Works of the Flesh: part 5 :Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasciviousness,...."

LASCIVIOUSNESS

Defined and Described: The word “lascivious” is used 9 times in the New Testament only and in Greek is ἀσέλγεια, aselgeia pronounced as-elg'-i-a from a compound of G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed σελγής selgēs, 
meaning licentiousness (sometimes including other vices): - filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.

Webster: “Lasciviousness means characterized by or expresses lust or lewdness, wanton, tending to excite lustful desires. Lewd- indecency, lustfulness, unchastity; to be base or unprincipled, vicious. Indecent- “not proper and fitting, unseemly, morally offensive, immodest, obscene. Wanton means “Unchaste, lewd, immoral, recklessly or arrogantly disregard of justice or decency, and people’s rights or feelings; excessive conduct, language, to run riot, etc.

Some specific examples of this sin would be a man or woman wearing revealing clothing, or very little clothing to draw attention to their bodies, much like a prostitute wears certain types of clothing to attract customers.

Lasciviousness is a term used in the Word of God to refer to an unbridled expression of sexual urges. It indicates debauchery; indecency; lewdness; sexual sin. It is a manifestation of the perverse behavior produced in man by his separation from God. Lasciviousness represents unregenerate man’s unbridled desire to experience extreme sensual pleasures. Lasciviousness is not something that just recently reared its ugly head in the New Testament. The nations of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Old Testament were characterized by lasciviousness. Although the term lasciviousness is not used in the Old Testament, its characteristics can be seen in the lustful actions of the flesh manifested in those who were without God. Today we are faced with an increasing number of localities that have to deal with lasciviousness. It can be seen in the abundance of sensual adult night spots that have popped up even in small communities. These establishments employ men and women to entertain in a sensual manner, performing, often partially nude, before a packed house. The increase in lasciviousness is evidence of the acceleration of the moral decay of what is supposed to be a civilized society. Lasciviousness is an outward display of the inward uncleanness of the heart of unsaved souls.

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, for­nications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wicked­ness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:20-23).

The Scriptures reveal that the early church was confronted by backsliders and false brethren who were guilty of uncleanness, fornication and lasciviousness among other works of the flesh. Although we are committed to holiness, we must not deceive ourselves into believing we do not have to be concerned about lasciviousness. Some are still sneaking into the church unawares. In 2 Corinthians 12:21, Paul is expressing his concern about those who had com­mitted many works of the flesh, including lasciviousness, and had not repented:

“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lascivious­ness which they have committed” (2 Cor. 12:21).

Lasciviousness is often manifested as unrestrained immorality which shamelessly outrages public decency. It may also be seen as a brazen boldness and arrogant pride in committing some illicit or immoral sin. This shameless boldness has invaded sources such as cable and satellite television which means that Christians have to be very careful about what they permit to be watched in their homes, or as Jesus said, "if thy eye offend thee pluck it out" meaning if one would be safe and not sin, get rid of that which is offensive.  Explicit and immoral behavior is also on the computer internet. Jeremiah said,   “Mine eye affecteth mine heart…” meaning what he saw through the eye and ear gates impacted his soul and spirit (Lamentations 3:51). We are faced with a greater number of sources of lasciviousness today than the early church had to deal with (because of advancement of technology); nevertheless, Paul warned believers in his epistles to be aware of lasciviousness:

“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Eph 4:19).

Peter reminded believers that lasciviousness was a characteristic of the Gentiles without Christ. Since he was writing to Gentile Christians, he rehearsed the fact that, as children of God, they should be free from lasciviousness. It was a part of their past lives and had no place in their lives as servants of the true and living God. Notice Peter’s reminder:

“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you”(1 Pet. 4:3,4).

Throughout the New Testament we find writer after writer being inspired to warn believers about the dangers of lasciviousness. Jude warned of some who had crept in disguised as believers, but inward they were full of im­morality. They shamed the name of Christ by a brazen boldness in displaying illicit and lewd behavior. Jude reveals an unwelcomed presence among believers:

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God "into lasciviousness," and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). 

This means that people would occupy the pulpits who would prostitute and cheapen the grace of God by a show of flesh, much like a prostitute (harlot) would wear short dresses and revealing clothing to draw a clientele. These preachers would teach that Christians must continue in sin without shame. Some ministries lower the standards of God’s word (morality), and attempt to redefine holiness unto the Lord, to commit lasciviousness with the Word for money and crowds. Thus showing that they are a daughter (harlot) of the Whore of Babylon (Revelation 17:5). Sin is dangerous, and even more infectious than Ebola. All people realize that their lives would be in great peril if exposed to this horrific plague, and would do all they could to avoid it and contain its spread. WATCH OUT SIN IS EVEN MORE DEADLY!

If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:

You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)  

May God through Christ bless you!

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