(The following is the July 15 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Corinthians 6 and pay close attention to verses 12-20.)
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible warns about sexual immorality. If God cares enough to warn us about the improper use of this God-given gift, it is wise to know what he says about it. Obeying him is best for our well-being and safety. God designed sex as a good thing and wants us to enjoy it within the scriptural boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman. Any expression outside that context is a sin that harms our relationship with God and others involved. Used appropriately, we honor God and his design.
Paul pleaded with the Corinthian church, “Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body” (vv. 18-20).
Sadly, we live in a hyper-sexualized time when opportunities for sexual immorality abound. Sexually explicit media, changing cultural norms, what we unintentionally see going about our day, and our continuing struggle against fleshly desires can all work against efforts for sexual purity. Because of the strength of these urges and sin’s devastating effects, we must flee sexual immorality, as Paul said.
Sin harms us and our most important relationships, including with God. Relationships with others are vital for his life, but our relationship with God determines our eternal destiny. God is eager to forgive all sin if we turn from it to him. Willfully continuing in a lifestyle of known sin suggests we do not know and love Christ.
Next Step:
How can you minimize the temptation of sexual sin in your life (e.g., not placing yourself in compromising or tempting situations, changing the media you consume, etc.)?
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