any car they come upon. Until they see a police car, that is. Ha!

In the book of Phillipians read 2:3 and 1:16. Paul speaks to the Phillipians regarding putting others before themselves. Having the mind to think of others better than self. We should be concerned for not [merely] our own interests, but also for the interests of others. Paul also notices that some of the Phillipian ministers are preaching the gospel for recognition. They had strife and envy because of his wide success. Isn't that true in the world today? There are those who preach the gospel our of love for the brethren. Then there are those who do it merely for popularity. It is all about them, and little about Christ.

Paul again talks about strife in James. In James 3:13-18, he tells us to use wisdom. It is unwise to walk in strife. In the paragraph above he talks about strife in the mind. Here, strife in the heart.  He calls it earthly and devilish because where it is you will find confusion and evil work. He lets us know that to be wise is to have good conversation.  This comes from above and is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

I want to look at this type of strife in the Old Testament. In Genesis 13:5-9, I found strife between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot. They had come to a land that was already inhabited so there was not enough room for both herds. I can imagine one saying why their flock should be given presidence over the other's. Wisdom came into play when Abraham recommended to Lot that they split up to keep the peace. Especially since they are kinsmen (related).

Abraham even gave Lot the first choice. He didn't take the best piece of land and give Lot what was left. In verse 9 (The Amplified Bible) he said, "If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you choose the right hand, then I will go to the left". He put Lot's desire before his own.

Family should be able to settle their differences to keep the peace rather than wanting their own way.  It really does not matter who is right or wrong or who has the upperhand. Being at peace with one another is more important. This is not just true for family but friends and neighbors alike.

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1. Language or conduct directed against public order and the safety of the state.
2. The clandestine incitement of such disorder.
3. Dissension; revolt

 * dissension: difference of opinion; disagreement

dichostasia - pronounced dee-khos-tas-ee'-ah

* dissension, division

The book of Romans  (16:17) tells us to mark those who cause divisions and avoid them.

King James:  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

The Amplified Bible: I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.

New Living Translation: And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

Moreover, this passage refers to divisions when it pertains to spiritual doctrine.  I recall Jesus warning us of those who come preaching another gospel saying, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." 2 John 1:9-11 Ouch!!! 

I often like to read the scripture in context.  The concordance not only gives you the particular scripture reference but also scriptures that give a better meaning or background information.  The Amplified Bible is such a cool version to read because it pulls back no punches. Romans 16:17-20.

The first book of Corinthians (3:3) says: For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (King James version)  

The Amplified Bible: For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?

New Living Translation: for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

I can't say anything more on this passage.  Let us also look at it in-context.  Wow!  Paul pulls doesn't pull back any punches either.  He talks about Christians being so divided speaking of being under this minister or that minister, as though one is better than the other.  He says (Dolla's translation), In the past I've had to feed you milk because you weren't mature enough to receive any of the mature teachings.  After all you have learned, you are still whinning like babies.  I still have to feed you milk.

Read what Paul said to the church in full context 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Note when we read Paul's letters he is not speaking to sinners, he speaks to the church. The Christians, or so they call themselves.  Usually he has to let them know they have not arrived yet.  There is still come cleaning up to be done.  That is true of the church today.  None of us have arrived.  We still need our diapers changed now and again and requre the cleaning or washing of the Word of God.

Wasn't that fun to see different translation of the bible.  We got so much more.   That was only three and there are several more.  Sometimes one interpretation just isn't enough for full understanding.  Although, you must take each translation with a grain of salt.  Not all of them are edifying.  Some steer way off the beaten path (in my opinion).  If one doesn't line up with the others, don't receive it.  The bible says "...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."  2 Corinthians 13:1

Don't just settle for what one interpreter says about a passage.  Find other translations to read.  It will open up some new and fun reading of the bible.  Check the biblegateway.com for different translations.

