KingJ
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- Mar 31, 2015
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Sexual sin is one of the most difficult and private battles many believers face today. It's often hidden. It rarely causes visible, immediate harm to others. In fact, the enemy would love for us to believe: “It’s not hurting anyone. What’s the big deal?” But Scripture tells a different story. Sexual sin is a serious matter. Not just because of what it does to others, but because of what it does to us, and how it grieves the heart of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV) - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.
1. God’s Will Is Clear: Sanctification
Paul opens with a strong, uncompromising word in 1 Thess 4:3: “This is the will of God: your sanctification…”
There’s no ambiguity here. God’s will isn’t just about our careers, our ministries, or even our relationships. God’s will is our holiness. He wants us to look like Jesus. And part of that process means abstaining from sexual immorality, all forms of it.
Whether it’s mortal sins like adultery and homosexuality or venial sins like pornography, lustful thoughts and fornication, God calls us to purity. Not because He’s trying to keep us from something good, but because He wants to protect us from what is destructive.
2. A Difficult Battle: The Sin That Feels Private
Sexual sin is a difficult struggle. Why? Because it often doesn’t feel like it’s hurting anyone.
There’s no theft. There’s no physical violence. There’s no broken contract (outside of adultery). It’s often secret. Hidden. Internal.
But Scripture reminds us: just because it’s hidden doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
1 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV): Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
This sin is personal. It corrupts from the inside out. It damages our soul, warps our view of others, and desensitizes our heart toward God.
3. The Deception: “It Doesn’t Hurt Anyone”
The enemy’s strategy hasn’t changed since Eden. He whispers, “Did God really say…?” and convinces us to minimize sin.
But what does sexual sin actually do?
A. It distorts God's design for intimacy.
B. It separates us from close fellowship with Him.
C. It creates shame and guilt, which causes many to hide from God instead of running to Him.
D. It warps our ability to love others purely and selflessly.
E. It can damage relationships that haven’t even begun yet.
What feels like a “private indulgence” becomes a spiritual stronghold that binds, blinds, and breaks.
4. God’s Design: Honor and Control
God doesn’t just tell us what not to do. He shows us a better way.
1 Thess. 4:4 - …that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor...
The world teaches us to be ruled by desire. God teaches us to rule over desire. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, self-control is possible. Not through willpower alone, but through surrender and the renewing of the mind.
5. God Is Not Indifferent
Sexual sin may seem small in human eyes, but it deeply offends a holy God.
Ephesians 5:6 - Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
God is not harsh, but He is holy. And when we persist in sexual sin, unrepented, it is a rejection of His lordship and His love.
6. The Path to Victory
Victory is possible, but not easy.
A. Confession: Bring it into the light. (1 John 1:9)
B. Repentance: Turn away. Don’t manage sin, kill it. (Colossians 3:5)
C. Community: Find accountability. Isolation feeds sin.
D. Renewal: Saturate your mind with truth. (Romans 12:2)
E. Grace: You are not disqualified. God's mercy is real.
You may fall. You may fall again. But the grace of Jesus is greater. The cross is proof that God already knew the depth of your struggle and He still chose to save you.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV) - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.
1. God’s Will Is Clear: Sanctification
Paul opens with a strong, uncompromising word in 1 Thess 4:3: “This is the will of God: your sanctification…”
There’s no ambiguity here. God’s will isn’t just about our careers, our ministries, or even our relationships. God’s will is our holiness. He wants us to look like Jesus. And part of that process means abstaining from sexual immorality, all forms of it.
Whether it’s mortal sins like adultery and homosexuality or venial sins like pornography, lustful thoughts and fornication, God calls us to purity. Not because He’s trying to keep us from something good, but because He wants to protect us from what is destructive.
2. A Difficult Battle: The Sin That Feels Private
Sexual sin is a difficult struggle. Why? Because it often doesn’t feel like it’s hurting anyone.
There’s no theft. There’s no physical violence. There’s no broken contract (outside of adultery). It’s often secret. Hidden. Internal.
But Scripture reminds us: just because it’s hidden doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
1 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV): Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
This sin is personal. It corrupts from the inside out. It damages our soul, warps our view of others, and desensitizes our heart toward God.
3. The Deception: “It Doesn’t Hurt Anyone”
The enemy’s strategy hasn’t changed since Eden. He whispers, “Did God really say…?” and convinces us to minimize sin.
But what does sexual sin actually do?
A. It distorts God's design for intimacy.
B. It separates us from close fellowship with Him.
C. It creates shame and guilt, which causes many to hide from God instead of running to Him.
D. It warps our ability to love others purely and selflessly.
E. It can damage relationships that haven’t even begun yet.
What feels like a “private indulgence” becomes a spiritual stronghold that binds, blinds, and breaks.
4. God’s Design: Honor and Control
God doesn’t just tell us what not to do. He shows us a better way.
1 Thess. 4:4 - …that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor...
The world teaches us to be ruled by desire. God teaches us to rule over desire. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, self-control is possible. Not through willpower alone, but through surrender and the renewing of the mind.
5. God Is Not Indifferent
Sexual sin may seem small in human eyes, but it deeply offends a holy God.
Ephesians 5:6 - Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
God is not harsh, but He is holy. And when we persist in sexual sin, unrepented, it is a rejection of His lordship and His love.
6. The Path to Victory
Victory is possible, but not easy.
A. Confession: Bring it into the light. (1 John 1:9)
B. Repentance: Turn away. Don’t manage sin, kill it. (Colossians 3:5)
C. Community: Find accountability. Isolation feeds sin.
D. Renewal: Saturate your mind with truth. (Romans 12:2)
E. Grace: You are not disqualified. God's mercy is real.
You may fall. You may fall again. But the grace of Jesus is greater. The cross is proof that God already knew the depth of your struggle and He still chose to save you.
