Guardrails for Sexual Immorality
Atomic Habits for Spiritual Growth
Through the years, I’ve heard people wonder why sexual sin is such a big deal. Paul answers it directly.
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
Our bodies are a physical place where God’s presence dwells. What you do with it matters.
God created sex as an exclusive act between a husband and wife in the context of marriage. That covenant creates safety and trust. God’s word is clear that any sexual activity outside of His design is sin and pulls against what He is building in you and in others.
The world will not reinforce this. Following Jesus means choosing a different path, one that reflects who you belong to.
And, there are responsibilities for followers of Jesus to put guardrails in place to protect the marriage bed as sacred and holy.
When Paul addresses sexual temptation, he gives clear instructions. He doesn’t say manage sexual temptation. He says, Run from it!
Guardrails help you decide ahead of time how you will live:
• Put filters on your devices.
• Set clear boundaries in conversations and relationships.
• Avoid being alone in places where you’ve been tempted before.
• Invite a trusted friend to check in with you regularly in this area.
Working toward a life of holiness means creating a life where obedience is easier and compromise has less access.
This was excellent, Matt. Thank you.
The verse before the one you mentioned is helpful as well. It addresses why sexual sin is a "sin against our own body," making it so impactful against our relationship with God and others.
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. I Cor 6:18, NLT.
Very well written.
So good.