Lasciviousness refers to unrestrained and excessive indulgence in sexual desires and activities. In the Bible, lasciviousness is condemned as a sin. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible says about lasciviousness:
Definitions of Lasciviousness
The English word “lasciviousness” is translated from the Greek word “aselgeia” which means unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, and insolence. It refers to having an absence of restraint when it comes to sexuality and immoral sexual behavior.
Lasciviousness involves doing things like looking lustfully at someone, using obscene language or telling dirty jokes, pornography, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and other forms of sexual immorality. It is living in a way that is against God’s standards for sexuality and morality.
Bible Verses on Lasciviousness
Here are some Bible verses that talk about lasciviousness as a sin:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Ephesians 5:3)
“For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Ephesians 5:5)
These verses make it clear that engaging in or promoting sexual immorality is considered lasciviousness and is sinful.
Lasciviousness Comes From the Heart
Lasciviousness is ultimately a heart issue. Jesus said that sexual immorality comes from within a person:
“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23)
The lustful desires that lead to sexually immoral behavior have their origins in the sinful human heart and mind. That’s why God’s Word says we need to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and renew our minds (Romans 12:2) in order to live holy lives.
Lasciviousness and Sexual Purity
The Bible promotes sexual purity and faithfulness in marriage between a man and woman. Lascivious thoughts and behaviors are condemned because they go against God’s design for sexuality:
“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)
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
God’s people are called to live differently than the world when it comes to sexuality. We are to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and clothe ourselves with righteousness and purity (Galatians 5:16-24).
Overcoming Lasciviousness
How can someone who struggles with lustful thoughts and actions overcome lasciviousness? Here are some tips:
– Repent and ask God for forgiveness. Admit it is wrong and make a decision to change. (1 John 1:9)
– Fill your mind with God’s Word and purity. Memorize key verses. (Psalm 119:9-11)
– Avoid things that stir up lust like pornography. Bounce your eyes away from temptation. (Job 31:1)
– Control your thoughts. Take every thought captive. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
– Ask God to change your heart and renew your mind. (Romans 12:2)
– Seek accountability and community. Have honest conversations about your struggles. (James 5:16)
– Rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to live righteously. (Galatians 5:16)
– Remember God’s amazing grace covers failures. Get back up and keep seeking purity. (Titus 2:11-12)
Lasciviousness is a serious sin that God wants to help people overcome through Jesus Christ. With God’s help and the support of other believers, it is possible to break free and live a pure life that honors God.
Living Righteously By the Power of the Holy Spirit
Although lasciviousness is extremely tempting and prevalent in society today, the Bible makes it clear that it should have no place in the life of a Christian. Followers of Jesus have the ability through the Holy Spirit to resist sexual immorality and instead live righteously:
“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)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
God gives us supernatural power through His indwelling Holy Spirit to have self-control and say “no” to lust. As we walk in step with the Spirit daily, listening to His voice through prayer and God’s Word, we can experience victory over lasciviousness.
The Spirit produces in us love, joy, peace and other godly traits that keep us from fulfilling selfish fleshly desires like sexual immorality (Galatians 5:22-23). His power equips us to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace (2 Timothy 2:22).
Filling Your Mind With Wisdom and Noble Things
An essential part of overcoming lasciviousness involves being very intentional about what we allow into our minds on a daily basis. The Bible tells us:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Instead of dwelling on impure thoughts, we need to make a habit of focusing our minds on wisdom, truth, beauty and things that are praiseworthy. The more we fill our minds with noble and positive things, the less room there is left for what is ignoble and negative.
Some specific ways to fill your mind with what is good and right include:
– Reading the Bible daily
– Memorizing Scripture
– Listening to uplifting Christian music and podcasts
– Reading Christian books/blogs
– Following positive role models
– Serving others/volunteering
– Being outdoors in nature
– Exercising
– Focusing on your God-given purpose
As we make choices each day to feed our minds with things that honor the Lord, it will significantly help us avoid falling into lustful thoughts that can lead to sexual immorality.
Seeing People as Image Bearers of God
One key mindset shift that can help combat lasciviousness is to intentionally see all people as image bearers of God. Every human being has inherent dignity and worth because we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). When we start objectifying others or seeing people merely as objects of lust, we are failing to honor them as the precious creations they are.