A further study comes up with the word discord.  It means tension or strife resulting from a lack of agreement; dissension.  Now that sounds more like it.  To actually have tension resulting from a disagreement or difference of opinion.  To get angry or stressed out.   Ooh, thank you Jesus.  Oops sorry, I needed a sidebar right there. Ha!  There have been times I've allowed other people and their opinions or disagreements to give me stress.

Discord also means variance.  Variance is also listed as one of the Works of the Flesh.  Now I am not seeing "works" of the flesh but "work" of the flesh.  One work with many ugly faces.  Often when one of those ugly faces exist others do too or aren't far behind.  Jesus talks about what happens when we overcome a fault and do not replace it with something good.  The house is clean but unoccupied.  That habit is likely to return bringing along with it more worse habits.

The Message bible says it better than any.

Luke 11:24-26 - "When a corrupting spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn't find anyone, it says, 'I'll go back to my old haunt.' On return, it finds the person swept and dusted, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits dirtier than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse than if he'd never gotten cleaned up in the first place."

This passage is talking about a bad spirit.  It is true of a bad spirit, habit, fault or sin.  

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1. Beliefs contrary to the established doctrines of a church or religious system.
2. Any beliefs contrary to established doctrine.
3. Holding of such beliefs or opinion.

Original word: ai¸resiv

Transliterated word:
hairesis - pronounced hah'-ee-res-is

1. act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city
2. choosing, choice
3. that which is chosen
4. a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party)
   • of the Sadducees
   • of the Pharisees
   • of the Christians
5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims

The dictionary refers to beliefs contrary to a church or religious system (see above). We all know the bible is referring to beliefs contrary to The Gospel. In the first passage of Acts chapter 5 beginning with verse 17,  there is the high priests and the sect of the Sadducees who put the apostles in prison.   Later, in verse 21 not only did they return, but brought more with them. It is so true, when it comes to the subject of politics, race or human rights there is a little stink, but when it comes to Christian values everybody and their brother comes in opposition. Well, you only need one to fight your cause and that is God through Jesus Christ.  He is Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our protection. Here, He came just in time to release the apostles to continue His work.

But why were they so disgusted with the apostles? If you read the same chapter from the beginning more happened to make them so popular. I'm sure they heard about it. Were they afraid they would drop dead in their iniquities like Ananias and Sapphira? Verse 11 says fear came upon all the church.  Remember, Christ often called them hypocrites. I bet they were afraid.

In Acts 15, the Pharisees rose up against the disciples commanding their way of religion be preached. They wanted the preaching of circumcision. Basically, what they were saying is you must be cleansed our way before you can be saved.  Our way or the highway (Dolla's unabridged translation. Ha!)

That was the way before Christ.  The sacrifice of animals was used to atone sin.  And then, only the priest could go in the tabernacle for you. Well what if he was not right himself?  They used to tie bells on him so if they didn't hear the bells they knew he had dropped dead. There was also a rope tied to him, so they could drag him out if that happened. Hahahahaha!!!! That priest was exchanged for Christ who is without sin and is always clean. Aren't you glad? Also, if you had more animals to sacrifice than me, you could sin more. The rich could sin more than the poor. Christ came to give us all an even playing field. After receiving Christ, we are saved then cleansed. How is there cleansing without Christ? It is not the outward man that needs cleaning, but the inward man. Jesus tells us that when asked about the washing of hands. Mark 7:18-23. Now this is a parable.   Please wash your hands before handling my food. Hahahahah!!!!

Okay, back to spiritual cleansing. The bible says (John 10:1) if you come any other way you are a thief and a robber. Hey, I didn't say it, well I did, but read it for yourself. John 10:1-18. Without Christ there is no remission of sin. We can't just clean ourselves up and think that is what makes us right in the eyes of God.  He looks at the heart. It is not by our cleansing anyway, but by the pureness of Jesus Christ.  Many churches today believe it is what you do that saves you. The bible says that isn't true otherwise man will boast. "Oh, I'm more saved than you because I.....". Ephesians 2:8-9 (New Living Translation)

I like the way The Message bible translates.  It says this is how we are saved, "He treated the outsiders exactly as he treated us, beginning at the very center of who they were and working from that center outward, cleaning up their lives as they trusted and believed him". He does the cleansing, we don't. Make sure the church you attend is not all about the outward man. Read Acts 15:6-9 (The Message).   Don't stop there, read the whole chapter. It is interesting.

