1 Cor 6:18 “Flee~~ sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body”– but the immoral person sins against his own body.”

Sex is a beautiful and essential part of God’s plan for marriage. It is the most intimate, private, pleasurable, healthy, wholesome, and privileged aspect of married life.

Any violation of this mutual trust hurts deeper and longer than any other offense. When God’s word marks what is allowed and what is prohibited, and men ignore His instruction, they question God’s character.

Equally as damaging as sexually transmitted infections and the threat HIV/AIDS is how the immoral participant “sins against his own body.”

There are other sins against the body, such as gluttony, smoking, drugging, or drunkenness, but none compares with the effect of sexual sins on memory, personality, psychology, emotions, attitudes toward relationships, and the soul: “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away” (Prov 6:32–-33).

Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 6:18 begins with the present–tense command to “be continually fleeing from immorality,” meaning to “continually or habitually move hastily away from the danger of immorality.” Do not be curious about it or seek to experiment. This is not a skill to master before marriage.

The command is to be proactive by immediate and total avoidance. In human nature, there is a point at which your impulses become irresistible, driving you to self–destruction. Avoid even getting close to that point.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Cor 6:19). If you are a believer, then your body is not yours to destroy and pervert from its created purpose.

Sex is more than a mere physical act like shaking hands or kissing. It is the union of the souls and physical beings of two people, which is why it is only beautiful in a marriage.

The Corinthians were exposed to paganism that sanctioned sex in worship, and our society has made a virtual religion of worshipping sex. The obedient believer must make choices every day to remain pure for and within marriage.

“Lord, make my spirit sensitive to sins that offend Your Spirit and give me the conviction to avoid every sensual temptation so my heart is only full of all that You love. Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness.”

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