Sexual Immorality and the Christian

In the Bible, sexual immorality is the most common sin we are warned of. Various sins are listed in many places in the Bible, but sins of a sexual nature seem to dominate them. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed primarily because of sexual immorality. Sex is a wonderful gift given to us by the Lord, but through out the ages it has been used not only in a casual manner, but will also consume our minds if we allow it to. Sex touches almost every aspect of our daily lives in TV, advertising, movies, music and the interaction of individuals at work, school and leisure activities. In our society, people will have sexual relationships after only knowing each other for a short time.

As a Christian, we have power over sin but we are in no way immune to its temptation, so it is important we fully understand the consequences of these sins. The Bible describes sexual immorality in many ways. In Leviticus 18 there is a list of sexual sins that are called despicable. Then in the New Testament acts of impurity, orgies, adultery and homosexuality are also described as being sexually immoral.

Now as we look at the consequences, we must understand our actions will be judged. In Hebrews 13:4 it clearly tells us God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral individuals. Then in Ephesians 5: 3-5, Galatians 5:19-21 and Corinthians 6:9-10 it goes on to say, those who indulge in sexual immorality will not inherit the Kingdom of God. It is not in the Bible once, but several times and by multiple authors. These are very powerful verses, especially when you consider they were spoken to Christians in the early church. These teachings were not given to people outside the church, but to those who called themselves a Christian. God was serious about sexual immorality back then, just as He is today. Christians have the power to overcome sexual sins, but it is up to us to turn from the temptations that are all around us and follow the narrow path that leads to eternal life.

Now considering how a majority of Americans claim to be Christian, why is it that there is so much sex in our society today? One main reason is our church leaders are not spelling out what sexual immorality really is and the consequences. Sure there is a huge indignation toward homosexuality from Christians and yes it is a sin. However, it is a sin most Christians are not involved in, so it is the one they talk about the most because it involves others. My guess is that in most churches there are people having affairs outside of their marriage and others having casual sex. Why do we not see the indignation with these sins? They are listed right next to homosexuality in the Bible. The reason is they are not looking inwardly at themselves and these sins hit a little too close to home.

One other point is the Bible tells us that if a person who calls themselves brother or is a part of the body of Christ but is sexually immoral, we are not to associate with them (1Corinthians 5:11). Now we have to be very careful not to judge, but if a person in your church is outwardly indulging in these activities, you must distance yourself from them. As a Christian, we need to understand what sexual sins are and how serious they are in the eyes of the Lord.