uncleanness – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: uncleanness

2 Peter 2:10 – Selfish or Submitted?

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Will

And most of all those going after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, despising authority, presumptuous, self-willed, not afraid to slander glorious beings.

Truth to Learn

Some false teachers only care about their own desires.

Behind the Words

The words “lust of uncleanness” are translated from the Greek words, epithumia miasmou. The word epithumia refers to “overly strong desires” or “lusts.” The other word, miasmou means “contaminated or polluted.” We could translate these two words as “perverse lusts.”

The words “despising authority” are from the Greek words kuriotētos kataphronountos. The first of these is from the root, kurios which means “lord or master” and the other is a compound word made up of kata, meaning “against” or denoting evil and phroneō which means “to think or have a mindset.” Hence these words mean “to think evil of their masters” or “to despise authority.”

“Not afraid … glorious beings” is translated from doxas ou tremousin. The word doxas means “glories” or “glorious ones.” The word ou means “not” and tremousin means “to dread” or “to be terrified of.” Hence, it literally means, “they have no dread of the glorious ones.” Based on Peter’s words in the following verse, this is a reference to the slander of angelic beings.

Meaning Explained

Peter has just told us that the Lord knows how to keep the ungodly from escaping the judgment that is due them. Now he says that this is especially true of these false teachers, those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature. They have a way of life that caters to their appetites, especially their perverse lusts. They have so allowed their lusts to overpower them that they have become corrupt and perverse. Yet, in their mind, their actions seem normal.

Peter also says that they “despise authority.” These are people who don’t like anyone telling them what to do; that is, they don’t have respect for authority, either civil or religious. They certainly don’t want a God who tells them what to do, so they invent a theology that gives them control over their god.

But Peter doesn’t stop here. He continues to describe these false teachers as “presumptuous and self-willed;” that is, they think far too highly of themselves. He also says that they “…are not afraid to slander glorious beings” In other words, these false teachers have no fear of those who are worthy of praise and glory and will freely slander or blaspheme them.

Wow! Peter certainly doesn’t pull any punches when he talks about these false teachers. They have become self-absorbed and self-seeking. Their entire focus is inward instead of God-ward. For the most part, however, these false teachers appear outwardly good and honorable, hiding the reality of their desires behind a façade of devoted religiosity.

We have talked in the past about the fact that the central notion of sinfulness is really “self-ness,” making our own decisions and considering only ourselves. That’s the opposite of submission to God.

Application

Now the question is, are you submitted to God, or are you more like these false teachers who serve their own overpowering desires? Only you can answer these questions. Think carefully before you answer, and be honest with God.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Will

For God did not call us for uncleanness, but in holiness.

Truth to Learn

We are to avoid uncleanness and separate ourselves to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “call” is kaleō. This word primarily means “to call out to someone, inviting him or her to come or to go somewhere.”

“For” is translated from epi, which can mean “on, upon, or over,” but it can also be used as a preposition of purpose and can be translated as “for.” Used in this way it means “on the basis of.”

“Uncleanness” is from the Greek word akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of the verb kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “the state or condition of not being cleansed; in other words, unclean.”

The word “in” is translated from the preposition en, which refers to a position at rest within something (not movement into or movement out of, but in).

Hagiasmos is the Greek word translated “holiness.” We saw this word back in verse three. Hagiasmos indicates “separation from sin and dedication to God.”

Meaning Explained

In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he has been giving doctrinal instruction regarding fornication (sexual activity with anyone other than one’s husband or wife). He started off by saying that we should keep ourselves away from such activity and, instead, care for and nurture the person to whom we are married. Our relationship with our husband or wife should not be based on lust, and we should not go beyond the proper bounds of marriage in this matter.

Now Paul tells us why this particular teaching is consistent with what God wants for us. He says that this (sinful sexual activity) is not the purpose for which God called us. Through His holy Word (the Bible), God calls each one of us to follow Him, but there are two aspects of this calling. The first is the “general call.” In Matthew 22:14, as part of His parable of the wedding feast, Jesus said:

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

The second aspect of God’s calling is sometimes referred to as the “effectual call.” This refers to the calling in which those who hear His call respond to it by submitting to His will and following Him. This aspect of God’s calling is referred to numerous times in the New Testament (see Romans 1:6, 7; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 9, 26, Galatians 1:15, 5:13; Ephesians 4:1, 4, etc.)

