Sensuality

/SEN-shoo-al-ih-tee/

Summary

Subjection to the lower appetites and animal nature rather than to the Spirit—characteristic of unregenerate humanity.

☩Definition

The Greek 'psuchikos' means 'animal' or 'natural'—the soul as seat of senses, desires, and appetites distinguished from the higher spiritual nature. To be sensual is to be led by the passions of the flesh: it is placed with 'earthly' and 'devilish' in James and contrasted with having the Holy Spirit in Jude.

Key verses:James 3:15Jude 1:191 Corinthians 2:14

☩Manifestations

Sensuality ranges from sensuous self-indulgence to gross immorality. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him.' It may be intellectual (wisdom not from above) or carnal (having not the Spirit).

Key verses:1 Corinthians 2:141 Corinthians 15:44, 46

☩Warnings

Scripture warns against living for pleasure: 'Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.' The rich man fared sumptuously every day while Lazarus suffered—and their eternal fates were reversed.

Key verses:James 5:5Luke 16:19-25Ecclesiastes 2:24Isaiah 22:131 Corinthians 15:32-33

Related Verses4 mentions

Isaiah· 2 verses

22:13 56:12

Ecclesiastes· 1 verse

8:15

James· 1 verse

5:5

References

1.James Orr (ed.), "Sensual," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
2.George Morrish, "Sensual," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
3.James Orr (ed.), "Sensual," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
4.James Orr (ed.), "Sensual," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
5.George Morrish, "Sensual," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
6.George Morrish, "Sensual," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).