The Greek noun translated (in Galatians 5:19) “lasciviousness” is spelled “aselgeia.”

It means “sensuality” for sure, but to the point of absolute “indecency!”

It is illicit sexuality (approving everything God disapproves) on steroids! Hyper sensuality! Over the top!

Some Greek scholars see these first four sins in our list (“adultery, fornication, uncleanness and lasciviousness,” all centering on sexuality) as ascending or intensifying in degree! Particularly in order of rebellion against Almighty God! Each one “worse” in God’s Eyes than its predecessor!

Wow!

Then lasciviousness is the “king!”

The lascivious man “pushes the envelope” of public acceptance! He wants to go further than most people will allow, in his intensity of sinning!

Here is a sampling of the word’s use in the New Testament.

I can only find it 9 times.

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts,, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, LASCIVIOUSNESS, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Jesus in Mark 7:21-23, describing natural (fallen) man!

Then Paul: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and WANTONESS, not in strife and envying.” Here (Romans 13:13) “aselgeia” is translated “wantoness.” Its twin word (as one would expect), “chambering” refers to “cohabitation,” exceedingly sinful orgies of some kind.

I think Ephesians 4:19 illustrates the word quite well, its connotation. “Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto LASCIVIOUSNESS, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” “Being past feeling?” Having their consciences that seared! Calloused!

Other Texts exist, but surely these 3 will suffice.

Oh, how we should thank God for His amazing Grace!

His saving Grace!

His delivering Grace!

His sanctifying Grace!

We’re not that way any more, not “lascivious!”

To His Glory … we now try to live pure lives, motivated (incited) not by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit of God!

Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell