There is indeed a struggle between right and wrong--the lust of the flesh, versus the fruit of the spirit. This study is essential because our eternal destiny depends on 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" (2 Corinthians 10:5), lest they lose the crown of life.

In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul discussed the “works of the flesh." He listed two sin types—sins (such as fornication and drunkenness) during which the human body is active, as well as those (such as hatred, emulations, and envy) that involve the heart’s attitudes. These works of the flesh are manifest; that is, they are open, clearly demonstrated, and obviously opposed to righteousness. In this study, we intend to define the terms the Holy Spirit used so that you will have no difficulty in perceiving the sinfulness of such actions or attitudes. Surely, an understanding of these terms should stir feelings of abhorrence within the hearts of God’s children.

What is fornication? Several words, both nouns and verbs, 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, Vol. 2, p. 321).

• Thayer defines it as "illicit sexual intercourse in general."

Fornication includes every kind of sexual intercourse—whoredom, concubinage, adultery, incest, prostitution of one's body, homosexuality, and bestiality--including the sexual unfaithfulness of married men and women (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). It would take a ream of paper to print the many definitions of the term, but that is hardly necessary.

What promotes fornication? Why is it spreading so rapidly among all classes of people? These questions are not difficult when we consider our own weak attitudes toward low moral standards, and the sensual emphasis we place on every phase of life. Following are some of the reasons fornication has become an accepted part of life.

1. Our concept of marriage. Less than 50 years ago, divorce-and-remarriage was both socially and religiously unacceptable. We usually use the word adultery to describe illicit intercourse with another person’s spouse; and we understand fornication to be the broader term, including all kinds of unlawful sexual behavior of all people, whether married or unmarried. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

   The commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14) included all sexual sins. Those to whom sexual abominations were forbidden included the married, the betrothed, the unmarried, and family relations. The kinds of sexual sins forbidden 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)

   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 decided to commit sin if 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 not feel guilty of one of the most destructive sins.

2. Loose morals among the young. We learn morals from those around us. When parents, teachers, and political leaders dress in suggestive and immodest attire and, by their own lives and conduct, encourage sexual freedom, how can we expect children to mature with proper respect for righteous living?

   Some parents approve of premarital sex and often provide contraceptives for their children, or provide freedom of the house and bedroom for the children and their dates. When these parents speak of their children’s affairs as being only natural, they are encouraging loose morals and setting the stage for tragedy. Paul wrote to fathers: "Provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) What are we thinking 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." (2 Corinthians 8:21)

3. Religious approval of fornication. I am convinced that this is one of the biggest influences softening the repugnance of this sin. Many churches of Christ welcome with open arms those who are unlawfully divorced and remarried, without requiring them to show "fruits of repentance." Many ridicule the idea that a couple can live in adultery. In New Testament times, some were "living in fornication," which includes adultery (Colossians 3:5-7).

   As a solution to the divorce problem, some denominations offer a Trial Marriage Program. In this program, the pastor or priest sanctifies a trial marriage for twelve months, after which they are married for life, if the trial relationship was successful. This attitude on the part of religion makes the live-in relationships more palatable. How can such an attitude do anything but lower this generation’s moral and spiritual standards?

4. Immoral emphasis in entertainment. The entertainment world is given to the spread of corrupt sexual practices. It is becoming more and more difficult to watch a movie or TV program that does not include the suggestion or open display of some form of fornication. Even many of the popular songs are suggestive of fornication. Many of us have become so conditioned that we no longer view these as offensive forms of entertainment; rather, we accept them as part of life.

What can we do? Fornication has a destructive impact on 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 (1 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 (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19-21); rather, they 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 professing to be brethren who are guilty of this sin and will not repent (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Let us "FLEE FORNICATION" (1 Corinthians 6:18) as Joseph did (Genesis 39:12). He literally ran away from the circumstance in which he was tempted. There’s only one way to escape this sin--FLEE. Do not stay and reason about it; do not debate the matter, or even try the strength of your own virtues. One is SAFE from this sin only when he FLEES.

Brother Galloway touches on a very real threat to every child of God. I want to add some thoughts to this excellent article, not because it needs it, but because of some other things we can do to protect ourselves from this temptation and the pain and anguish it can cause.

Controlling our minds. The mind is the battleground where the Christian must fight the battle against fornication. Our minds must avoid and not fall prey to this sin. Whatever we allow into our minds, we can be led to act upon. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Eat and drink! he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” (Proverbs 23:7) One of the greatest threats to our minds is the pornography that is so readily available on the internet and cable television. Research tells me that 83% of the free sites on the internet have pornographic content! What is the danger in looking at this?

• It causes a warped understanding of sexuality as ordained by God (Hebrews 13:4).

• It reduces woman to nothing more than an object to satisfy man’s lust.

• It leaves men and women unfulfilled in their own marriages.

• It puts into the mind thoughts that will lead us to act upon them.

The pornography industry generates billions of dollars in revenue. It may well be the greatest hurdle being faced by today’s young people. But it isn’t limited to the young; many marriages either end or are very unhappy because of the scourge of pornography. Sadly, the world seems to be unable to recognize this danger which, if not stopped, will lead our nation to utter destruction.

Finally, I want to say that even those in the religious world fail to understand the dangers of immodest apparel and how it causes people to commit adultery. On a recent Sunday, following the morning service, as we often do, we went out for lunch. While driving home, we passed some young girls (approximately 16-18 years of age) dressed in two-piece bathing suits, holding up signs to advertise a nearby car wash. Where was the car wash being held? At the local Nazarene church! Worse yet, several other young men and women in front of the church were wearing the same kind of attire, or worse! Where are the minds of the leaders of this so-called church? I’m afraid the answer to that question is clear to any honest thinking person—the gutter! (KMG)