What practical steps can we take to "avoid sexual immorality"? The Clear Call: God’s Will Is Purity “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Understanding Sexual Immorality • “Sexual immorality” (Greek porneia) covers every sexual act outside the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). • “But among you, as is proper among saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Ephesians 5:3). • God’s standard is not cultural; it is timeless, loving protection. Guarding the Mind • Commit to Scripture memory and meditation; “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9). • Make a covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1). Install filters; delete apps or streaming sources that bait lust. • Filter thoughts immediately: “Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Guarding the Body • “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Leave tempting places or situations—don’t negotiate. • Establish clear physical boundaries in dating; avoid being alone in secluded settings. • Exercise, rest, and eat wisely; fatigue and neglect weaken resistance. Guarding Relationships • Pursue friendships that fuel holiness: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Date believers who honor the same standard (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Honor marriage vows; invest time, affection, and communication in your spouse (Proverbs 5:18-19). Embracing Accountability • Invite a trusted, same-gender believer to ask direct questions regularly (Proverbs 27:17). • Use accountability software that emails reports to mentors. • Confess quickly: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Feeding the Spirit • Daily Bible intake and prayer tune the heart to God’s voice (Galatians 5:16). • Fast periodically to train desires to submit to Christ. • Engage in corporate worship and service; idleness invites temptation. Replacing Lies with Truth • Lie: “I can’t help myself.” Truth: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man… He will also provide an escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Lie: “I deserve this pleasure.” Truth: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Living Out Victory Daily • Start each day surrendered: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Rely on the Holy Spirit moment by moment (Galatians 5:22-23). • If you stumble, repent immediately—don’t hide (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate progress, however small; purity is a Spirit-empowered journey. |
    |