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5 Examples of Lasciviousness in the Bible
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5 Examples of Lasciviousness in the Bible

Introduction

Sexual immorality and impurity are sins that are condemned in the Bible. Lasciviousness is a term that is often used to describe a person’s behavior when they engage in lewd or immoral conduct.

The Bible has many examples of lasciviousness that serve as warnings to Christians about the dangers of giving in to our sinful desires.

As Christians, we are called to live our lives in accordance with God’s will, and this includes abstaining from sexual immorality and impurity. The examples of lasciviousness in the Bible serve as warnings to us to guard our hearts and minds against these types of sins.

In this post, we will explore five examples of lasciviousness in the Bible, each highlighting a different aspect of this sin.

We will begin by defining what lasciviousness is and how it is used in the Bible. We will then explore five examples of lasciviousness in the Bible, starting with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Each example will provide insight into the different aspects of this sin, including the consequences of giving in to our desires and the importance of holding ourselves and others accountable to God’s standard of holiness.

Lasciviousness in the bible

What is Lasciviousness?

Lasciviousness is defined as “wantonness, licentiousness, or lewdness.” It is a term that is used in the Bible to describe behavior that is sexually immoral or impure.

In the New Testament, the Greek word used for lasciviousness is “aselgeia,” which means “excess” or “unbridled lust.” This type of behavior is contrary to the nature of God, who desires for His people to live holy and pure lives.

As Christians, we are called to live our lives in accordance with God’s will, and this includes abstaining from sexual immorality and impurity. The examples of lasciviousness in the Bible serve as warnings to us to guard our hearts and minds against these types of sins.

Example 1: The Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah

One of the most well-known examples of lasciviousness in the Bible is the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19, we read about the wickedness of these two cities, which included sexual immorality, including homosexuality.

When Lot welcomed two angels into his home, the men of Sodom demanded that he send them out so that they could have sexual relations with them. This act of lasciviousness was so great that God destroyed the cities with fire and brimstone.

The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is a stark reminder of the consequences of giving in to our sinful desires. God’s judgment on these cities serves as a warning to us to flee from sexual immorality and impurity.

Example 2: The Sin of David and Bathsheba

In 2 Samuel 11, we read about the sin of King David and Bathsheba. David saw Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop and was overcome with lust for her. He then had her brought to him and committed adultery with her.

This act of lasciviousness led to a chain of events that resulted in the murder of Bathsheba’s husband and brought great shame upon David and his family.

The sin of David and Bathsheba serves as a warning to us about the dangers of allowing our desires to rule over us. David’s sin not only caused great harm to himself and his family, but it also brought dishonor to God’s name.

We must guard our hearts and minds against lust and sexual immorality, lest we fall into sin like David.

Example 3: The Sin of the Prodigal Son

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son. This young man demanded his inheritance from his father and then went and wasted it on “riotous living” (verse 13). This included lascivious behavior, such as sexual immorality and drunkenness.

This behavior led to the prodigal son losing everything he had and eventually coming to his senses and returning to his father.

The story of the prodigal son is a cautionary tale about the consequences of giving in to our desires. The prodigal son’s reckless behavior led to his downfall, but his repentance and return to his father serve as an example of the grace and forgiveness that is available to us through Christ.

Example 4: The Sin of the Corinthians

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses the sin of the Corinthians, who were allowing a man who had committed incest to remain in their midst.

This type of lascivious behavior was not only sinful but also harmful to the church as a whole. Paul urged the Corinthians to remove the man from their fellowship and to not even associate with those who claim to be Christians but are living in sin.

The sin of the Corinthians shows us that we must not turn a blind eye to sin, especially within the church. We must hold ourselves accountable to God’s standard of holiness and purity, and we must also hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable as well.

We must not condone or tolerate sexual immorality and impurity, but instead, we must strive for righteousness and purity in all areas of our lives.

Example 5: The Sin of Jezebel

In Revelation 2, Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira and condemns the sin of a woman named Jezebel. She was encouraging sexual immorality and leading God’s people astray. This act of lasciviousness was so great that Jesus warned that He would judge her and those who followed her severely.

The sin of Jezebel shows us the danger of false teachers and those who lead others astray with their immoral behavior.

As Christians, we must be discerning and vigilant, guarding ourselves against false teachings and those who seek to lead us astray. We must also hold our leaders accountable and ensure that they are living lives that are pleasing to God.

Conclusion

The examples of lasciviousness in the Bible serve as warnings to Christians about the dangers of giving in to our sinful desires. Sexual immorality and impurity are sins that are contrary to the nature of God, who desires for His people to live holy and pure lives.

As Christians, we must be vigilant and guard against these types of sins, lest we fall into the same trap as those who have gone before us.

We must also remember that God’s grace and forgiveness are available to us through Christ. If we have fallen into sin, we can repent and turn back to God, who is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

In conclusion, let us strive for righteousness and purity in all areas of our lives, and let us hold ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable to God’s standard of holiness. May we always remember the examples of lasciviousness in the Bible and heed the warnings that they provide.

Pastor duke taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.