Do you worship God or idols? Most idolaters in our society do not bow before carved images, yet they practice idolatry all the same— by choosing the desires of the flesh over the will of God. Both Scripture and common sense teach that God’s prohibitions against the carnal sins listed in Galatians 5:19–21 are for our good and protect us from devastating consequences.
Adultery
Adultery is a specific form of sexual immorality (fornication). It is also used figuratively in Scripture to describe God’s people abandoning Him (e.g., the book of Hosea). Jesus took this sin so seriously that He expanded its definition: “I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). He also taught that divorcing a spouse and marrying another is adultery unless the divorce was for sexual immorality (Matt. 5:32; 19:9).
When the disciples heard this, they exclaimed, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry” (Matt. 19:10). Many today react the same way: some get angry, some blame God, and others simply ignore His commands to follow their own desires. We must instead recognize that God warned us long ago about the destructive power of adultery and accept our responsibility to obey Him.
Fornication (Sexual Immorality)
The Greek word porneia is broader than adultery. It includes every kind of sexual activity outside of marriage: premarital sex, homosexual acts, prostitution, bestiality, and adultery itself. Our bodies were not made for sexual immorality but for the Lord (1 Cor. 6:13–20). These sins are uncomfortable to discuss, but silence is not an option when they are so widespread. The good news of Scripture is that even deeply rooted desires can be brought into captivity to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
Uncleanness
Uncleanness refers primarily to impure motives in moral matters. Any action—even one that appears good—becomes sin when performed with selfish or lustful intent (Rom.1:24; 6:19). We can only walk in righteousness when we love what is right and hate what is evil. Wanting to do the right thing is not enough on its own, but it is a necessary start (Rom. 10:2).
Lasciviousness
This is unbridled lust—behavior that deliberately arouses or indulges sexual desire outside God-ordained boundaries. It includes pornography, deliberate lustful thoughts, immodest dress or conduct, and most forms of modern dancing that is designed to incite sexual passion. Jesus’ standard is uncompromising: lust in the heart is adultery, and God calls women (and by implication men) to dress and behave with modesty and self-control (Matt. 5:28; 1 Tim. 2:9-10). Sexual desire itself is not sinful; God created a lawful place for it. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4).
These “smaller” compromises, left unchecked, lead to greater sins. If we find ourselves on this path, God invites us to come to Him with a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17). Public confession and repentance may sometimes be necessary—never let shame or embarrassment keep you from the forgiveness Christ offers. Those who continue practicing such things without repentance will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19–21). Yet everyone who turns to the Lord by obeying the gospel will be cleansed, forgiven, and allowed to walk in newness of life (1 Cor. 6:9–11). There is no sin too deep for His grace to reach.
-Ross Haffner