I Thessalonians 4:3
“For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality,”
Our last time in Thessalonians, we discussed what it means to be holy. There are two parts to it. The inner holiness which is adopting God’s character. Once we’re born again, He gives us a new nature. That works its way out into our actions. We won’t want to do particular things any longer. That’s the second part, our sanctification. Paul starts off by addressing avoiding sexual immorality.
Since the sixties our culture has sought to liberate us from any restrictions about sex. They have come a long way. It started in pop culture with it being celebrated in music and movies. Psychology sees any sort of religious imposition of guidelines as repressive. So, they now claim that science supports them.
Due to the culture’s rush to free society from any restriction on sex, they avoid any warnings of the dangers. Pornography is damaging many adults as well as young people. This exposure leads many in directions they would have never have gone. It’s ruining marriages and relationships.
The bible teaches that sex is to be within marriage. That seems archaic by today’s standards. Movies like the “Forty Year Old Virgin” mock it. But that’s God’s standard. To abide by this keeps one mentally, spiritually and physically healthy. To transgress it opens the door to many problems. Sin has its affect on us. However, I Corinthians 6:18 says fornication is different. It’s a sin against our bodies.
To live this way is possible as we stay close to The Lord and stay close to godly people. However, if we immerse ourselves in our sensual culture, it’s difficult.
Lord, keep us close to You. Help us to live holy lives.