Deeds of the flesh Part 4

Sorcery would seem to be out of place in modern times, but it is not. The word for sorcery is φαρμακεία (G5331). Our modern English word for pharmacy is derived from φαρμακεί́α, but we are not speaking of modern medicine when we consider sorcery as related to this verse. Instead what we have in view here is mans attempt at reaching the supernatural by his own means. By the use of drugs and magic spells. False religions use this as a means to become at one with god, or to have an experience of the infinite. People rely on this as if God is unknown and unknowable. Next we have a string of related words: “enmities, strife, and jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, and factions”. The first words that we looked at dealt with how we act toward God, all of these words deal with how we treat others. These words all deal with a form of hatred, a seeking to raise oneself at the expense of others, tearing others down instead of building them up.