Fleeing Sexual Immorality
Fornication is a big problem.
We, as Christians, need to know how to stay away from it.
What is Sexual Immorality?
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. 1 Corinthians 7:2. One rule of biblical interpretation is that you define words by the context. In these contexts, the opposite of sexual immorality is sex in marriage. Therefore, sexual immorality is sex outside of marriage.
Why Should We Flee Sexual Immorality?
It is the will of God (1 Thess. 4:3).
Our bodies belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
Sexuality is reserved for marriage (1 Thess. 4:4; Heb. 13:4). Sex was created to be in marriage. The unmarried have every right to look forward to their wedding night.
God has called us to purity (1 Thess. 4:7). Our lives are to be holy, pure. Nothing will damage a Christian’s influence quicker than immorality.
God will judge the immoral (Heb. 13:4; Gal. 5:19-21).
Corinth and Thessalonica were very immoral cities. The Greeks even invented a word korinthiazesthai which literally meant to live like a Corinthian. It meant to live in a state of drunkenness and immorality.
How Do We Flee Sexual Immorality?
In order to flee sexual immorality, we must guard our minds (1 Tim. 5:2; Phil. 4:8). This would rule out pornography, much of television, many movies, etc. This would rule out dwelling on sexual fantasies. Paul impresses on Timothy that people are not sexual objects.
Be careful whom you date. Proverbs 7:10-23. Proverbs 6:27-28.
Dating certain people is playing with fire. Even when we date the right people, we need to set down ground rules. Bedrooms should always be off limits. Pray on a date. Cars should never stop. Stay public. Never do anything you’d be embarrassed to tell your parents.
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Main Street church of Christ in Pikeville, Kentucky.