Paul is accused of being part of a sect in Acts 24:1-9. Notice before the accuser speaks of Paul's doings he lays a foundation of flattery on the Chief Priest. A con artist, if you will. He then makes Paul out to be the worst of the worst. Then the whole crowd agrees. So, where are the people that are "for" Paul?  I bet they weren't even allowed inside. But, nevertheless there was certainly a crowd allowed in to defame him. I love Paul's response, calling the man a smooth talker. The man had no proof of Paul being part of a sect. He was just going by what he heard.  Paul had been alone. Acts 24:10-21 (The Message).

Finally in Acts 28:22-31 (New Living Translation), Paul was asked by the local Jewish leaders to speak. Some believed and some didn't. He preached to those who would. We cannot make anyone believe in Christ. Even the bible says, some will not receive him. Our job is to get the word out to as many as we can. Don't cast your pearls before swine and to those who don't receive, shake the dust from your feet while you move onward.

I like what a minister once said,. I'm paraphrasing, of course. "Say you are right, no heaven or hell, no turn or burn. Nothing after this life. Well, I have lost nothing believing what I believe. I live a healthy, happy and prosperous life here on earth . I will die and know nothing else. But, on the other hand, what if I'm right and you're wrong? You have a lot to lose."

Finally, 2 Peter 2:1 says it all in plain words. Also, from the Amplified.

"My dear friends, don't believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world. Here's how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought!"  1 John 4:1-3 (The Message)

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." 1 John 4:1-3 (King James Version)

That holds true of the bible you read too.  Peace.

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1. Resentment or discontent over another's superior attainment, endowments or possessions.
2. Design to possess the goods of another

Original word: fqo/nov

Transliterated word:
Phthonos - pronounced fthon'-os

1. envy
2. for envy, i.e. prompted by envy

As a side bar, when you look up a word in a concordance it directs you to all of the scriptures for that particular usage of the word.  A word may be used many times in the bible.  Envy(ing) was in the bible several times, but we are going to the scriptures that relates to the one in Galatians 5:19.   

From the beginning, there was envy.  Lucifer envied God and his actions later caused his fall from grace.  There is no good to come from envy.  If not checked, it can lead to bigger sins.  Cain killed Abel because of envy and therefore caused a curse on his family.  Other envyings were Sarah of Hagar; the Philistines, of Isaac; Rachel, of Leah; Leah, of Rachel; Joseph’s brethren, of Joseph; and I could go on and on.  More are mention here with scripture references (click here).

An instance that matches our text begins with Matthew 27:18, "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him."  Jesus was handed over to Pilate for judgement.  His popularity drew people to follow him.  Envy caused his death.  Actually, it didn't cause it because Jesus' atonement was all in God's plan to redeem His people. But in essence, that envy caused havoc on a whole nation.  Mark 15:10 states that it was the Jewish chief priests who envied.

The book of Romans (1:29) puts envy among the worst sins.  It is listed with unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers (gossips), Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents...  It reads that the practice of these things and more are worthy of death (Rom. 1:32).  Not only speaking of those who do them, but also those who have pleasure in them that do them.  Even our text  in Galatians says, "that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."  Wow!  That is intense.  This is one of those "Check ourselves" moments.  Calls for a Selah (pause and calmly think of that).

I Timothy (6:1-5), says you should distance yourself from those who practice envy, because along with envy comes strife (quarrels), railings (evil speaking) and evil surmisings (suspicions).  These people we cannot trust.  

