As a priest, I have spent ample time studying the Bible with the aim of acquiring deeper insights into the various aspects of Christian faith. One topic that is often controversial, yet powerfully rooted in the Bible, is the concept of sensuality. It is crucial to understand the Bible’s stance on sensuality as misinterpretations can easily lead to controversial perspectives or actions that conflict with the teachings in the Bible.
In the Bible, the term “sensuality” typically comes accompanied with other wrongdoings, which includes sexual promiscuity and perversion. In simpler terms, sensuality could be ‘the uncontrolled indulgence in bodily pleasures.’ This word is derived from the root word “sense”, linked to our five basic senses we experience. In the original Greek version of the Bible, the term which gets translated as “sensuality” means “outrageous conduct, shocking to public decency”. Therefore, sensuality in the scriptural context is essentially an excess devotion to physical gratification, neglecting the soul and spirit.
The key problem with sensuality lies in how it leads to the misuse of the wonderful gifts that God has bestowed upon us. For instance, a person driven by sensuality often abuses the sense of sight by consistently viewing inappropriate content like pornography. They may misuse the gift of hearing by engaging in ungodly conversations, jokes, or even music as depicted in Ephesians 5:4. Often, these individuals indulge in wild parties (1 Peter 4:3), drug and alcohol abuse (Proverbs 20:1), sexual immorality (Hosea 4:10–11), and foolishness (Mark 7:21–22). They allow the sinful desires of the flesh to dominate them without any boundaries or restraint.
I believe that one of the revealing scriptures about the dangerous nature of sensuality is Ephesians 4:19. It says, “having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.” It tells us that sensuality is strongly associated with negative traits such as greed.
Several times in the Bible, sensuality is mentioned as a characteristic of those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21). When the Bible alludes to sensuality, it signifies losing control over one’s passions and evil desires. Extreme sexuality is usually a significant part of it. Romans 1:21–32 paints a vivid picture of those who are enthralled by sensuality, leading to sexual perversions and ultimately a reprobate mind. This kind of lifestyle starkly contradicts God’s wish for us to live “by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:19, 25). Galatians 5:16 encourages us to “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
For a believer, sensuality should play no role in one’s life (1 Peter 4:3). Romans 8:4 makes it crystal clear that Christians “do not walk according to flesh but according to Spirit.” In 1 John 2:15–16, we are warned against the desire for sensual pleasures in the world, which include the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” This emphasizes the importance of self-denial in the Christian walk and the need to rid ourselves of sin, including sensuality.
In conclusion, understanding the Bible’s perspective on sensuality and implementing it in our lives is essential for being a true follower of Christ. To authentically follow Him, we must let the old nature of sin, which also includes sensuality, die (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 6:2, 11). Only then can we truly experience the freedom Christ offers and live a life that truly pleases Him.
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