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Works Of The Flesh: Uncleanness

Works Of The Flesh: Uncleanness

 

by Dan C. Bailey

In Galatians 5:19-21 we have a list of seventeen things that are called "the works of the flesh." The third item on that list is "uncleanness." This word could be used in a physical sense concerning anything that is unclean. However, the word is almost always used in the New Testament when talking about moral uncleanness. When used to describe immorality, the word means, "the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living" (Thayer, p. 21).

In describing the sins of Gentile idolaters, Paul lists twenty-two words to designate sinful acts (Romans 1:29-32). In the same chapter, Paul says of the same group of sinners, "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen" (Romans 1:24-25). Yes, one of the sins was "uncleanness." The Greek word for uncleanness was often used to describe sins that were sensual and sexual in nature. These sins not only involved the physical body and physical senses, but they also involved an unclean or impure mind. When the human body yields to the lust of the flesh, the mind and spirit are unclean as well.

Certainly, the mind can be unclean without physically committing the sinful act. Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). Paul speaks further about the sins of the Gentiles, "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness" (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Certainly, the Devil is pleased with lustful sensuality. He knows that it is a perversion of God's will for mankind. Christians are to be pure in heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Let us never be guilty of any of the works of the flesh. We are told in Ephesians 5:3-4: "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."

As Christians we have been bought with a price and have been delivered from the bondage of sin. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Corinthians 6:20). "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14).

Brethren, let us not be guilty of moral uncleanness. Let us be pure in heart, pure in conscience, and pure in our thoughts and actions. Let us pray that God will deliver us from temptation and evil. And let us never yield to uncleanness in any form or fashion.