We all were like this at one point before receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into our lives.  We acted just like our father, the devil.  Yes, Satan was our father before God became our Father.  And, he is still your father if you are not saved.  If you have not received Christ into your life, you are "none of His".  "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9.  If not, His then whom do you belong to?

Titus (3:3) tells me that we were like that.  We no longer have to live in envy and strife because we have much more than anything on this earth can give us.  We are heirs to eternal life.  Don't waste time on envy, but instead concentrate to do good, for such things are [not only] excellent and right [in themselves], but [they are] good and profitable for the people.  Read the text in Titus 3:1-8

There is an interesting question asked in James 4:5.  "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?"  James is talking about the fact that since Adam's disobedience, we were all destined to sin.  Since that time we were, "shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Ps. 51:5.  A clean thing cannot come out of an unclean thing, Job 14:4.  

There is misinformation out there that we are all gods within ourselves.  If you are good you can have that eternal life that is promised.  That is not true (see Romans 1:21).  There is nothing within ourselves that is clean.  We can only be cleansed by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives and trying our earnest to walk according to His word.  It is a constant effort.  Man cannot be cleansed his way, but must use God's way.  Through Christ.  Job 15:14 says it in the simplest of words, "What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?" As did Paul to the Romans (3:23), "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"  And, again in Romans 7:17-19, "But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice."  (New King James version)

We are not good within ourselves.  That is pride.  Downright vain (delusional).  That means God sent His only son Jesus for no reason at all.  He died for nothing.  It was just a waste of time.  God is not schizophrenic.  He is all and knows all.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.   So, James had a scripture basis behind saying what he said, "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy".

As we see much pain comes from envy.  There is no good in it and no good comes from it. Do as Peter tell us in 1 Peter 2:1-3 (Amplified Bible):

"SO BE done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind. Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord."

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1. Unlawful, malicious, and intentional killing of one human being by another.
2. Informal: Something exceedingly difficult, painful or hazardous.
3. To spoil or mar by a bad performance, improper pronunciation, etc.

Original word: fo/nov
from an obsolete primary pheno (to murder)

Transliterated word:
Phonos - pronounced - fon'-os
murder; slaughter

I always thought of murder as physically killing, but Funk and Wagnalls states that to spoil or mar by our bad performance is murder.  F&Ws informal definition is also something that is exceedingly difficult, painful or hazardous.  Plain and simple, we can do or say things that make things awful difficult, painful or put someone in harms way that can be classified as murder.  Ouch!

Not only does the dictionary refer to a non-literal murder, so does Matthew in chapter 15.  Jesus said what we say out of our mouths or thought pattern is murder (i.e. out of the heart come evil thoughts such as murder...)   "But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him].  For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech."  Matthew 15:18-19.

We have online message groups for a doll hobby.  Strict rules have been imposed for what can be shared via photos, stories and conversation.  It can appear petty, but in essence there are subjects that can murder.  There are themes and subjects that appear harmless, but can be painful for others.  For instance, murder or killing is not allowed.  We never know who in our reading audience may have experienced a love one being killed or murdered.  That can be traumatic.  Doll groups are for fun.  A way to escape the turmoil, trials and tribulations of this world.  A place to relax and enjoy.

Sidebar:  I was reading scriptures that have the word murder and came upon this one.  "And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will." Luke 23:25.  I was studying it to see if it is relevant to our study here.  I kept thinking "No", but God would not let me leave it.  I thought, "There must be something here." I have been reprimanded a few times for sharing something spiritual.  Nothing condemning, but things peaceful, uplifting and full of faith.  Those same groups allow dolls depicted in murder, abuse, witchcraft and you name it.  They would rather release the murderer than allow you to share bout God, Jesus or the bible.  Ha!  I knew there was something in that passage.  Okay, back to the lesson.

