Lasciviousness(concupiscence, voluptuousness)
“Licentiousness, wantonness, excess”
Summary
Unbridled sexual immorality and sensuality, a work of the flesh condemned throughout Scripture.
☩Biblical Condemnation
Lasciviousness (Greek 'aselgeia') denotes unbridled sensuality, wantonness, and shameless immorality. Paul lists it among the 'works of the flesh' (Galatians 5:19) and warns that those who practice such things 'shall not inherit the kingdom of God' (Galatians 5:21). Jesus identified it among the evils proceeding from the human heart that defile a person (Mark 7:22). Peter describes it as characteristic of the pagan life Christians have left behind (1 Peter 4:3).
☩Call to Holiness
Scripture calls believers to put away all lasciviousness, having 'crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts' (Galatians 5:24). Paul warned the Corinthians about those who had 'not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed' (2 Corinthians 12:21). The grace of God teaches believers 'that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world' (Titus 2:12).
Related Verses32 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lasciviousness," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lasciviousness," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).