Avoid Lascivious Living

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions..." — Titus 2:11-12

The Bible repeatedly warns us against lasciviousness—a word that may sound outdated, but its meaning and danger remain very relevant today.

What Is Lasciviousness?

Lasciviousness refers to lustful, unrestrained, and morally indecent behavior. It's about more than just physical actions—it reflects a heart and mind given over to sensuality without regard for purity, honor, or the well-being of others.

Older Bible versions like the King James Version (KJV) and Young’s Literal Translation use the word “lasciviousness,” while modern versions often translate it as “lewdness” or “sexual immorality.”

For example, in Mark 7:22-23 (KJV), Jesus says:

“Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

The New International Version (NIV) renders it this way:

“...evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.”

No matter the wording, the message is clear: such behavior defiles a person and is displeasing to God.

Biblical Warnings and Examples

The Bible doesn’t just define lasciviousness—it gives us vivid warnings about where such a lifestyle leads.

In 2 Peter 2:6-7, we are reminded of Sodom and Gomorrah:

“Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. But God also rescued Lot... a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him.”

And in verses 18–19:

“They seduce people by appealing to their sexual desires... They promise these people freedom, but they themselves are slaves to corruption. A person is a slave to whatever he gives in to.”

Paul also speaks of this in Romans 13:13:

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust...”

In 2 Corinthians 12:20-21, Paul expresses concern about those who have not repented of “uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness.”

Modern Forms of Lasciviousness

Today, lasciviousness shows up in many forms—not just in actions, but also in attitudes and media consumption.

• It can be in the way we dress if the goal is to provoke lust or draw inappropriate attention.

• It can be found in the music we listen to or the shows and movies we watch.

• It’s present in pornography, which has become a global epidemic.

Countless marriages have been damaged or destroyed because of pornography. Studies show its addictive nature, and it's often linked to deeper issues, including emotional detachment, distorted views of intimacy, and even criminal behavior in some cases.

God's Call to Purity

As Christians, our standard is not the world’s—our bodies and minds belong to God.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NLT):

“Run from sexual sin! ...Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit... You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

Our calling is to live lives that are holy and pleasing to the Lord—not given over to the sensual temptations of the world.

Final Warning

In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists lasciviousness (lewdness) among the acts of the flesh and makes this sobering declaration:

“Those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

In Conclusion

Avoid lascivious living at all costs. The temptation may seem satisfying for a moment, but its consequences are lasting and destructive. Choose purity. Choose holiness. Choose to honor God with your body and mind.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8