Spiritual Sins : Works Of The Flesh
Galatians 5:20
Text: Galatians 5:20 - “Idolatry and witchcraft…”
Introduction
We often think of sin as something physical or external.
But some of the most dangerous sins are spiritual—they target the throne of the heart.
Paul warns of two such sins in Galatians 5:20:
Idolatry and witchcraft.
These aren’t just ancient practices—they are very much alive today, often disguised in modern culture, ambitions, and even self-help.
Let’s expose these spiritual weeds and learn how to tear them out by the root.
Point 1: Idolatry — Giving God’s Place to Someone or Something Else
Definition:
Idolatry is when we give ultimate love, trust, or obedience to something other than God.
Old Testament Example:
- Golden Calf (Exodus 32) - The people didn’t stop worshiping, they simply replaced God.
Modern-Day Idols:
- Success - When your identity depends on your title or income.
- Relationships - When someone’s opinion matters more than God’s.
- Self - When your feelings become your god and truth bends to your desires.
Scripture:
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21
Truth:
Idolatry is not just about what you bow to—it’s about what you can’t live without.
Point 2: Witchcraft — Manipulating the Spiritual for Personal Power
Greek word: Pharmakeia - where we get the word “pharmacy”, originally linked to potions, sorcery, and spiritual manipulation.
Biblical Witchcraft Includes:
- Consulting spirits, mediums, horoscopes, crystals, tarot cards
- Engaging in spiritual practices that bypass Christ
Key Insight:
Witchcraft is not just about spells—it’s about control.
Trying to control people, outcomes, or God Himself through spiritual means is rebellion.
Scripture:
“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.” — 1 Samuel 15:23
“Have nothing to do with sorcery… Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” — Galatians 5:20-21
Point 3: The Root of These Sins — Replacing God’s Rule
Idolatry and witchcraft are really about one thing:
Who gets to be God in your life?
- Idolatry says, “I want what I want.”
- Witchcraft says, “I want control over how and when I get it.”
- But the Spirit says, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
These spiritual sins resist surrender and reject God’s authority.
The Good News: God Calls Us Back to Himself
God doesn’t just expose idols—He invites us to tear them down and return to Him.
1 Thessalonians 1:9 — “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
Acts 3:19 — “Repent… so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Jesus alone deserves the throne of your heart.
He doesn’t compete with idols—He overthrows them.
He doesn’t partner with manipulation—He calls us into relationship.
Application: How to Root Out Spiritual Sin
-
Identify your idols
Ask: What do I run to when I’m anxious, empty, or angry? -
Confess and renounce all false worship
Say it out loud. Cut it off. Throw it out. -
Surrender control to God daily
You can either manipulate life—or trust the Lord of life. -
Be filled with the Spirit
The only way to overcome spiritual sin is to be ruled by the Holy Spirit, not your own spirit.
Conclusion
The throne of your heart was never meant to be shared.
Tear down every idol.
Reject every counterfeit spiritual power.
And let Jesus be Lord—not just in word, but in truth.
Closing Prayer
Lord, You alone are God.
We confess the idols we’ve bowed to—pleasure, power, pride, and control.
We renounce every false god and every counterfeit spirit.
Forgive us. Cleanse us. Take the throne of our hearts again.
Holy Spirit, fill us, lead us, and help us worship the Father in Spirit and truth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.