Fornication
by Micky Galloway
There is indeed a struggle between right and wrong, the lust of the flesh verses the fruit of the spirit. This study is essential, because our eternal destiny depends upon the outcome of that conflict. Paul said, “they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-23). Some have given themselves over completely to the lusts of the flesh and mind, while others are striving to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5), lest the crown of life be denied them. As Paul discusses the “works of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21, he includes both sins in which the human body is active (such as fornication and drunkenness) as well as those which involve the attitudes of heart (such as hatred, emulations and envy). These works of the flesh are “manifest,” that is, they are open, clearly demonstrated and obviously opposed to righteousness. It is our purpose in this study to define the terms used by the Holy Spirit so that we will have no difficulty in perceiving the sinfulness of such actions or attitudes of heart. Surely, an understanding of these terms should stir the feeling of abhorrence for what they indicate in the heart of every child of God.
What is fornication? There are several words, both nouns and verbs, that are translated “fornication” or some form of the word. “Fornication” (porneia) is defined as, “… in the N.T. the words for ‘fornication’ ‘to practice fornication,’ etc., refer to every kind of sexual intercourse outside marriage” (The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, Volume 2, page 321). Thayer defines it as “illicit sexual intercourse in general.” This term includes every kind of sexual intercourse: whoredom; concubinage; adultery; incest; prostitution of one’s body; homosexuality; bestiality; including the sexual unfaithfulness of a married man or woman (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). One could use a ream of paper copying the many definitions of the term, but this is hardly necessary.
What promotes fornication? Why is it growing so rapidly among all classes of people? These questions are not difficult when we consider our own weak attitudes toward such a low moral standard; and the sensual emphasis placed upon every phase of our life. Consider the following reasons fornication has become an accepted part of life.
1. Our concept of marriage. Less than 50 years ago divorce and remarriage was not acceptable socially much less religiously. Adultery is usually defined to describe illicit intercourse with the spouse of another and fornication is usually understood to be the broader term including all kinds of unlawful sexual behavior of all people, married or unmarried. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The commandment “thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) included all sexual sins. The sexual abominations forbidden include the married, the betrothed, the unmarried and family relations. The nature of sexual sins included rape, incest, seduction, sodomy, prostitution, homosexuality, bestiality and self abuse (Leviticus 18:6-23; 19:20,29; 20:10-21; Deuteronomy 22:13-30). Most of these sins were punishable by death. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). In his heart he has made a decision to commit sin given the opportunity. This is quite different to the present concept of marriage where one can go in and out of the relationship as he pleases and feel he is not guilty of one of the most destructive sins.
2. Loose morals among the young. Morals are learned from those about us. When parents, teachers and political leaders do not give high priority to how we dress and impress and encourage sexual freedom by their own lives and conduct, how can we expect children to mature with proper respect for righteous living? When parents approve and often provide contraceptives for their children, or provide freedom of the house and bedroom for their children and their dates, or when parents speak of their “affairs” as being “only natural,” we are encouraging loose morals among young people and setting the stage for tragedy to occur. Fathers are charged, “provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). What are we thinking about when we permit our children to dress immodestly and participate in questionable activities in questionable environments? What happened to the desire to “take thought for things honorable , not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (II Corinthians 8:21)?
3. Religious approval of fornication. I am convinced that this is one of the biggest influences that softens the repugnance of this sin. Many churches of Christ welcome with open arms those who are unlawfully divorced and remarried without “fruits of repentance.” Many ridicule the idea of “living in adultery.” In New Testament times some “lived in fornication” which includes adultery (Colossians 3:5-7). The denominational world has offered a “Trial Marriage Program” as a solution to the divorce problem. According to this “program” the pastor or priest will sanctify a trial marriage for 12 months, after which they will be married “for life” if they approve their trial relationship. This attitude on part of “religion” makes the “live-in” relationships more palatable. How can these attitudes do anything but lower the moral and spiritual standards of this generation?
4. Immoral emphasis in entertainment. The whole entertainment world is given to the spread of corrupt sexual practices. It is becoming more and more difficult to watch a movie or a TV program where there is not suggestive or open display of some form of fornication. Even many of the popular songs of the day are suggestive of fornication. Many of us have become so conditioned that we accept this as no longer offensive forms of entertainment, but rather an acceptable way of life.
What can we do? Fornication has a destructive impact upon every aspect of our lives. It has resulted in disease and death; it has destroyed nations, families and churches. Fornication begins in the heart so to correct the problem we must begin with our hearts. “For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not the man” (Matthew 15:19). Let us get our hearts right! The Bible teaches us to abstain from fornication (I Thessalonians 4:3). We are not to let fornication be once named among us (Ephesians 5:3). Fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19-21), but rather will have “their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death” (Revelation 20:8). We must withdraw ourselves from those who profess to be brethren who are guilty of this sin and will not repent (I Corinthians 5:9-11). Let us “FLEE FORNICATION” (I Corinthians 6:18) as Joseph did (Genesis 39:12). He literally ran away from the circumstance where he was tempted. This sin can only be escaped by FLEEING. Do not stay and reason about it or debate the matter or even try the strength of your own virtues. One is SAFE from this sin only when he FLEES.