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Understanding Sexual Sin in the Bible

First, we need to recognize that sexual sin is a serious issue in Scripture. From the very beginning of God’s creation, sexuality has been designed to be a gift, meant to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. The Bible is clear that anything outside of this—whether it’s adultery, fornication, pornography, or lust—is sin.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 — “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians is clear: sexual sin is different because it involves our own bodies. When we sin sexually, we are sinning against the very body that is meant to glorify God. We’re also reminded in this passage that our bodies belong to God. The idea of ‘my body, my choice’ is utterly contradicted by the truth that we have been bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

The Call to Repentance

So, what do you do if you’ve committed sexual sin? The first and most important step is repentance. Repentance is not just feeling bad about what you’ve done, but turning away from sin and turning back to God.

1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God is faithful and just to forgive when we come to Him with a repentant heart. The first step in restoration is to acknowledge your sin before God. There is no sin too great that it cannot be forgiven by the blood of Christ. When you confess your sin, you are agreeing with God about what you’ve done and expressing your desire to turn away from it.

Repentance also involves a change of heart—a desire to forsake sin and pursue holiness. True repentance is not just about asking for forgiveness but about actively seeking to turn from the sin and live in obedience to God. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus warns that if something causes us to stumble, we should take radical steps to remove it from our lives.

Matthew 5:29-30 — “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.”

This is a strong and radical teaching from Jesus. He’s calling us to take drastic measures in removing the sin that entangles us. If your sin is tied to something in your life, whether it’s a relationship, a habit, or even access to certain media, you need to be willing to make changes. Repentance means doing whatever it takes to flee from temptation and sin.

The Assurance of Forgiveness and God’s Grace

Now, after we’ve repented, it’s crucial to know that forgiveness is certain. If you’ve truly confessed and turned from your sin, God promises to forgive you.

Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

God’s forgiveness is complete. When He forgives us, He removes our sins completely, never to be held against us again. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). So, if you’ve repented, you can rest in the assurance that God has forgiven you. Don’t allow the enemy to bring condemnation into your heart. God’s grace is greater than your sin.

However, the enemy often tries to make us feel guilty and unworthy, which can make us question whether God has truly forgiven us. This is why it’s so important to remember the gospel—that Jesus took the penalty for all our sins, including sexual sin, on the cross.

Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

This is the truth you must stand on: If you are in Christ, your sin is paid for, and you are free from condemnation. Don’t let guilt or shame hold you back from walking in the freedom that Jesus offers. His grace is sufficient to cover all your sin.

Moving Forward and Walking in Holiness

After repentance and receiving forgiveness, the next step is walking in holiness. God doesn’t just forgive us and leave us as we are; He calls us to a new life—a life of purity and holiness.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 — “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.”

God’s will for you is sanctification—growing in holiness and being set apart for His purposes. The power to live a life of sexual purity comes from the Holy Spirit, and we must rely on Him for strength. It’s also important to remember that holiness is a process. It’s not about perfection, but about progressively becoming more like Christ as we grow in our faith.

As you move forward, surround yourself with a community of believers who can support you, hold you accountable, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. If sexual sin has been a stronghold in your life, consider seeking help from a pastor or a counselor who can help you walk through this process of healing.

Practical Steps to Overcome Sexual Sin

Finally, here are some practical steps that can help you in the battle against sexual sin:

1. Get rid of temptation: If there are places, people, or circumstances that lead you into sin, take proactive steps to remove them from your life. This might mean changing habits, deleting apps, or cutting off certain relationships.
2. Accountability: Find a trusted brother or sister in Christ who can walk with you, pray with you, and hold you accountable. James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another.
3. Fill your mind with Scripture: The Word of God is powerful and transformative. Memorize and meditate on verses that remind you of God’s call to purity, His grace, and His promises.
4. Pray and rely on the Holy Spirit: Ask God for strength to resist temptation and for His help in living a life that honors Him. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray in the Spirit at all times.
5. Renew your mind: Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Replace sinful thoughts with God-honoring thoughts. Practice thinking about purity and holiness.

Conclusion

To the listener who asked this question, and to anyone else who may be struggling with sexual sin, I want to remind you of God’s grace. No matter what you’ve done, God’s forgiveness is available to you through Jesus Christ. Repentance is the first step, and when you turn to God, He is faithful and just to forgive you. From there, walk in the newness of life, pursue holiness, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you live a life that honors God with your body. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for you. You are not alone in this fight, and there is hope for transformation in Christ.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode. If you have more questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to walk alongside you as you grow in grace and truth.

Additional Resources

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