Works of the Flesh: Uncleanness

Last month we began to examine the "works of the flesh" as described by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21 by examining sexual immorality (or "fornication"). Let us now continue with our study and examine uncleanness, as Paul says in Galatians 5:19:

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness...

"Uncleanness" (translated in other versions as "impurity") is the Greek term akatharsia, which Thayer defines as the following:

1) uncleanness
1a) physical
1b) in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living
1b1) of impure motives

We see from this definition, therefore, that the term under discussion has two primary meanings, notably, it describes one who is unclean physically and also one who thinks and acts in ways that are not pure and holy.

The term is used in both senses; Jesus uses it in Matthew 23:27 to describe the "uncleanness" of the sepulchre, "full of dead men's bones," and also the moral "uncleanness" of the Pharisees, who are compared to these sepulchres. The vast majority of its use, however, refers not to the physical uncleanness of a person but to the moral, internal "uncleanness" of a person, which we see clearly in Romans 1:24 (referring to the Gentiles), 2 Corinthians 12:21 (addressed to Christians), along with Ephesians 5:3 and Colossians 3:5.

Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves.

lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed.

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints.

Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

We see, then, that truly "uncleanness" is another work of the flesh, for the Gentiles have revelled in it and such things are not to even be mentioned among the saints, and are sins which require repentance.

What kinds of things, then, would fall under the term "uncleanness?" Any thing that is of sin and is not of God and would soil one's spiritual garments. Certainly the realm of sexuality and the sins therein fall under this category, as the term is used in conjunction with the other terms that refer to sexual deviancy (cf. above). Yet truly any thing that would separate one from God-- drinking, drug use, lying, causing strife, promoting error, violence, and many, many other things-- may be considered "unclean" and ought not even be named amongst us.

God has truly not called us to uncleanness; we are to actually be found in Him, without spot or blemish, willing to confess and repent concerning those sins which beset us (Romans 6:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:7). Let us lay aside all things which lead to physical and moral uncleanness, and strive for the sanctification in Jesus Christ, presenting our bodies as servants of righteousness and not the slaves of sin.

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

Questions to Ponder During the Lesson

AM: Receiving

1. What do we receive from God and from other people?
2. Why is it good for us to receive?
3. What should we watch for in terms of receiving?
4. What is the giving and receiving cycle?

PM: Popular Beliefs: The Charismata (Spiritual Gifts)

1. How many baptisms were there in the Holy Spirit? Is it the "one" baptism?
2. What does it mean to "speak in tongues"?
3. What Scripture shows that some spiritual gifts passed away?
4. What does the historical record indicate?

The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:

386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:

Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:

Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

Please click here to return to the 2006 archive of Good News for Norwalk, or click here to return to the main page of Good News for Norwalk. Thanks!