Topical Encyclopedia Chastity, a virtue highly esteemed within Christian ethics, is the practice of refraining from sexual immorality and maintaining purity in thought and deed. It is a commitment to sexual integrity, aligning one's actions with the moral teachings of Scripture. The Bible presents chastity not merely as a personal choice but as a divine mandate, preserved and guided by wisdom.Biblical Foundation The call to chastity is rooted in the understanding of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." Role of Wisdom Wisdom, as depicted in the Scriptures, is a divine attribute that guides believers in making righteous choices, including the pursuit of chastity. Proverbs 2:10-12 highlights the protective role of wisdom: "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity." The Book of Proverbs frequently associates wisdom with moral purity and the avoidance of sexual sin. Proverbs 5:1-2 advises, "My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge." Here, wisdom is portrayed as a safeguard against the temptations that lead to sexual immorality. Chastity in the Life of Believers For Christians, chastity is not only a personal virtue but also a communal responsibility. The New Testament encourages believers to support one another in maintaining purity. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God." The pursuit of chastity is intertwined with the pursuit of holiness, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. Hebrews 12:14 urges, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Wisdom as a Guide The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, serves as a guide for those seeking to live a chaste life. Proverbs 7 warns against the allure of adultery and the seductive nature of sexual sin, emphasizing the need for wisdom to discern and avoid such pitfalls. Proverbs 7:4-5 states, "Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman, that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words." Practical Application In practical terms, wisdom involves the application of biblical principles to everyday life, helping believers navigate relationships and societal pressures. It encourages setting boundaries, seeking accountability, and engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Scripture study to fortify one's commitment to chastity. The Apostle James underscores the importance of divine wisdom in James 1:5 : "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that God provides the necessary wisdom to uphold chastity in a world rife with temptation. Conclusion Chastity, preserved by wisdom, is a testament to the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit in the life of a believer. It reflects a heart aligned with God's will, seeking to honor Him through purity and holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 2:10,11,16When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul; Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 7:1-5 Library The True and Chaste virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla How it is that Porphyry Has Been So Blind as not to Recognize the ... The Spirit Rebukes Just as do the Father and the Son... Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity. The Same Endeavour and Effort after virginity, with a Different ... Colossians iii. 16, 17 Philo's Account of the Ascetics of Egypt. Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ... On the Coming of Our Lord in the Flesh; Its Nature and Cause. The Levites Ought to be Utterly Free from all Earthly Desires. ... Resources What is cultural Marxism? | GotQuestions.orgWas some of Proverbs copied from the Instruction of Amenemope? | GotQuestions.org Christian Character ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Chastity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Chastity: Consequences of Associating With Those Devoid of Chastity: Drunkenness Destructive To Chastity: General Scriptures Concerning Chastity: Shun Those Devoid of Chastity: Temptation to Deviate From, Dangerous Chastity: The Wicked are Devoid of Chastity: Want of, Excludes from Heaven Related Terms |
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