Sexual Immorality

Effects of Sexual Immorality

• Problems with Intimacy
• Exploitation
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• False Sense of Security
• Guilt
• Anxiety and Depression

Biblical Examples

Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

Romans 13:13
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

Discussion Questions

• From a Biblical point of view, what is sex and how should we view it?

  • Gen 2:24: Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

• What is the link between love and sex? Can they be separated?

  • 1 Cor 7:3-5: The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

• Why do you think God wants us to abstain from sex outside of marriage?

  • Eph 5:25-33: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Moving Forward

• Assess the Situation

  • Take some time to reflect on your current situation. Are you sexually active? What are the personal, ethical, and spiritual implications of sexual activity?

• Set Firm Boundaries

  • If you are sexually active with your partner, discuss the issue with him or her and set clear boundaries, as well as steps to stick to them. Seek out friends and mentors who can help to keep you accountable.

• Confess Failure

  • God created sex, thus it is natural for us to desire it. When you fall into temptation, confess your sins to God and to one another (1 John 1:8).

• Seek Support

  • Sexual purity can be very difficult, especially for young people. Thus, it is wise to seek out friends and counselors who can help keep you accountable.