The Works of the Flesh: Drunkenness and Revellings

DRUNKENNESS

This word in Gal. 5:21 is also found in Lk. 21:34 and Rom. 13:13. Thayer says that this word has reference to "intoxication, drunkenness...intoxicating drink" (p. 395). Following are two powerful judgments passed against the use of strong drink in the Old Testament: "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink" (Isa. 5:22); "Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him and makest him drunken also..." (Hab. 2:15). It should be made clear that the Bible not only condemns drunkenness but also social drinking. For example, the Greek word POTOS literally means "a drinking bout, a carousal" according to Vine’s Dictionary of NT words (p. 172). this word is translated "banqueting" in I Pet. 4:3.

REVELLINGS

This word is also translated revellings in I Pet. 4:3 and in Rom. 13:13 it is translated "rioting." The word has reference to "a festive procession, a merrymaking, a lascivious feasting, a carousing, or a drinking party." (Harper, page 261; Rienecker/Rogers, page 517)

CONCLUSION

Let us remember that all who engage in the works of the flesh will be lost forever unless they repent and comply with God’s terms of forgiveness (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:22).

When people serve sin, self, and Satan, they produce the works of the flesh. We must "crucify," "put to death" (ASV), and "put off" the flesh and the world (Gal. 2:20; 5:24; 6:14; Col. 3:5, 9-10).