And, don't think Christians are exempt from murder.  There are those who will murder you just as look as you.  I know that is harsh, but I'm crackin but factin.  Ha!  Hey, didn't Saul persecute the Christians?  He even went to the high priest for help.  The bible refers that he had threatening and murderous desires.  Check out the passage in Acts 9:1-9.

Another scripture I found may be the backbone to the death penalty.  I personally do not agree with it.  Who is man to terminate a life?  Some justify it by this scripture, "...God's righteous decree that those who do such things (murder...) deserve to die..." from Romans 1:32.  The Greek dictionary definition of this particular word "die", means "death of the body (whether natural or violent)".  Which category would the death penalty fall under?  I'd say, violent.  God does not condone violence of any kind.  So since murder by death is not natural, but violent then what does this scripture mean?  It means the separation from God.  All of the miseries arising from sin, which also includes physical death (the loss of a life).  But moreover, the loss of being consecrated to God and blessed in Him on earth.  That loss is followed by wretchedness in hell.  Only God can impose such a thing, not man.  That would put man on the same level as God.  Perish that though.

Let us further examine that passage in Roman 1:19-32.  It includes idol worship, homosexuality, wrong doing, those gone astray.  Plus every kind of unrighteousness, iniquity, grasping and covetous greed, malice, envy, jealousy, murder, strife, deceit and treachery, ill will and cruel ways, secret backbiters and gossipers, slanderers, hateful to and hating God, full of insolence, arrogance, [and] boasting; inventors of new forms of evil, disobedient and undutiful to parents. It doesn't stop there but adds to the list those without understanding, the conscienceless and faithless, heartless, loveless and merciless.  So if this passage justifies the death penalty, for murder then those who do any of the above should receive it.  No it means a spiritual separation from God.

And yes, I said homosexuality.  Don't let the teaching of others fool you.  That is a trick of Satan.  He is a deceiver, isn't he?  Those teachers are not "rightly dividing the word of truth".  This is another study in itself and I could go deeper, but not here.  Just note that it is grouped along with the above which are all sins.   The practice of any of these things separates you from God.  He does not approve of it any more than He approves of the other things listed.  "God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired."  Read Romans 1:24-27. 

I do not down play or dismiss that physical murder is wrong.  We know it is and God does not accept it.  I didn't spend time on that because it is obvious.  I wanted to enlighten you to another form of murder which is just as deadly and powerful.  It is the murder of the tongue.  The murder that comes from the heart which can be eternally damaging.

James  3:6 tell us  "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."  James furthers says although it is a little member, it can boast great things and turn a little matter into a great one.  "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! James 3:5.

We definitely know how something small we say can get heated up and become a huge thing.  It may start out innocently, but as it travels from person to person it grows.  We must not allow our tongue to commit murder but to uplift one another and to pray.

Paul says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

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1. To be habitually drunk
2. Relating to or caused by drunkenness

Original word: meNqh

Transliterated word:
Methe - pronounced - meth'-ay
intoxication, drunkenness

What does Luke have to say.  In chapter 21 verse 34, he says to take heed that we aren't weighed down with surfeiting ( hangover) and drunkenness and the cares of this life and the last day come upon us.  Those who are drunk usually don't know what is going on around them.  Their concern can be drowning out their problems or having a, so called, good time.

There are many ways to be drunk other than with alcohol.  Since Luke mentioned the "cares of this world", one can be drunk with whatever is keeping the mind off God or things needing attention.  Maybe it is a person, a hobby, an illness or ones self.  The lack of vigilance can lead to trouble.  Not only on that last day, but also when things around you need your undivided attention.  The last day could be right before something goes wrong.  Last day or last moment.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 13:13, that we need to "walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying".  We know what the other words mean.  What about chambering (fornication or sexual promiscuity) and wantonness (sensuality - indulging in sexual pleasure; pertaining to the body or physical senses like foreplay, seducing, kissing, petting, etc.).   These are grouped right along with drunkenness, as is, stife and envying (jealousy).  We covered fornication, strife  and envy earlier.  Paul also says to walk in honesty and not in those other things.  In other words, the other things are considered dishonesty (improper behavior).

