1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Apostle Paul explicitly admonishes us to abstain from sexual immorality that interferes with godly living. The Thessalonians with ungodly backgrounds lived a life of sexual looseness, which was not only rehearsed openly but was also endorsed. Sexual immorality was considered a priestly precedence, and adulterous sex was sometimes an act of deification. Although sexual immorality promises to be fun, it brings destruction, death, and divorce. Like fire, it becomes destructive if it gets out of control. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” Fornication is always a mutual sin engaged in by two or more. It is sometimes called premarital sex. The Bible identifies it as a sin against oneself. The Holy Spirit hates fornication because our body is the temple of God and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Sexual immorality separates God from His Temple and keeps God outside His Throne in our hearts. We incur the wrath of God when we destroy His temple.
The pursuit of fornication can be temporarily thrilling, but the result is death. Hebrews 11:25 reminds us that sin produces a moment of gratification and an eternity of remorse. Sex is NOT sinful; God created it, and it is to be enjoyed in the context God created it. We are also free to do what we want, but we are not free to choose the consequences of sexual immorality. As children of God, we are to flee fornication. To Christians, the will of God is clear, for no appeal to Christian liberty can justify fornication. In Genesis 39:7-15, when the wife of Potiphar tried to get Joseph to commit adultery with her, the Bible says that Joseph fled. Joseph knew that committing that sin would eventually finish his destiny. It is because we are literally naked and exposed, physically and spiritually, at risk when we engage in fornication. Many in the world and not in Christ are involved in all kinds of sexual immorality. They lose control of their lusts, dishonor their own and others’ bodies, and dive headlong into sexual immorality. Some people erroneously think that they can fornicate without affecting the presence of the Holy Spirit in them. However, Christians are to avoid and abstain from any and every form of sexual practice that lies outside the circle of God’s revealed will; believers in Christ are to avoid adultery, premarital and extramarital intercourse, homosexuality, and other perversions. Ephesians 5:3 says, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.”
Beloved, sexual immorality strips the glory of God away from you, which leads to pain, shame, slavery, and ultimately judgment. Indulging in sexual sin is always a losing proposition. It strips the glory of God away from you and clothes you in rags and shame. It never adds anything to you but always takes away your prized possessions. Your life as a Christian is a living witness to others, and you cannot break the laws of God without hindering others from coming to Christ. You must live in holiness before this sinful and wicked world, not according to their standards but to God’s standard in the Bible. Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it has sinned. So, knowing not to commit sexual immorality and doing it is a sin before God. Today, cut down every tree of adulterous lust in your heart before it cuts off your destiny. Whatever separates God from you is something to resist by all means! God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Ask God to forgive and help you if you are struggling with a lifestyle of immorality. Avoid any act or association that could lead to adultery. Remember, the will of God for your life.
O Lord, help me to abstain from sexual immorality. I receive the grace to honor You daily with my body in Jesus’ Name.