The Bible calls us to sexual purity and holiness, which includes seeing people as fellow image bearers of God – not as objects to fulfill our selfish desires. We can ask God to help us have His perspective of love toward others.
As we grow in love, honor and respect for others, it will become unthinkable to entertain lustful thoughts about them. Our minds will default to seeing people through God’s redemptive eyes.
Pursuing Godliness and Contentment
In addition to changing our thought patterns, another important way to combat lasciviousness is to pursue godly character qualities and a heart of contentment.
The Bible tells us “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). When we are discontent, we look for fulfillment in all the wrong places, like sexual immorality. But when we are content in Christ and pursuing godliness, we find true satisfaction:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)
Here are some ways to actively pursue godliness and contentment:
– Spend time daily in God’s Word and prayer
– Practice the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23)
– Focus on developing Christian virtues
– Thank God regularly for His blessings
– Avoid complaining or comparing yourself to others
– Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4)
– Learn to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:12)
The more we grow in godly character and contentment, the less we will attempt to satisfy internal longings in sinful ways. Our soul finds true fulfillment in pursuing Christ.
Fleeing Temptation
The Bible tells us to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). When we are facing temptation to lust, we need to take immediate action to remove ourselves from the situation.
Here are some practical tips for fleeing temptation:
– Physically leave if necessary. Walk away from conversations or media stirring up lust.
– Bounce your eyes away from alluring images. Don’t entertain them.
– Shut off technology if it’s causing you to stumble.
– Call a trusted friend and ask them to pray for you.
– Pray and ask God for a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
– Quote Scripture verses you have memorized about purity.
– Do an intense physical activity like going for a run or doing push ups.
– Take cold shower or splash cold water on your face.
– Listen to worship music and redirect your focus to God.
The more quickly we can recognize temptation and flee from it, the more likely we are to avoid falling into sexual immorality. We need to be vigilant and ready to spring into action against lustful thoughts.
Being Accountable to Others
Overcoming lasciviousness requires being accountable to other trusted Christians who will support you and keep you from rationalizing sin:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Every believer needs authentic Christian community where they can confess struggles and be held accountable. This could look like:
– Meeting regularly with a mentor, pastor, small group leader or wise friend who asks you hard questions. Don’t try to fight alone.
– Using monitoring/accountability software on devices.
– Attending a 12-step group for sex addiction.
– Getting counseling from a Christian professional if needed.
– Going through a course, study or recovery program on purity.
– Being part of a local church and small group where you can be real about struggles.
Humility and transparency are required to get victory over lust issues. The body of Christ is designed to help us in our weaknesses.
Cultivating Your Marriage Relationship
For those who are married, an important deterrent against lasciviousness is nurturing intimacy and passion in your marriage relationship:
“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. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
God designed marriage to be the primary place to fulfill sexual desires and protect against lust. Steps to build intimacy include:
– Spending regular one-on-one time together as a couple
– Praying together daily
– Going on dates and getaways without kids
– Using loving touch often – hugs, back rubs, hand-holding
– Verbalizing appreciating and affection regularly
– Having open conversations about sexual needs/preferences
– Protecting time for physical intimacy
– Keeping yourself physically attractive to your spouse
– Flirting and being playful together
– Surprising each other with small gifts just because
As we invest in and prioritize our marriages, it helps prevent our hearts and eyes from wandering. Our spouse becomes our sole focus of sexual energy.
Living With an Eternal Perspective
One of the best ways to defeat the temptation of lasciviousness is to live with an eternal perspective. This life is so brief compared to eternity. And one day we will give an account for how we lived:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8)
When we live each day in light of eternity, it instills in us a desire for holiness and righteousness. The fleeting pleasures of sin pale in comparison to the surpassing joy of hearing Christ say “Well done” on that final day. This eternal viewpoint helps us willing to make sacrifices in order to live purely and honor God.
As Hebrews 12:2 encourages, we can live faithfully when we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Understanding Lasciviousness Leads to Godly Wisdom
The more we understand what God’s Word teaches about lasciviousness, the more equipped we are to make wise choices that align with His standards of righteousness. As we fill our minds with truth and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, it is possible to overcome lustful thoughts and behaviors.
May this exploration of the biblical view of lasciviousness compel us toward greater sexual purity and desire for God. His grace is there when we stumble and His love never fails as we seek to honor Him with our minds and bodies.
