Works of the Flesh: Part II (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, & Lasciviousness)

“When the Thrill is Gone” by J.R. feat. Lecrae

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:19 (KJV)

Works of the Flesh: Part II

 

We live in a culture saturated with sensuality and free will. This is a quixotic, dangerous combination. In its discussion of “works of the flesh,” Galatians 5 warns us about giving into the “feel good” aspects of our bodies. To the modern mind, even to some Christians, the concept of “works of the flesh” seems quaint, but we are warned about them because they wreak havoc in our lives.

The ability of the works of the flesh to wound and cause pain is symbolized by the Greek word used in Galatians 5:19: “sarx.” Sarx means raw flesh that is stripped of its skin. The image is one of total defenselessness and vulnerability. The word of God is the substance and skin of the Christian walk. Without being covered in the word of God we are without defense in a world that is harsh, hungry, selfish and sinful.

Obedience to the word of God brings prohibition against adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness. But these words can seem unwieldy. Exactly what is fornication? Does uncleanness mean bad hygiene? What’s this lasciviousness stuff? Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary gives us a clear definition of the meanings and origins of these words.

Adultery refers to sex outside of marriage. Some people, even some Christians, seek to make this sin more acceptable. There is no grey area here. Sex outside of one’s marriage is wrong.

Fornication: (From the Greek word porneia) meaning harlotry (including adultery and incest); figurative idolatry. The word porneia is taken from the Greek word porneuo, meaning to act the harlot, i.e. (literal) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figurative) practice idolatry :- commit (fornication) (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary, n.d.). It’s not rocket science to see that the word pornography is derived from these same root words and meanings. Both porneia and porneuo include idolatry in their meanings. So the sin of fornication not only involves unlawful lust of either sex, but also the act of idolatry. It is idolatry because it is outside of the will of God.

Uncleanness (Greek akatharsia) means physical or moral impurity.

Lasciviousness (Greek aselgeia) means incontinent. Images of incontinence are unpleasant, invoking: weakness, helplessness, loss of control, being soiled with the filth of our own bodies. Likewise, with lasciviousness we surrender self control and in the process become morally stained with the wastes of our own sins. Lasciviousness also means licentiousness (sometimes including other vices) :- filthy, wantonness. In a state of lasciviousness one exhibits moral incontinence, where wrongful behavior is freely indulged in and moral uprightness has been abandoned.

These unpleasant descriptions and meanings of acts that are indeed held up today as harmless and normal behaviors, are stripped to their bare essence and true definition by the word of God. To indulge in them is to live a life of moral incontinence, where you will likely accumulate other vices, freely indulge in unlawful sex , lose sight of right vs. wrong, and in the process commit idolatry. To live like this is to turn your back on God, Who is our only protection from the evil of this world.

Reflection: Knowing that the works of the flesh are contrary to the will of God, and also knowing that all humans are naturally bent towards the works of the flesh, what then is my prayer? Knowing that the word of God and the Holy Spirit will empower me to walk in the Spirit and live the life God wants me to live, what then is my praise?

My prayer is this: Heavenly Father, forgive me for having lived according to the rules of this world. Forgive me for indulging in the works of the flesh. Help me to see Your value for my life, and to value You above all that is in my life. Help me to remember that the me that was has been crucified with Christ. Lord I praise Your Holy name, and I bless You for Your truth, Your majesty and Your power. Father God I thank You for Your Word. I bless You Father, for the gift of Jesus, for the power of the Holy Spirit who leads Your children into all truth. Lord I thank You for making it possible to live a life that is holy-a life that pleases You. May all my days be days of praise. In Jesus’ matchless and holy name I pray and say, Amen!!

 © 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

Video “When the Thrill Is Gone” by JR featuring Lecrae was
Uploaded by KhristChild on Mar 16, 2010. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership of this video. It is used for instructional purposes only.

Related articles

• Works of the Flesh: Part 1 (e-graphx.com)
• The Standard Of Measure (thefruitinspector.wordpress.com)
• Stand Fast In The Liberty Of Jesus (prhayz.wordpress.com)