Paul tells the Thessalonians that we were not called on the basis of uncleanness, but in holiness. The contrast between these two conditions (uncleanness and holiness) is further emphasized by Paul’s use of different prepositions (epi and en). God expects us to live our lives in a holy manner. He expects us to live our lives separated from the sinful practices of the world and to remain dedicated and devoted to Him.

Application

Living a life separated from the sinfulness of the world and remaining dedicated to following God is not easy! It is a constant struggle for all Christians, but it is the life that He has called us to. It can only be accomplished by constant prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you committed to that?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:3 – Do What Fits

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Will

But let not fornication and all uncleanness or greediness not be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

Truth to Learn

We are saints, so we need to learn to live like saints.

Behind the Words

The word “fornication” is translated from the Greek word porneia. This word is indirectly derived from pornos, referring to a man who sells himself to others for sex. Porneia refers to any sexual act other than that between a man and a woman who are married to each other.

“Uncleanness” is from akatharsia, which is composed of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of kathairo, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to anything that is “unclean.” This word typically refers to something that is legally or ceremonially unclean. It was often used in reference to idolatrous worship practices of the heathen.

“Greediness” is translated from pleonexia, which is derived from the noun pleion, meaning “more” and echo, meaning “to have.” This word refers to the condition in which a person is not satisfied with what he or she has, greedily wanting more.

Onomadzō is the Greek word translated “named.” It is derived from the noun onoma, meaning “a name.” The verb onomadzō means “to call by name” or “to mention.” This verb is expressed as a present, passive, imperative verb. The word “let” is the clue in English that it is an imperative (command). This is a difficult verb to express properly in English. It is NOT saying, “Don’t permit these things to be named among you.” Rather it is saying, “These things are not to be named among you!”

“Fitting” is from prepō, which means “to tower up,” that is “to be eminent or distinguished.” In the form used in today’s verse it means “that which is proper, acceptable, or fitting.”

“Saints” is from hagios, meaning “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.”

Meaning Explained

Previously Paul told us that as children of God we should mimic the thoughts and actions of our Father. The primary way of doing that is to demonstrate a real love for others the way our God has demonstrated His love for us. And, not only are we God’s children, we are now saints. That doesn’t mean that the church leadership has declared us to be saints because of all the good we’ve done and all the miracles we’ve performed. The church doesn’t make someone a saint, God does.

When we were saved, God adopted us as His children. He also sanctified us; that is to say, He set us apart. We are no longer part of the world system any more than we are part of Satan’s family. This is a theological concept known as “positional sanctification.” But, we’re not perfect and we won’t be until that day when God calls us home. Until that day we need to become more like our Father. This is called “progressive sanctification,” as the Apostle Peter described:

but as He who called you is holy, you also become holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Become holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

The word translated “holy” is the same word as “sanctified.” One way to mimic our Father is to avoid those things that don’t “fit” our new position, and three of those things are mentioned in today’s verse: fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness.

Application

Want to be more like your Heavenly Father? Continue to study God’s Word and put what you learn into practice. Change your behavior and become more sanctified to, and for, God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:19 – Numb, Uncontrolled, and Unclean

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Will

who, being past feeling, have surrendered themselves to lewdness, to the working of all uncleanness with greediness.

Truth to Learn

The unsaved are in a hopeless state. Offer them hope!

Behind the Words

The words “being past feeling” are from the Greek verb apalgeō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and algeō, meaning “to feel pain.” Apalgeō means “unable to feel pain” or “to be numb.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating “having lost feeling at some point in the past so that they are now unable to feel.” Based on the context, this is not referring to physical feeling, but emotional or spiritual feeling.

“Have surrendered" is from the verb paradidōmi, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” It is a picture of surrendering self or possessions to someone of greater power.

“Lewdness” is translated from aselgeia, which literally refers to “the inability to control oneself.” As it is used in the New Testament, it refers to “the absence of restraint, especially with regard to pleasure, sexual or otherwise.”

The word “uncleanness” is from akatharsia, which is made up of the negative particle a, and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “that which is unclean, either morally or physically.”

“Greediness” is translated from pleonexia, which refers to “covetousness” or “greediness.”

