The Problem of Lasciviousness/Licentiousness

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000022

Subject: dancing/worldliness

Preached Originally: 04/02/00 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.      Lasciviousness – one of those words that hard to pronounce.  Heard people (including myself) that made fun of word b/c it hard to pronounce and that it has shades of being old and antiquated.

1.    Passage in question:  Gal. 5:19-21

2.    Notice the divine decree that anyone who practices such will NOT inherit the kingdom of God.

B.      Vines: 

1.    denotes excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indency, wantonness, shameless conduct.

2.    Thayer:  wanton (wild, promiscuous, unruly) acts or manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males/females, etc.

C.     Notice again the admonition of those who practice such things – will not inherit the kingdom of God. Notice again Thayer’s definition – indecent bodily movements.

 

I.  Lasciviousness/Licentiousness is a work of the flesh.

A.    Mk. 7:21-23 – This sin originates in the heart and defiles a man.

1.    What you think of when you think of defilement?

2.    something dirty, stained, damaged, unfit for consumption, unhealthy.

3.    our mind/soul/body can be defiled with sin!

B.    2 Cor. 12:21 – it (lasciviousness) is plainly called sinful behavior!

1.      no one willfully practicing sinful behavior will make it home to heaven!

2.      1 Jhn. 3:4; Rom. 6:23

C.   Eph. 4:17-19 – it = spiritual uncleanness.

1.  it is to stain the soul with sin!   It is to beg for problems that could have been avoided otherwise.

D.   1 Pet. 4:3-5 – It NOT a PRESENT practice of the Christian.

1.      something that we should be willing to give up when we become a Christian.

2.      Part of the old man of sin.  Part of our OLD way of thinking.

 

II.  Lasciviousness/Licentiousness can be exhibited in the modern dance.

A.    Dancing in the Bible:

1.      Job 21:11; Psa. 30:11; Eccl. 3:4; Mt. 11:16-17 – amusement.  Note:  in all following cases – not mixed dancing.  I.e., male w/female.

2.      Mt 14:6; Mk. 6:22 – enticement

3.      Judges 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6 – rejoicing.

B.    But would the modern dance fall into the above categories?  Would what goes on at the prom fit in the above?  Would this be something for a young, unmarried couple to engage in?

1.      Relate personal experiences from proms in ’91-93.

2.      Must realize that our consecration to purity MUST NOT be ignored.

C.   Questions the Christian must ask before engaging in the modern dance:

1.      2 Pet. 3:18 – does the dance enhance my spiritual development?

a)     can I b/c a better Christian by doing this?  Am I going to glorify Christ by my presence?

b)     Is this a place I would take my mom?  Christ?

2.      Phil. 4:6-8 – does this event contribute to a higher standard of morality?

3.      2 Cor. 6:14-18 – does my presence set the proper example for those in the world?

D.   If the answer to the 3 above questions are “no” then one needs to consider STRONGLY the implications of participating in such an event.

 

III.  Instead of flirting with sin, instead of compromising influence Xians must:

A.    Flee:

1.      1 Cor. 6:18 – fornication.  Don’t have to ignore statistics of how many young women turn up pregnant after prom.

2.      2 Tim. 2:22 – flee youthful lusts.

B.    Follow:

1.    1 Tim. 6:11-12 – a good wholesome life.

2.    Rom. 12:9; 14:19 – that which is good.

C.   Fight:

1.    1 Cor. 9:26-27 – the unruly passions of the flesh.

2.    1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7 – the fight of faith.

 

Conclusion:

A.    How much are you willing to give up for Christ?

B.    How close to the edge do you wish to get w/o falling into sin?  W/o causing problems that you’ll regret the rest of your life.

C.   Serve God!  Not out of regret – but joyfully!

D.   I N V I T A T I O N