How can we help others avoid the sins listed in 2 Corinthians 12:21? Setting the Scene “ I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery in which they have indulged.” — 2 Corinthians 12:21 Identifying the Sins • Impurity (moral uncleanness, hidden or public) • Sexual immorality (any sexual activity outside God-ordained marriage) • Debauchery (unrestrained, shameless, often public indulgence in sin) God’s Heart for Purity • Ephesians 5:3 — “But among you, as is proper for saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…” • Psalm 119:9 — “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” Practical Ways to Help Others • Model holiness consistently; authentic living has persuasive power (1 Timothy 4:12). • Build trusting relationships so truth can be spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Provide gentle, Scripture-centered correction (Galatians 6:1). • Offer accountability partnerships—regular check-ins, mutual confession (James 5:16). • Teach sound doctrine on sexuality and the body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Create ministry environments where repentance is welcomed and shame is lifted by grace (2 Corinthians 7:10). • Direct struggling believers toward professional, biblically grounded counseling when needed (Proverbs 11:14). • Pray specifically for conviction, courage, and cleansing (Colossians 1:9-10). Scripture-Based Approaches to Restoration • Matthew 18:15-17: private appeal → small group appeal → church appeal, always aiming for win-back. • Jude 22-23: “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire.” • James 5:19-20: turning a sinner from error “will save his soul from death.” • 2 Corinthians 2:6-8: after discipline, reaffirm love and restore to fellowship. Guarding Ourselves While We Help • 1 Corinthians 10:12 — “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • Galatians 6:1 — “Restore him with a spirit of gentleness, but watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Maintain clear boundaries; avoid situations that compromise integrity (Proverbs 4:23-27). Encouraging Ongoing Repentance and Growth • 1 John 1:9: continual confession brings cleansing. • Romans 12:2: renewing the mind through Scripture replaces worldly patterns. • Colossians 3:5-10: “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature…” and “put on the new self.” Living as a Community of Light • Ephesians 5:8-11: “Live as children of light… Have no part in the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” • Hebrews 10:24-25: meet together, spur one another on toward love and good deeds. • Philippians 2:15: shine like stars in a crooked generation, offering a compelling alternative to impurity. Final Encouragement God’s plan for purity is protective and freeing. By walking in the Spirit, speaking truth in love, and clinging to the sufficiency of Scripture, believers can help brothers and sisters turn from impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery into the joyful liberty of holiness. |
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