Meaning Explained

Two verses back Paul told us not to walk as other Gentiles (unsaved) who spend their lives living by their intellect instead of their spirit. He went on to say that because of sin these unbelievers have a heart that is hardened and they are unable to acknowledge or understand the salvation that God offers. As a result, they do not participate in the spiritual life (eternal life) that God offers to them.

Now he tells us a bit more about the unsaved mind. These people, he says, are unable to feel. This may be a reference to their inability to feel hope. They are like the Israelites described by the prophet Jeremiah:

And they said, "That is hopeless! So we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one obey the dictates of his evil heart." (Jeremiah 18:12)

As a result of their hopelessness they have stopped even trying to control their physical desires. Instead, they give in to their desires and perform all kinds of unclean acts, doing so focused only on satisfying their own sinful desires.

Even a cursory look at the world today will tell us that Paul is spot on with this description. Not only do the unsaved behave exactly as he has described, but they are getting more so with each passing day.

Application

It would be easy to get discouraged and to develop a feeling of hopelessness when we see all that is going on around us in the world today. However, we are not hopeless. We have a hope and a glorious future because of our faith in Christ. Instead of feeling down, lift your spirits and proclaim the Gospel message of hope and salvation to those around you. And – give God all the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Will

For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

Truth to Learn

We are to avoid uncleanness and separate ourselves to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “call” is kaleō. This word primarily means “to call out to someone, inviting him or her to come or to go somewhere.”

“To” is translated from epi, which can mean “on, upon, or over,” but it can also be used as a preposition of purpose and can be translated as “for.”

The word “in” is translated from the preposition en, which refers to a position at rest within something (not movement into or movement out of, but in).

Hagiasmos is the Greek word translated “holiness.” We saw this word back in verse three. Hagiasmos indicates “separation from sin and dedication to God.”

Meaning Explained

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

Paul tells the Thessalonians that we were not called for the purpose of uncleanness, but holiness. The contrast between these two conditions (uncleanness and holiness) is further emphasized by Paul’s use of different prepositions (epi and en). God expects us to live our lives in a holy manner. He expects us to live our lives separated from the sinful practices of the world and to remain dedicated and devoted to Him.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Will

For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

Truth to Learn

All ministries should be performed honestly and for God.

Behind the Words

“Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near.” It is a picture of someone who has come alongside to coach, encourage, or comfort. Paraklēsis refers to comfort, encouragement or to urgent instruction, challenging someone to make a change.

The Greek word translated “error” is planē, which refers to “a wandering away from the proper path.” Figuratively, it refers to doctrinal error. It expresses the notion of passive error rather than intentional deception.

The word “uncleanness” is translated from akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “doing something in an unclean or immoral manner.” In the New Testament it generally refers to sensual impurity.

“Deceit” is from the Greek noun dolos, which is derived from the verb delō, meaning “to bait.” It is often used metaphorically, as it is here, meaning “fraud” or “deceit.”

Meaning Explained

In the latter half of the first chapter of this letter, Paul spoke of the evangelistic nature of his ministry to the Thessalonians. Now, through verse twelve, he gives a defense of the type of pastoral, teaching ministry he and his companions performed. He refers to this phase of his ministry as “exhortation.” Preaching the gospel and evangelizing the lost is only a portion of a pastor’s ministry. In Ephesians we learn that the purpose of the specially gifted spiritual leaders, including pastors/teachers, is to equip those under their care so that the church members can perform the work of the ministry.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Unfortunately, many pastors today focus almost exclusively on evangelism, producing a flock that is saved but spiritually immature and ill equipped to evangelize and minister to others.

The Apostle tells his readers that his preaching and teaching were not based on erroneous doctrine. Even though this letter was written very early in the life of Christianity, there were already others whose teaching was based on man’s ideas rather than on God’s word. And, he says that his ministry was not based on uncleanness and immorality. Pagan religions of the time incorporated immoral sexual practices which enticed many to join.

Finally, Paul tells us that he did not use deceptive practices or trickery to perform the tasks that God had given him to do. His teaching was straight-up and straightforward, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Application

Whatever ministry you have within your local church, take a lesson from Paul. Perform it as plainly, forthrightly, and honestly as you possibly can. Don’t seek attention or glory for yourself; give all the glory and praise to God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:3 – Do What Fits

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Will

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

Truth to Learn

We are saints, so we need to learn to live like saints.

