How to Avoid a Factious Spirit
Sunday, March 25th, 2012by Jerry Fite
What does factiousness mean? Does is mean “strife”? Or, could it mean “divisions”? Factiousness must have a different connotation than these qualities, for it is listed separate from them. Among the works of the flesh, Paul lists “. . .strife, jealousies, wraths, faction, divisions and parties. . .” (Galatians 5:20). While contention or strife may accompany one who is factious, and result in divisions, the factious spirit must be differentiated.
The Greek word, ERITHIA comes from the word ERITHOS which denotes “a hireling”. Receiving pay for work accomplished is not wrong in itself. The attitude degenerates into a work of the flesh when the only reason one works is for the pay. Like all sin, selfishness lies at the root. Factiousness therefore denotes an ambitious, self… Continue reading