Paul speaks of those who, “…being past feeling, have given themselves over to LEWDNESS (aselgeia: outrageous conduct, conduct shocking to public decency), to work ALL UNCLEANNESS WITH GREEDINESS. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that YOU PUT OFF, concerning your former conduct, THE OLD MAN which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you PUT ON THE NEW MAN which was CREATED ACCORDING TO GOD, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:19-25)
Three additional drawbacks to the life of unbelievers are provided in this verse, in addition to the two given in verse 18.
FIRST, “They have become lewd.” Used only here in the Bible, the meaning of “lewdness” is that of becoming numb and desensitized to sin. Unbelievers can do what is wrong and have LITTLE OR NO conviction of wrongdoing.
SECOND, unbelievers have put themselves under the control of their sexual urges. This reference to sexual immorality is general and could include a variety of practices. Paul uses the Greek term paredōkan, someone handed over to the power of another, betrayed, or captured. Sin is not only destructive, but also addictive. Saddest of all, the brutal oppression of sin is something we inflict on ourselves: we “give ourselves up” to it.
THIRD, unbelievers seem eager to push the limits of human immorality. Paul uses this phrase as a general description, rather than making a longer, more specific list of sins. This is evident due to the transition he makes in the next verse, “but” in order to remind believers that this is not how they are to live. Paul often spoke of immorality as DISPLEASING TO GOD (Romans 1:24; 6:19😉.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham