The Bible condemns sexual immorality, teaching that sexual purity is essential to living a life that honors God. This encompasses not only physical acts but also lustful thoughts, with a strong emphasis on the sanctity of marriage.
Sexual Immorality: Table of Contents
- Sexual Immorality in the Bible
- Sexual Immorality Definition
- C.S. Lewis on Sexual Immorality
- Sexual Immorality and Biblical Teachings
- Bible Verses about Sexual Immorality
- Additional Context: The Impact of Sexual Immorality in Modern Society
Sexual Immorality in the Bible
In the Bible, sexual immorality is strongly condemned. In the Old Testament, laws were given to the Israelites designed to discourage sexual immorality. These laws prohibited adultery and other forms of sexual misconduct, such as incest and rape. In the New Testament, Jesus taught that all sexual relationships outside of marriage are immoral. He also taught that lusting after someone is just as sinful as the act itself. The Bible makes it clear that God expects us to remain sexually pure and faithful to our spouses. God's plan for marriage is beautiful, and He wants us to honor and protect it. If we do not, we risk damaging our relationships with both God and others.
In the New Testament, “sexual immorality” is most frequently translated as porneia, which means “a surrendering of sexual purity,” and is mostly used regarding premarital sexual relations. From this Greek word, we get the English word pornography, deriving from the idea of “selling off.” Sexual immorality is essentially the “selling off” of sexual purity and involves sexual expression beyond the boundaries of a biblically defined marriage relationship (Matthew 19:4-5).
Sexual Immorality Definition
As defined in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary, Sexual Immorality is...
"Interpersonal activity involving sex organs that does not conform to God's revealed laws governing sexuality. The account of creation (Gen 1:1-28) includes reproductive activity as an essential part of the developmental scheme. This important function is given special prominence in the narrative describing the creation of woman (Gen 2:21-24)..."
C.S. Lewis on Sexual Immorality
C.S. Lewis, many years ago, in his book Mere Christianity, described our modern battle with human sexuality in the following words:
The Christian idea of marriage is based on Christ’s words that a man and wife are to be regarded as a single organism...The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union (the sexual) from all the other kinds of union which was intended to go along with it and make up the total union...
In simple terms, sexual immorality is essentially the engagement in sexual acts outside of the sanctity of marriage, the divine union of creating and fostering life. Continue reading to learn the practical and spiritual consequences of becoming a slave to your passions when succumbing to the temptation of sexual immorality.
Sexual Immorality and Biblical Teachings
(The following text uses excerpts from Sexual Immorality: Beyond Body Parts & Nerve Endings by John A. Huffman Jr.)
Flee from sexual immorality...your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit...Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Three action principles leap out of this biblical passage:
Action Principle #1: Face the reality of your own sexuality and your vulnerability to its distortion.
John Huffman explains the teachings of Paul from 1 Corinthians, saying:
"Paul doesn’t beat around the bush...the gospel is one of healing and restoration..."
Action Principle #2: Deal honestly with the biblical theology of your sexuality.
Paul wrestles with this as he writes, “All things are lawful for me...but not all things are beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 6:12-14).
Action Principle #3: Sexual sin destroys. Flee from it!
Paul writes, “Flee from sexual immorality...” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Bible Verses about Sexual Immorality
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. ~ Hebrews 13:4
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality... ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ~ Ephesians 5:3
Additional Context: The Impact of Sexual Immorality in Modern Society
In modern society, sexual immorality has broader implications beyond personal relationships. The pervasive nature of media and online content has amplified the normalization of sexual behaviors outside the confines of marriage. This cultural shift poses challenges, particularly for Christians seeking to live according to biblical teachings. The rise of pornography and the glorification of casual sexual encounters have led to the objectification of individuals and a decline in viewing relationships through a spiritual lens.
The impact of sexual immorality on mental health is also notable. Studies have linked promiscuity and casual sex to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. This further underscores the Bible’s warning about the consequences of engaging in sexual behaviors outside of God’s design for marriage. Sexual purity promotes emotional well-being and a deeper connection in marital relationships, as outlined in scripture.
As believers, it is important to remember that God’s design for sex within marriage is not restrictive, but protective. It preserves the sanctity of marriage and honors the deeper, spiritual union between spouses. Christians today must remain vigilant in maintaining sexual purity and resisting the temptations of an increasingly permissive society.
Find inspiration with 15 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know By Heart HERE for you to download or share with loved ones!
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