Sensuality, in the biblical context, refers to the indulgence in and pursuit of physical pleasures, often in a manner that is considered excessive or inappropriate according to scriptural teachings. It is frequently associated with behaviors that are contrary to the spiritual and moral standards set forth in the Bible.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sensuality is often linked with idolatry and the practices of pagan nations surrounding Israel. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the customs and practices of these nations, which included various forms of sensual indulgence. For example, in the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature warns against the allure of the "adulterous woman," symbolizing the dangers of succumbing to sensual temptations (Proverbs 5:3-5).

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides a more explicit condemnation of sensuality, often listing it among the "works of the flesh." In Galatians 5:19-21 , the Apostle Paul writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Here, sensuality is grouped with other behaviors that are seen as contrary to the life led by the Spirit.

Paul further admonishes believers in Ephesians 4:19 , stating, "Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more." This passage highlights the insatiable nature of sensual desires and the moral degradation that can result from pursuing them.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Sensuality is often portrayed as a barrier to spiritual growth and a life pleasing to God. In Romans 13:13-14 , Paul exhorts believers, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." This passage underscores the call to live a life of self-control and holiness, avoiding the pitfalls of sensual indulgence.

Contrast with Spiritual Living

The Bible contrasts sensuality with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are presented as the antithesis of a life driven by sensual desires. Believers are encouraged to pursue these spiritual qualities, which lead to a life that honors God and reflects His character.

Warnings and Exhortations

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous warnings against the dangers of sensuality. In 1 Peter 4:3 , the apostle reminds believers, "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry." This serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the transformation expected in the life of a believer.

Conclusion

While sensuality is a natural part of human experience, the Bible consistently calls for its regulation and subordination to spiritual principles. The pursuit of holiness and a life led by the Spirit are presented as the ultimate goals for believers, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and often destructive nature of sensual indulgence.(n.) The quality or state of being sensual; devotedness to the gratification of the bodily appetites; free indulgence in carnal or sensual pleasures; luxuriousness; voluptuousness; lewdness.766. aselgeia -- licentiousness, wantonness
... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition licentiousness, wantonness NASB
Word Usage licentiousness (1), sensual (1), sensuality (8). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/766.htm - 7k

4764. strenos -- insolent luxury
... 18:3). Word Origin from strenes (hard, strong) Definition insolent luxury
NASB Word Usage sensuality (1). delicacy, luxury. Akin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4764.htm - 6k

Whether Sensuality is Only Appetitive?
... OF THE POWER OF SENSUALITY (THREE ARTICLES) Whether sensuality is only appetitive?
Objection ... powers. Therefore sensuality is a cognitive power. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sensuality is only appetitive.htm

Whether Mortal Sin Can be in the Sensuality?
... OF THE SUBJECT OF SIN (TEN ARTICLES) Whether mortal sin can be in the sensuality?
Objection 1: It would seem that mortal sin can be in the sensuality. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether mortal sin can be.htm

Whether There Can be Sin in the Sensuality?
... OF THE SUBJECT OF SIN (TEN ARTICLES) Whether there can be sin in the sensuality?
Objection 1: It would seem that there cannot be sin in the sensuality. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be sin.htm

Whether the First Movements of the Sensuality in Unbelievers are ...
... OF VENIAL SIN IN ITSELF (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the first movements of the
sensuality in unbelievers are mortal sin? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the first movements of.htm

Sensuality. June 11.
... Sensuality. June 11. What is sensuality? Not the enjoyment of holy glorious
matter, but blindness to its meaning. MS. 1842. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /sensuality june 11.htm

Of the Power of Sensuality (Three Articles)
... OF THE POWER OF SENSUALITY (THREE ARTICLES). Next we have to consider the power
of sensuality, concerning which there are three points of inquiry: ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the power of sensuality.htm

Sensuality is a Power of Our Soul
... HERE BEGINNETH THE SIX AND SIXTIETH CHAPTER SENSUALITY is a power of our soul.
SENSUALITY is a power of our soul, recking and reigning ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the six and 5.htm

Whether it Pertains to Christ to Pray According to his Sensuality?
... OF CHRIST'S PRAYER (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether it pertains to Christ to pray
according to His sensuality? Objection 1: It would seem ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it pertains to christ.htm

Whether in Christ There was a Will of Sensuality Besides the Will ...
... OF CHRIST'S UNITY OF WILL (SIX ARTICLES) Whether in Christ there was a
will of sensuality besides the will of reason? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether in christ there was 7.htm

Whether the Human Will of Christ was Altogether Conformed to the ...
... the will of sensuality, which is called will by participation, and the rational
will, whether considered after the manner of nature, or after the manner of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the human will of.htm

Sensuality (9 Occurrences)
...Sensuality (9 Occurrences). ... 2 Peter 2:10 and especially those who are abandoned to
sensuality--craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control. ...
/s/sensuality.htm - 9k

Sensual (8 Occurrences)

/s/sensual.htm - 11k

Lustful (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of lust; excited by lust. 2. (a.) Exciting
lust; characterized by lust or sensuality. 3. (a.) Strong; lusty. ...
/l/lustful.htm - 9k

Lust (42 Occurrences)
... (2) Hedone, delight in sensuality, hence, wicked pleasures; translated in James
4:1, 3 "pleasures": "Your pleasures that war in your members"; "Ye ask amiss ...
/l/lust.htm - 24k

Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... the King James Version "wantonness"), as a means "to entice in the lusts of the
flesh." Jude 1:4 probably does not refer to any form of sensuality in using the ...
/l/lasciviousness.htm - 11k

Gross (12 Occurrences)
... may have to mourn over many whose hearts still cling to their old sins, and who
have not repented of the impurity, fornication, and gross sensuality, of which ...
/g/gross.htm - 11k

Wilful (2 Occurrences)
... Wilful (2 Occurrences). 2 Peter 2:10 and especially those who are abandoned to
sensuality--craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control. ...
/w/wilful.htm - 7k

Impurity (42 Occurrences)
... may have to mourn over many whose hearts still cling to their old sins, and who
have not repented of the impurity, fornication, and gross sensuality, of which ...
/i/impurity.htm - 21k

Fool-hardy (1 Occurrence)
... Fool-hardy (1 Occurrence). 2 Peter 2:10 and especially those who are abandoned to
sensuality--craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control. ...
/f/fool-hardy.htm - 6k

Tremble (92 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). 2 Peter 2:10 and especially those who are abandoned to sensuality--
craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control. ...
/t/tremble.htm - 34k

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