Paul's Letters: Specific Sins And Their Mentions

The Bible contains many references to sins, and the apostle Paul makes several mentions of specific sins in his letters. In Romans 7:19, Paul writes, For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. This passage has been interpreted in various ways, with some arguing that Paul is referring to his present state as a converted Christian, while others suggest he is speaking of his past, unconverted state.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul also addresses sins such as idolatry, homosexuality, adultery, and lust, which he condemns as shameful and unnatural. Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 6 include a list of sins that will prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God, including sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, theft, greed, drunkenness, reviling, and swindling.

Paul's letters provide valuable insights into the Christian understanding of sin and offer guidance on how to live a righteous life.

Sexual immorality

Paul begins by acknowledging the common maxim used by the Corinthians to justify their sexual behaviour: "Everything is permissible for me." He recognises that some members of the church were sleeping with prostitutes and defending their actions by claiming freedom to do as they pleased. However, Paul emphasises that while Christians have freedom in Christ, it does not grant us a license to do whatever we want. He urges the Corinthians to consider the consequences of their actions and to act responsibly, pleasing God rather than gratifying their desires.

Paul specifically calls believers to flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). He clarifies that sexual immorality includes any behaviour that enslaves or masters us sexually. This could be any behaviour that we cannot go a day without thinking about or doing, indicating that it has become an addiction. Paul highlights the seriousness of sexual immorality and its impact on both the individual and others.

Firstly, he points out that our bodies are eternal (1 Corinthians 6:14). Engaging in sexual immorality can rewire our brains and bodies, leading to lasting internal and eternal consequences. Secondly, Paul discusses the nature of the sexual union, quoting Genesis 2:24: "The two will become one flesh." This highlights the vulnerability and deep emotional connection that occurs during sexual intercourse, which should be reserved for marriage.

Paul also explains that sexual immorality affects not only the individual but also the body of Christ, which includes fellow believers (1 Corinthians 6:15-16). As members of Christ, we share the same spirit and body, and our actions can pollute the entire body. Therefore, we must hold ourselves and each other accountable to God's standard.

In conclusion, Paul's teachings on sexual immorality emphasise the need to flee from any form of sexual activity outside of marriage. It is a serious sin that harms both the individual and the body of Christ. By understanding and applying these teachings, believers can honour God and protect their relationships with Him and others.

Impurity and debauchery

Debauchery, derived from the Greek word 'asōtia', means dissipation or wildness. It is defined as "extreme indulgence in bodily pleasures and especially sexual pleasures: behaviour involving sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. that is often considered immoral." Debauchery is also defined as "seduction from virtue or duty." It is an inherently selfish act that leads to the abuse of the gifts God has given his creatures.

Paul's letter to the Galatians serves as a warning against the consequences of indulging in impurity and debauchery. He reminds his readers that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Instead, they are called to live differently from the rest of the world, being self-controlled and sober-minded.

The Bible provides clear instructions on how to avoid impurity and debauchery. Believers are encouraged to walk by the Spirit, leading a life that is not fulfilling the evil desires that all believers struggle with. By walking by the Spirit, one can live out God's righteousness and experience unshakable peace, immeasurable joy, secure hope, and abundant love.

In conclusion, impurity and debauchery are works of the flesh that go against God's design for humanity. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, believers have access to a greater law—the Law of Spirit and Life—which enables them to overcome the lust of the flesh and live a life pleasing to God.

Idolatry and witchcraft

Idolatry

The word "idolatry" comes from the Greek "eidololatria", which means the worship of idols. The compound word is made up of "eidolon", meaning a manmade idol, and "latria", which means to work or serve. In the Bible, idolatry is regarded as a breach of the commandments delivered to the ancient Israelites. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines idolatry as "image-worship or divine honour paid to any created object".

Paul describes the origin of idolatry in Romans 1:21-25: "men forsook God, and sank into ignorance and moral corruption". Idolatry can take many forms, including the worship of nature, heroes or ancestors, or even wealth and material possessions.

The Bible contains several examples of idolatry, such as the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32, where the Israelites create a golden calf to worship while Moses is receiving the Ten Commandments. Another example is the story of Nebuchadnezzar's Statue in Daniel 3, where King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon commands his officials to worship a giant gold statue, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse and are miraculously saved.

Witchcraft

The word "witchcraft" in Galatians comes from the Greek "pharmakeia", which refers to medicines or drugs that inhibit a person's personality or alter their behaviour. In the context of Paul's time, paganism ruled the Roman Empire, and a prominent feature of these dark, demonic religions was the use of mind-altering drugs in their temples.

Paul's use of the word "witchcraft" can be understood as referring to the flesh's attempts to avoid being confronted and changed. Instead of dealing with their problems, people may turn to alcohol or drugs to escape their reality, only to find that their issues remain when the effects wear off.

Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, ambition, dissensions, factions and envy

In Galatians 5:19-23, Paul lists several specific sins, including "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy".

These sins are grouped with other acts of the flesh, such as sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, witchcraft, drunkenness, and orgies. Paul warns that those who engage in such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. Instead, he encourages followers to bear the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The term "hatred" in Greek is "echthra", signifying enmity or hostility, reflecting a deep-seated animosity that leads to conflict and division. "Discord" is translated from "eris", referring to strife or contention that arises from pride or selfish ambition. "Jealousy" is "zelos", denoting an envious or covetous attitude, often stemming from insecurity or a lack of contentment. "Fits of rage" is translated as "thumos", representing passionate outbursts of anger and a loss of self-control. "Selfish ambition", or "rivalries", is "eritheia", referring to self-promotion at the expense of others, leading to competition and division. "Dissensions" and "factions" are similar, with "eritheia" and "dichostasiai" signifying factious feelings and more distinctly formed parties or divisions. Finally, "envy" is "phthonos", representing grudging or resentful feelings towards others' advantages or blessings.

Paul's warning serves as a reminder to Christians to cultivate forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, and unity within their communities, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit and ensuring they remain aligned with God's will.

Drunkenness and orgies

> Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Here, Paul is continuing a list of sins, which also includes sexual sins, anger-related sins, and relationship sins. He is clear that drunkenness and orgies are sins of excess, and that while Scripture does not forbid the consumption of alcohol, it always condemns drunkenness.

The Greek term used for "drunkenness" is "methai", which refers specifically to the effects of consuming too much alcohol or other mind-altering substances. The term for "orgies" is "komoi", referring to wild, alcohol-fuelled events featuring lewd behaviour, excessive eating and drinking, wild dancing, and sexual immorality. These parties were often part of the worship of pagan gods.

Paul's list is not exhaustive, but it serves as a warning to believers that certain behaviours are incompatible with a life led by the Spirit. He is not saying that a single instance of drunkenness or participation in an orgy will exclude someone from the kingdom of God, but rather that a lifestyle characterised by such behaviours indicates a lack of repentance and turning away from sin.

Other verses in the Bible also associate drunkenness with negative consequences, such as Proverbs 23:20-21, which states:

> Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Drunkenness is also linked to bad decisions, sinful behaviour, and problems for the individual and those around them. It interferes with being filled with the Spirit, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:18:

> And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

In summary, Paul's message is a warning against drunkenness and orgies as behaviours that are contrary to a life led by the Spirit and will exclude one from the kingdom of God if practised habitually without repentance.

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