Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. -Proverbs 7:25-27, KJV
Proverbs chapter seven, as we have abundantly discussed lately, is a warning against an immoral woman.
As Anthony pointed out, women are just as guilty as men as regards aggressively pursuing physical satisfaction. And as Dawn reminded us, we need a lot of reminding of the dangers.
Hence, the New Testament did so, too, reminding us as usual that it goes farther than just sex:
- And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
2 Peter 2:2, ESV - They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
Ephesians 4:18-19, ESV - Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21, ESV - For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Mark 7:21-23, ESV
I highlighted one word in particular: sensuality.
Why?
Our western culture is so steeped in sensuality that we barely notice it, but Peter, Paul, and even the Lord Jesus warned us that (outside of marriage) it is a dangerous tempter straight out of and that leads straight to hell.
And sensuality (and other things) lives in us.
This is why we need so many reminders.
Caitlin Klem
Chris Jordan
Daniel M. Klem
dawnlizjones
David
Grady Davidson
Jason Sneed
Michael Wilson
Nick
Anthony Baker
Katie Marie
Wally Fry
Proverbial Thought 
May 19th, 2018 at 10:35 am
Honestly, if anyone doubts the danger of illicit sensuality, just look at how much it’s changed our country (even Western culture) over the last decade. Most of the legal battles facing the very existence of Christian businesses and schools, even churches, link back to the lies rooted in sexual gratification apart from God’s design. Yet, we play with it like it’s a toy that won’t burn us.
May 19th, 2018 at 10:47 am
I could have so easily cited examples – FROM CHURCH – that demonstrates this point, but K had already gone on for a while to drive the point home. The disputes I have been in with others over this because “it’s not that bad” or “but I don’t see it that way.”
I am just too legalistic and uppity, apparently. *tongue firmly in cheek*
May 19th, 2018 at 8:03 pm
I’m looking forward to more replies, because I think this is worth talking about. Our culture is steeped in sensuality, maybe we need time to process just how pervasive this is in our culture.
I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s with incessant advertising on TV, Radio, movies, magazines, etc. And have been adversely effected by the ads. As a teenager it was just ordinary life. I became much more aware of it all as I left my teens, found a life with God, and entered my 20’s.
Who doesn’t like a pretty face, warm smile, endless energy? Maybe even the church might use some of this in its own promotions. . .
🙂 Maybe we can begin taxing sensuality as a sin? 🙂
I wonder if the church is up to the task of addressing it. -Jeff
May 19th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
I am not too sure another sin tax will help. 😉 I have been in communities with such taxes and restrictions on various vices, and those communities merely tend to be more secretive about it!
A friend of mine recently told me that she had been part of a church that preaches grace to the point of licentiousness. The pastor told her that it was not his place to confront the congregants about most of the sensuality going on. That was one reason she left, but not after at least trying to talk with some.
And I have confronted pastors, ministry leaders, and Chrisitian organizations about overly sensualized media and events.
Conversely, I know pastors – like our brother Anthony – who are not afraid to confront sensuality and other vices/temptations.
Therefore, I do not think many within the walls of churches today are ready to address it, as they are just as steeped within the sensuality of our western culture. But I will always have confidence that there are indeed those ready and willing to take a stand in the Lord and state this pernicious problem in the face and say “No further. In the name of Jesus Christ, go and sin no more.”
May 20th, 2018 at 1:10 pm
Jesus certainly had a way to cut through the chase and speak right to the heart of the matter. That is why He walked the Earth; to give us new insights about God. Then He left us the Holy Spirit which has the power to convict, both, of sin and right living. I agree there are Christians who walk this way in the Spirit; but it takes having a loving relationship, not a condemning, judgmental attitude. Relationship to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and to people.
Sermons are a great way to begin this process. And love, fellowship, and relationship each play their part.