God’s Perspective on Sexual Immorality

[This entry is a summary of notes complied from a Bible study as presented in Mack, Wayne (1979). A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Vol. 1: Personal and Interpersonal Problems. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed PublishingCo., 1981. “Sex Problems,” pp. 164-165.

Why? Because sometimes this stuff just needs to be said.]

God is not ambiguous and says very plainly that sexual immorality is an abomination (Lev. 18:22) and is a judgment of God for one who exchanges and suppresses the truth of God for a lie (Ro. 1:24-32). God has made it very clear that those who are sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

Sexual immorality is contrary to, disobedient to the sound teaching of the gospel of God (1 Tim. 1:8-11). The source of lust is an impure heart (2 Tim 2:22) and to engage in lustful and imaginary acts is to do the act itself (Mt. 5:27-32). Gross immorality and pursuing strange flesh deserves the harshest punishment (Lev. 20:13). Gross immorality cries out to God and must be dealt with (Gen. 19:1-29). Fantasizing and imaginings of the flesh are defiling, authority rejecting and ignorant of spiritual helps (Jude 7-8) and is simply an open raging against the LORD (Prov. 19:3). “The naïve go on and are punished for it” (Prov. 22:3).

Staying onto the path of sexual immorality is to stray onto the path of destruction (Prov. 7:1-27). Sexual immorality is the binding cord of sin (Prov. 5:20-23). Falling into sexual immorality is like falling into a deep well (Prov. 23:26-28). It wastes resources and brings sadness to the family (Prov. 29:3) and is a trap for the destruction of those who fall into it (Eph. 4:7-16).

To overcome, one must first never exchange anything for the truth of God. All He is and all He has done is sufficient and is irreplaceable (Ro 1:24-32). One must be washed, justified and sanctified (1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:3-5) by submitting to the sound teaching of the gospel of God (1 Tim. 1:8-11).

Lust is avoided by not chasing after or submitting to the desire of the flesh (Gen. 29:1-17; Mt. 5:27-32) but separating from it to pursue righteousness, utilizing faith and living in love and peace with God (2 Tim. 2:22). Remembering the examples of those who were destroyed (Gen. 19:1-29) should encourage one not to dream so as to act in the heart (Mt. 5:27-32). One should discipline the flesh, beginning with paying attention to and obeying spiritual helps (Jude 7-8). Using weapons of spiritual warfare, destroy speculations and allow nothing to be raised up against the knowledge of God--second-guess nothing. This includes taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5).

Run to win, not to just be in the race--do not be a slave to the body (1 Cor. 9:24-27) because one is slave to that which he obeys (Ro. 6:1-23). To get self control, one needs the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24). This is possible by Jesus, who has given us all things for life and godliness (Ro. 8:32, 37; 2 Pe. 1:3-4). With every temptation, take the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13) and live in the efficacy of the finished work of Christ by putting off the deeds of darkness (sexual immorality) and by putting on the armor of light (the Lord Jesus Christ), provide nothing to the flesh. (Ro. 13:11-14).

God sees and knows everything about a man (Prov. 5:20-23). One should be accountable and “walk with wise men” (Prov. 27:17) and not go down that path of destruction (Prov. 17:14). Find safety in the Lord and all He has done and know He will be faithful to defend (Prov. 18:10), for “the prudent man sees evil and hides himself” (Prov 22:3; 18:10; 27:12).

Be aware of those called “friends” (Prov. 22:24-25) for bad company corrupts good morals (Prov. 23:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:33). Give the whole heart and affections to God, letting all desires be fulfilled in Him (Prov. 23:26-28). Feed on the Word of God and don’t feed the fire (Ps. 119:9-11; Prov. 29:18; Prov. 26:20-22). Be surrounded by people who will pray and will edify and look forward to the hope that is to come (Acts 20:32).

Worship God in body by giving it to him. Prove the goodness of God be how the way life is lived in that which is totally His (Ro. 12:1-2). God wills that our bodies be used as one who knows Him (1 Thess. 4:3-5). We are given a place and purpose in the body of Christ (Eph. 4:7-16).