Pastor Billy Myron continues the series on the sin nature in part three, examining specific temptations from the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21. He begins with general characteristics of attacks from the sin nature: they are inherently appealing with an appetite for enjoyment in themselves, and they target the soul (emotions and senses) rather than the spirit (reasoning), as referenced in 1 Peter 2:11.
The works of the flesh include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, and others such as hatred, strife, envy, drunkenness, and more. The first four items addressed are grouped as sexual works of the flesh. Adultery involves sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse, while fornication refers to any sexual activity outside of marriage. These are displeasing to God, as believers’ bodies are members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit.
Uncleanness refers to an impure or dirty mindset that produces immoral behavior, extending beyond Old Testament ceremonial law to mental and moral impurity in the New Testament (Romans 1, 2 Corinthians 12, Colossians 3). Lasciviousness describes open, flagrant lawlessness and public lewdness without regard for standards of decency or privacy (Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4, 2 Peter 2).
Scriptural instruction emphasizes sanctification and abstaining from these practices. Key passages highlight that the body is for the Lord, not fornication (1 Corinthians 6), and believers are called to holiness rather than uncleanness (1 Thessalonians 4). The pastor stresses that sex itself is not evil; it is honorable within marriage (Hebrews 13:4, Genesis 1-2). The problem lies in sex outside marriage, which leads to bondage rather than freedom. Believers are to possess their vessels in sanctification and honor, living as those bought with a price and set apart to God.
The message concludes by noting that victory comes through the truths in Romans 6, reckoning oneself dead to sin and alive to God.
