In this sermon, Phil addresses “sorcery” (pharmakeia) as listed by Paul in Galatians 5:20. The sermon explores what the biblical term meant in the first-century world—including practices tied to idolatry, manipulation of circumstances, and reliance on supernatural sources apart from God—and considers its relevance today. Drawing from Scripture, it examines modern examples such as New Age practices, astrology, occult activities, cultural rituals, superstitions, drug use for spiritual purposes, and even some trends within Christianity. The message contrasts these with trust in Christ alone and concludes with an invitation to find control, guidance, transcendence, justification, and escape in Jesus, followed by participation in the Lord’s Supper.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.