Flesh vs Spirit (part 2)

When it comes to idolatry, many people think of statues or images of man or gods that people bow down to worship. At the time of the writing and inspiration of the Bible, this was certainly a common image and a common practice in many cultures. Not worshiping an idol might have been seen as strange and unordinary. Today, in modern America, it is certainly uncommon for the worship of statues to be seen in public. When Paul talks about the desires of the flesh in Galatians, he brings up idolatry and witchcraft as things we should stay away from. As long as we don’t practice witchcraft and bow down to a statue, we should be good then right? Let’s dive in. 

The word Paul uses for idolatry is a Greek word meaning to “worship false gods”. It was common for tents and temples to be set up all around ancient cities in honor of different gods and goddesses. The temptation to worship these idols like everyone else was strong and alive. Paul was trying to get them away from these temptations. Today, we have many temptations that lure us away from the true God. Social media, phones, our work, money, etc. Anything we put before God and prioritize above God takes the form of an idol. We may not have to worship a statue but taking our eyes off Jesus can lure us into much darkness. 

Witchcraft is also mentioned next to idolatry in Paul’s teaching.  The word here is pharmakeia which is where we get our word “pharmacy”. Many have taken this to be the reasoning behind seeing medication as evil and a desire of the flesh but context is crucial here. Paul has just mentioned idolatry and the worship of false idols. Because of this context, Paul mentions witchcraft or sorcery which can also be a deception by the use of dark arts for idolatrous worship. The dark arts had an evil connotation to them because of their use and even God makes mention of their dangers (Deuteronomy 18:10).

Therefore, the desires to seek after powers that are not real and use deception are desires of the flesh. To counter these desires, the Spirit produces faithfulness within believers to stay faithful to the body of Christ and to God. This same faithfulness can even heal diseases and infirmities for those that believe in Jesus (Matthew 9:22). Faith in God can do wondrous things and our desires to seek after other things can get in the way. Staying true to Jesus will bring blessing and life to those who are faithful.