The old testament covers drunkenness too.  Proverbs 20:1 says, if you're drunk you lack wisdom.  How true is that?  It is hard to make sound decisions when if drunk or focused on other things.  The right decision might save a life.  The difference in being drunk and sober can be the difference in life and death.  Especially, for someone who is literally drunk behind the wheel.  Think of that wheel as being your life or the lives of those around you.

Don't be so busy with other concerns that you can't see the forest for the trees.  The forest needs help, but your own little trees or concerns are grabbing all of the attention.  This is how Satan gets in.  He will put other things in the path.  Those things are highly concentrated on while the real thing needing attention is slowly brewing.  Remember the scripture 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."  

Oh, my gosh.  I've never seen these before.  I looked up instances of lion in the bible.  These things can happen during drunkenness.

Numbers 23:24a "...like a lion that does not rest till he devours his prey and drinks the blood of his victims."

Deuteronomy 33:20 "like a lion, tearing at arm or head."  Head can denote a strong person and the arm, their prayer partner.

If we seek after God, we can make that lion "grow weak and hungry". Psalm 34:10

Psalm 104:21 "The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God."  Or God's people.

Proverbs 28:15 "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people."

Proverbs 30:30 "a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;"

Isaiah 5:29 "Their roar is like that of the lion, they roar like young lions; they growl as they seize their prey and carry it off with no one to rescue." God cannot rescue while you've opened the door to the devil.  You must shut the door.  Repent (turn and go in another direction).

You play the part of the lion.  Devour before being devoured.  Put God back at the helm of your life.

Jeremiah 49:19 "Like a lion coming up from Jordan's thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Edom from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? And what shepherd can stand against me?"

Isaiah 31:4 "This is what the LORD says to me: "As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey— and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against him, he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor— so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights."

Amos 3:12 "This is what the LORD says: 'As a shepherd saves (one) from the lion's mouth only two leg bones or a piece of an ear, so will the Israelites be saved, those who sit in Samaria on the edge of their beds and in Damascus on their couches."

Revelation 5:5 "...Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able..."

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1. To engage in boisterous festivities
2. To make an uproar

Original word: kwÜmov

Transliterated word:
Komos  pronounced ko'-mos

a revel, carousal

a nocturnal and riotous procession of half drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honour of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before houses of male and female friends; hence used generally of feasts and drinking parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry

The Greek lexicon uses the noun (masculine) form of the word.  A revel, one whose actions conform to revelling(s).  In plain old English it means actions that are way out-of-line, off-the-hook, extreme or rowdy.  Those actions are not becoming of a Christian walking in the light of Jesus.

1 Peter 4:3 mentions that lifestyle is the old lifestyle of the Gentiles (i.e. sinners).  Since Christ suffered for us, we should make the sacrifice not to sin.  Read 1 Peter 4:1-4 (Amplified).  That Christ made a sacrifice for us.  He saved us from the fate of the Gentiles which was to be cruxified.  Peter says  if we put on the same mind as Christ, it is a weapon (armour).  "Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind."

Paul speaks also of putting on armour in Romans 13:12.  Remember these words in John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  The Word was with God.  "Word" is capitalized.    The Word is God's teachings.  Christ.  God's teachings are armour to us if we obey them.  They are weapons against the devil (read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

The armour Christ brings to us is defined in Ephesians 6:13-18.  Take off sin and put on armour.  Armour to stand against things the devil sends your way.  How?  If you stand for truth and righteousness.  Stand for the peace Christ earned for us.  Stand with faith that God has everything under control.  Stand wearing salvation on your head.  Stand ready to fight every evil deed with the Word of God.  

This is why you need to know the bible.  You need a bible teaching, devil stomping church.  After all of that, you can stand with the assurance that your prayers and requests to God will come true.  The ones for yourself and others.  Wooohooooo!!!