Godly Wisdom for Gospel Living: Session 14 – The Dangers of Sexual Sin

The High Cost of Sexual Sin: Embracing God's Design for SexualityHave you ever wondered why the Bible seems to make such a big deal about sex? In our modern culture, it often feels like everyone is talking about sex except the church. But the truth is, God has a lot to say on this topic - and for good reason. As we dive into 1 Corinthians 6, we'll discover that sexual sin carries a much higher price tag than we might realize. The Danger of Wrong Thinking When it comes to sex, our culture promotes a lot of ideas that directly contradict God's Word. As Christians, we need to be aware of these dangerous thought patterns: 1. "God will forgive sexual sin, so it's no big deal." Yes, God does forgive sexual sin - praise Him for His mercy! But that doesn't mean sexual sin is harmless. I often say, "There's a cost to sexual sin. There are physical costs to sexual sin. There are emotional costs to sexual sin. There are relational costs to sexual sin. There are familial costs to sexual sin." Just because God forgives doesn't mean we should take sin lightly. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable." There's an addictive element to sexual sin that can quickly bring us under its power if we're not careful. 2. "Sexual activity is just satisfying an appetite." Our culture often reduces sex to a mere physical act - no different than eating when you're hungry. But God's design for sex goes far deeper. It's not just about satisfying urges; it's about two becoming one flesh in the context of marriage. 3. "It's my body - I can do what I want with it." This might be the most pervasive lie in our society today. But as believers, we need to recognize that our bodies don't ultimately belong to us. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." Thinking Rightly About Sex So how should we think about sex as followers of Christ? Here are a few key truths to keep in mind: 1. We are part of Christ's body. As believers, we are united with Christ. What we do with our bodies, we do as part of Christ's body. Paul asks a sobering question in 1 Corinthians 6:15, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!" 2. Sexual activity makes two into one. God designed sex to be a unifying act between a husband and wife. It's not just a physical joining, but a spiritual one as well. This is why casual sex or sex outside of marriage is so destructive - it creates soul ties that God never intended. 3. Our bodies belong to God. We are not our own - we were bought with the precious blood of Christ. This means we have a responsibility to honor God with our bodies, including our sexuality. Run, Don't Walk! When it comes to sexual temptation, Paul doesn't mince words. He commands us in 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee immorality." The Greek word here is "pheugo" - it means to run away, to escape, to flee. I like to translate it as, "Run, run, run, run!" Why such urgency? Because sexual sin is uniquely destructive. Paul continues, "Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18). We see a great example of this "fleeing" in action with Joseph in Genesis 39. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, Joseph didn't stick around to argue or try to resist - he ran out of the house! Glorifying God in Body and Spirit Putting It Into Practice

So how do we put all of this into practice? Here are some practical steps: 1. Recognize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Treat it with the reverence and respect it deserves. 2. Remember that you were bought with a price. Your life is not your own - it belongs to Christ. 3. Flee from sexual immorality. Don't flirt with temptation or put yourself in compromising situations. 4. If you're married, "drink water from your own cistern" (Proverbs 5:15). Find sexual fulfillment within the bounds of your marriage. 5. If you're single, guard your heart and your body. Trust God's timing and His plan for your life. 6. If you've fallen into sexual sin, repent and receive God's forgiveness. Remember, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The Bottom Line Sexual sin carries a high price tag - but Jesus paid an even higher price to redeem us. Let's honor His sacrifice by living lives of sexual purity and using our bodies to glorify Him. As Paul exhorts us, "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20). Will you commit today to thinking rightly about sex and fleeing from sexual immorality? Your body is a temple - treat it that way!