Incontinency, in a biblical context, refers to a lack of self-control, particularly in relation to sexual desires and behaviors. This concept is addressed in various passages of Scripture, highlighting the importance of self-discipline and the dangers of succumbing to fleshly desires.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 7:5 : "Do not deprive one another, except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control." This verse addresses married couples, emphasizing the importance of mutual consent in abstaining from sexual relations. It warns against prolonged abstinence, which could lead to incontinency and temptation by Satan.

2. 2 Timothy 3:1-3 : "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good." Here, the Apostle Paul lists a series of sinful behaviors that will characterize people in the last days, including a lack of self-control, which is synonymous with incontinency.

3. Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." In contrast to incontinency, self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a virtue cultivated by living in accordance with the Holy Spirit.

Theological Implications:

Incontinency is often seen as a manifestation of living according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. The Bible consistently calls believers to exercise self-control as a reflection of their commitment to God and their desire to live a holy life. The lack of self-control can lead to various forms of sin, including sexual immorality, which is condemned throughout Scripture.

Practical Considerations:

For Christians, overcoming incontinency involves a reliance on the Holy Spirit to cultivate self-control. This can be achieved through prayer, studying Scripture, and engaging in spiritual disciplines. Accountability within the Christian community is also vital, as believers are encouraged to support one another in their spiritual growth and in resisting temptation.

Historical Context:

In the early church, incontinency was a significant concern, particularly in the context of marriage and celibacy. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addressed issues of sexual morality, urging believers to maintain purity and self-control. The early church fathers also wrote extensively on the topic, emphasizing the importance of chastity and the dangers of succumbing to carnal desires.

In summary, incontinency is a critical issue addressed in the Bible, with a strong emphasis on the need for self-control as a mark of a Spirit-led life. The Scriptures provide guidance and encouragement for believers to overcome incontinency and live in a manner that honors God.1. (n.) Incapacity to hold; hence, incapacity to hold back or restrain; the quality or state of being incontinent; want of continence; failure to restrain the passions or appetites; indulgence of lust; lewdness.

2. (n.) The inability of any of the animal organs to restrain the natural evacuations, so that the discharges are involuntary; as, incontinence of urine.

INCONTINENCY

in-kon'-ti-nen-si (akrasia, "without control"): In 1 Corinthians 7:5, it evidently refers to lack of control in a particular matter, and signifies unchastity. In Matthew 23:25, the Greek word is translated in both the King James Version and the American Standard Revised Version by "excess."

192. akrasia -- want of power
... to lack of self-control, self-indulgence. From akrates; want of self-restraint --
excess, incontinency. see GREEK akrates. (akrasian) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/192.htm - 7k

Concerning Widows.
... Third marriages are indications of incontinency. But such marriages as are beyond
the third are manifest fornication, and unquestionable uncleanness. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

What was the Character of his Brother in Empire...
... Add to all this the incontinency of that pestilent wretch, not only in debauching
males, which is hateful and abominable, but also in the violation of the ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap viii what was the.htm

The Same Argument.
... Then, after having given this permission, he immediately added these words, [2590]
"that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency;" which means, "if you, such ...
/.../chapter xi the same argument.htm

Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ...
... except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to prayer; [2593]
and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. ...
/.../chapter xii paul an example to.htm

What Sins are Trivial and what Heinous is a Matter for God's ...
... consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer: and come
together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." [1250] Now it ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 78 what sins are trivial.htm

Of the Benefit of virginity and of Continency.
... except by agreement for a time, that ye may have leisure for prayer; and again return
to the same point, lest Satan tempt you on account of your incontinency. ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/32 of the benefit of.htm

Marriage and Property Allowed to the Baptized by the Apostles.
... the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may have leisure for prayer;
and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. ...
/.../chapter 35 name and property.htm

An Embassage to Caesar; and How Caesar Confirmed Herod's Testament ...
... That they would say nothing of the corruption of the chastity of their virgins,
and the reproach laid on their wives for incontinency, and those things acted ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 an embassage to.htm

Concerning Bishops and the Lower Orders who Wait Upon the Most ...
... Aurelius, the bishop, said: We add, most dear brethren, moreover, since we have
heard of the incontinency of certain clerics, even of readers, towards their ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxv greek xxviii concerning.htm

A Certain Degree of Intemperance is to be Tolerated in the Case of ...
... except it be with consent for a time, that ye may have leisure for prayer; [2116]
and then come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 16 xiv a certain degree.htm

Incontinency (1 Occurrence)
... urine. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. INCONTINENCY. in-kon ... excess.".
Multi-Version Concordance Incontinency (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians ...
/i/incontinency.htm - 7k

Incontinence (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Incontinency. Multi-Version Concordance
Incontinence (2 Occurrences). Matthew 23:25 Wo to ...
/i/incontinence.htm - 7k

Incontinent (1 Occurrence)

/i/incontinent.htm - 7k

Defraud (11 Occurrences)
... except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and
prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency...
/d/defraud.htm - 9k

Except (236 Occurrences)
... except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and
prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency...
/e/except.htm - 35k

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