Great men of high integrity have been ruined by unrestrained sexual conquest: David with Bathsheba comes to mind. Families, lives, and reputations have been ruined by one night of indiscretion. Ministries have been toppled while men and women of high standing in the Christian community have been destroyed because of unrestrained sexual impulses.
In the Bible, not only were whole cities destroyed due to illicit sexual sin, but the entire earth was flooded because angels couldn't restrain themselves from sexual behavior with human women! (for more on this CLICK HERE) Why - because sex is fun and the ultimate expression of intimacy.
America experienced a sexual revolution that began in the late 60's and has culminated to our anything goes society of today. The message: "if it feels good, do it!" becomes a modern day motto of sorts. "Safe sex" is taught in schools as early as kindergarten and the message of abstinence is scoffed at as ridiculously old fashioned.
The news is filled with the sexual misadventures of Hollywood stars and political figures making the rest of us feel as if we are somehow not normal for living monogamous or celibate lifestyles. We are taught in schools we are evolved from animals thus, we can only expect to act like animals, mating at will.
The church's attitude toward sex has been less than consistent, as well. Conservative churches are quick to attack the homosexual movement, while turning a blind eye to pre-marital sex within it's walls. We just expect dating heterosexuals to have sex or cohabitate. Maybe it is just easier to ignore and we fall back on the wimp's favorite passage when confronted with sin, "judge not..."
Sexual purity is essential to a healthy church and a healthy relationship with God. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Condemnation is not the issue, living a life pleasing to God and obeying the commands of scripture are the issues. My intent is not to shame or condemn anyone, my intent is to point out hypocrisy in the church while warning against falling outside God's will due to sexual sin.
Sexual sin, like all sin, separates us from God and restricts us from His blessings and provisions. Sexual sin, like all sin, hinders our ability to serve God effectively.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
God loves you and does not set boundaries in order to restrict you from fun, He sets boundaries to protect you. In the case of God's commands against sexually immoral behavior, we are protected from disease and complicated entanglements within relationships. A study cited in the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law named pornography and sexual freedom as two of the main contributing factors to violence against women.
God offers forgiveness and power to overcome the desires and temptations of sexual sin.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Do not allow sexual sin to derail your spiritual life. God designed you for so much better! It is never too late to repent and live in purity.
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