How can Christians today avoid "sexual immorality" as instructed in Acts 15:20? Our Core Verse “Instead, we should write to them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.” (Acts 15:20) The Big Picture of Sexual Immorality • Scripture defines sexual immorality as any sexual thought or act outside the covenant union of one man and one woman in marriage (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5; Hebrews 13:4). • This includes premarital sex, adultery, homosexual practice, pornography, lustful fantasizing, and all other distortions of God’s design (Matthew 5:27-28; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Why Purity Matters • We belong to the Lord. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • Purity reflects God’s holiness. “For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) • Sexual sin uniquely damages body, soul, relationships, and witness. “He who sins sexually sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) Daily Decisions That Guard the Heart • Flee, do not linger. “Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) • Say no early. “Can a man carry fire against his chest without burning his clothes?” (Proverbs 6:27-28) • Keep a covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1) and devices: filtering software, locked settings, intentional media choices. • Set clear physical and emotional boundaries in dating or engagement; meet in public places, end evenings early, stay accountable. Renewing the Mind With Truth • Saturate life with Scripture. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) • Meditate on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). • Let the Word confront fantasies; replace lustful images with passages memorized. • Fast from media that normalizes impurity; fill downtime with edifying books, music, fellowship, service. Walking by the Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Begin each day yielding body and mind to God (Romans 12:1-2). • Cultivate worship, gratitude, and praise—desires shrink when the heart is satisfied in Christ. Strength Through Community • Pursue close friendships with believers who prize holiness (2 Timothy 2:22). • Establish an accountability partner or small group; share victories and battles, confess promptly (James 5:16). • Stay planted in a Bible-preaching church; serve, attend studies, and invite mentoring from older, godly saints. Practical Boundaries That Help • Keep electronics out of the bedroom at night. • Limit unsupervised time alone with someone you might be attracted to. • Treat coworkers, classmates, and friends with sibling-level honor (1 Timothy 5:1-2). • Choose modest clothing that honors Christ and protects others. • Guard travel: avoid hotels or trips alone when possible; if necessary, stay accountable through calls or check-ins. When Temptation Strikes • Quote Scripture aloud (Matthew 4:1-11 pattern). • Physically move—leave the room, go for a walk, call a friend. • Pray for the person you are tempted to objectify; see them as an image-bearer, not an object. • Remember the consequences; rehearse the joy of obedience. Restoration After Failure • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Turn immediately to Christ, not away from Him. • Make repentance concrete—delete files, end unhealthy relationships, seek counsel. • Receive His cleansing, then press on in renewed obedience (Philippians 3:13-14). Conclusion: Living Set Apart God never commands without enabling. By His Word, His Spirit, and the support of His people, believers today can obey Acts 15:20 and shine in a culture darkened by sexual confusion. Purity glorifies the Savior, strengthens the church, and proclaims a better story to the watching world. |
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