Works of the Flesh: Rivalries

We are already over halfway done with our examination of the works of the flesh as described by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21. Let us now discuss the work of the flesh called "rivalries" (or, as in the ASV, "factions") in Galatians 5:19-20:

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties...

The word translated in this passage variously as "factions," "rivalries," "disputes," etc., is the Greek word eritheia, defined by Thayer as:

1) electioneering or intriguing for office
1a) 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
1b) partisanship, fractiousness

This word is very similar to the word defined as "strife" earlier in this passage (for more see our discussion of Works of the Flesh: Strife). If we were to make a distinction between the two words, we would see that a "rivalry" is introduced for personal gain, while "strife" does not necessitate personal gain. Regardless, we see the term eritheia used to denote factions and selfish ambitions in Philippians 2:3, James 3:14, 16, and Philippians 1:17, aspects of the term made manifest in Webster's definition of rivalry:

Competition; a strife or effort to obtain an object which another is pursuing; as rivalry in love; or an endeavor to equal or surpass another in some excellence; emulation; as rivalry for superiority at the bar or in the senate.

When we now think of the definition of this term expressed in both Greek and English-- the desire for some form of elevation that others also desire-- we can see how disturbing this frame of mind can be within the church. We can see this perhaps more clearly with the example of Diotrophes in 3 John 1:9-10:

I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

We can see in this passage that Diotrephes desires to be "first among them;" thus, we can say that he has a rivalry with those around him. This desire compels him to "not accept what [the apostle and others] say" and that he "accus[es the apostle and others] with wicked words," and even goes so far as to "not receive the brethren...and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church." In his attempt to gain pre-eminence within the church where he worshipped, Diotrephes forsook the men of God, forsook the brethren that would come to his church, and even went to far as to remove his own brethren from the church who would receive outsiders. In his desire for pre-eminence he even seems willing to remove all others from the church, as long as he ended up being pre-eminent. One can easily imagine the conclusion of this type of matter: a "Church of Diotrephes" with but one member. We may see from this example the ruin that is caused by rivalry.

We have seen, then, that rivalry is an attitude that ought not be named amongst saints. How, then, can we avoid entering situations that would include rivalry? Jesus explains to us the proper way that one may gain honor: not by desiring pre-eminence, but always acting in a humble manner, willing to take the seat of least respect and be asked to move up in respect (Luke 14:8-11, 17:7-10). Christianity is not to be a "show" religion, nor is its tenets and practices to be performed merely to be seen by others as "strong in the church" in an attempt to gain pre-eminence, but is to be a religion of people recognizing that they are redeemed with a price and desire only to glorify their Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. If we imbibe this attitude of humility, never desiring pre-eminence, it will be difficult for us to be entangled in rivalries.

Philippians 2:1-13 very clearly demonstrates the impropriety of rivalries and points to the example of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Let it be a constant reminder to us to follow the pattern of our Lord Jesus Christ, constantly living in humility, regarding others more precious than ourselves.

If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto Him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for His good pleasure.

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:

386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:

Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:

Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

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