Behind the Words

“Covetousness” is translated from pleonexia, which is derived from the noun pleion, meaning “more” and echo, meaning “to have.” This word refers to the condition in which a person is not satisfied with what he or she has, greedily wanting more.

Onomadzō is the Greek word translated “named.” It is derived from the noun onoma, meaning “a name.” The verb onomadzō means “to call by name” or “to mention.”

“Saints” is from hagios, meaning “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.”

Meaning Explained

Previously Paul told us that as children of God we should mimic the thoughts and actions of our Father. The primary way of doing that is to demonstrate a real love for others the way our God has demonstrated His love for us. And, not only are we now God’s children, we are saints. That doesn’t mean that the church leadership has declared us to be saints because of all the good we’ve done and all the miracles we’ve performed. The church doesn’t make someone a saint, God does.

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Application

Want to be more like your Heavenly Father? Continue to study God’s Word and put what you learn into practice. Change your behavior and become more sanctified to, and for, God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:19 – Numb, Uncontrolled, and Unclean

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Will

who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Truth to Learn

The unsaved are in a hopeless state. Offer them hope!

Behind the Words

The words “being past feeling” are from the Greek verb apalgeō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and algeō, meaning “to feel pain.” Apalgeō means “unable to feel pain” or “numb.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating “having lost feeling at some point in the past so that they are now unable to feel.” Based on the context, this is not referring to physical feeling, but emotional or spiritual feeling.

“Have given themselves” is from the verb paradidōmi, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” It is a picture of surrendering self or possessions to someone of greater power.

The word “uncleanness” is from akatharsia, which is made up of the negative particle a and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “that which is unclean.”

“Greediness” is translated from pleonexia, which refers to “covetousness” or “greediness.”

Meaning Explained

Now he tells us a bit more about the unsaved mind. These people, he says, are unable to feel. This is probably a reference to their inability to feel hope. They are like the Israelites described by the prophet Jeremiah:

And they said, "That is hopeless! So we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one obey the dictates of his evil heart." (Jeremiah 18:12)

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 1:24 – God Gives Up

Posted on August 20, 2009 by admin

Romans 1:24

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

Truth to Learn

God deals directly and harshly with those who deny Him.

Behind the Words

The expression “gave them up” is translated from the Greek word paredoken, which is a compound word made up of para, meaning “alongside” or “to a place beside” and a form of didomai, which is the verb meaning “to give.” This word means to “give over to someone or something” or to “surrender something to another.”

“Uncleanness” is translated from akatharsia, which is a compound of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse, either physically, morally, or spiritually.” In this case Paul is referring to moral uncleanness.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse 21 we said that these people became vain and that their hearts were darkened. We noted at that time that these actions were expressed in the passive voice, indicating that these things were done to them. The previous verses implied that it is God who did these things to them. In today’s verse it is no longer an implication, but a clear statement.

Today’s verse says that because these people have decided to worship idols of created things instead of the creator of all things, God “gave them up.” And what did God give them up to? He surrendered them to the uncleanness of their own lusts. God did not force them to indulge in unclean practices, fulfilling their wicked lusts; He simply stopped preventing them. He allowed them. In effect, He let go of the reigns and let them do what their own inner desires were driving them to do. Today’s text tells us that in satisfying their own inner lusts these people “dishonor their own bodies among themselves.” The actions of their lusts involve their bodies in a way that is dishonoring to themselves and even against nature itself, according to verse 26.

Paul will spend the next few verses giving a more detailed explanation of what these dishonoring practices are. The point of this verse is, because these people refuse to give God his rightful place in their lives, God lets them have their way and allows them to be completely controlled by their sinful desires.

Notice that this is just the first of God’s “giving them up.” In this verse He gives them up to uncleanness. In verse 26 it is to dishonoring passions and in verse 28 it is to a worthless mind. This explains a lot about what is happening in Western society today as secular humanism has continued to spread. We, as a society, have not given God His rightful place and, as a result, He has allowed our society to decline into a state where satisfying self is the prime directive.

The real tragedy is that this type of thinking has even pervaded the Church and the lives of Christians!

Application

Let us not allow ourselves to be seduced into thinking like the world system. God did not create us to serve our own lusts. He created us to serve Him. Instead of serving ourselves, let us give God His rightful place through our worship and praise of Him and through our submission to His will.

And let us be a beacon of light in a world of darkness!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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