The Bible has a lot to say about sensuality and pleasures of the flesh. Here is an overview of some key biblical teachings on this topic:
Definition of Sensuality
The word “sensuality” refers to gratification of the senses or indulgence in worldly pleasures, often in excess or at the expense of spiritual things. It is associated with unrestrained sexual desire and carnal appetites. The Bible often contrasts sensuality with living by the Spirit and pursuing holiness.
Warnings Against Sensuality
The Bible contains stern warnings against yielding to sensual desires and living to indulge one’s sinful nature. For example:
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:12-13)
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
The Bible associates sensuality with sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, greed, and other sinful tendencies. Christians are exhorted to reject carnal living and instead pursue holiness and life in the Spirit.
Sensuality Leads to Sin and Death
The biblical authors view sensuality and fleshly indulgence as paths that lead to spiritual decay and death. For example:
“Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15)
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)
Giving in to fleshly desires activates sinful tendencies, damages relationships, and separates people from God. The Bible calls Christians to instead live by the Spirit and actively resist temptations.
Characteristics of Sensuality
The Bible associates sensuality with the “works of the flesh,” which include:
– Sexual immorality
– Impurity
– Sensuality
– Idolatry
– Sorcery
– Enmity
– Strife
– Jealousy
– Fits of anger
– Rivalries
– Dissensions
– Divisions
– Envy
– Drunkenness
– Orgies
– And things like these
(Galatians 5:19-21)
Those who live according to the flesh tend to pursue these sinful desires that dishonor God. The lure of sensuality can lead to drug abuse, sexual misconduct, broken relationships, and the neglect of things that matter spiritually.
Contrast with the Fruit of the Spirit
The Bible contrasts the fleshly desires of sensuality with the fruit produced in a person’s life through the Holy Spirit, such as:
– Love
– Joy
– Peace
– Patience
– Kindness
– Goodness
– Faithfulness
– Gentleness
– Self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Whereas sensuality reflects selfishness and lack of self-discipline, the Spirit produces healthy behaviors and attitudes that honor God and bless others. Christians are called to live by the Spirit rather than gratifying fleshly appetites.
Instructions for Resisting Sensuality
Because sensual temptations are common, the Bible provides practical instructions for resisting them, including:
– Avoid temptation – flee from youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22)
– Fill your mind with noble and pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8)
– Don’t make provision for your fleshly desires (Romans 13:14)
– Clothe yourself with Christlikeness (Colossians 3:12-14)
– Abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against your soul (1 Peter 2:11)
– Set your mind on things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2)
– Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16)
The key is recognizing sensual temptations but not meditating or dwelling on them. Consistent daily pursuit of God is essential.
Find Fulfillment in God
The Bible stresses that sensual pleasures are fleeting and cannot truly satisfy. Lasting contentment is found by seeking God himself:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9)
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)
Deep and lasting fulfillment is found in pursuing an intimate relationship with God, living uprightly by His Spirit and grace, and seeking to glorify Him.
Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New Self
The Bible speaks about putting off the old sinful nature and putting on new life in Christ. This involves rejecting sensuality and cultivating new holy affections:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13)
“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2)
The Bible calls for a wholesale change in life direction and priorities when it comes to sensuality. As Christians, we are to actively turn away from fleshly indulgence and cultivate new Christlike attitudes and affections by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Look Forward to Future Glory
The Bible reminds believers that giving in to sensuality and fleshly desires not only displeases God in the present but also jeopardizes eternal rewards. Jesus will resurrect and glorify those who deny worldly passions for His sake:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
Keeping an eternal perspective motivates believers to resist temporary sensual pleasures and live holy lives that bring glory to God.
Marriage as an Alternative
God created marriage, in part, to provide a holy outlet for natural sensual desires between a husband and wife:
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (Hebrews 13:4)
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)
Within this covenant, sensual intimacy draws a couple closer together and strengthens their love for one another. However, marriage is not an excuse for unrestrained sensuality. Spouses should love one another selflessly, not use each other for selfish gain.
Practical Steps
Here are some practical steps for avoiding sensuality based on biblical principles:
– Be aware of your vulnerabilities and avoid tempting situations.
– Ask God for strength and wisdom daily. Rely on the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
– Fill your mind with wholesome things like God’s word and uplifting music. Avoid sensual images and entertainment.
– Cultivate healthy relationships that encourage spiritual growth. Avoid friendships that stoke impurity.
– When tempted, pray, fill your mind with Scripture, and take practical steps to flee. Refuse to dwell on sensual fantasies.
– Confess struggles honestly to God and ask Him to change your desires. Seek accountability from mature believers.
– Practice self-discipline and self-control by God’s grace. Develop Christlike character qualities that please God.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible strongly warns against yielding to sensuality and calls believers to find lasting fulfillment in pursuing an intimate relationship with God. By walking in the Spirit, resisting temptation, renewing our minds, and setting our hearts on things above, Christians can overcome sensual desires and live holy lives that bring glory to God. With the Spirit’s help, God’s grace enables believers to put off the old self corrupted by deceitful lusts and put on new life in Christ.
