MEMORY VERSE: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”1 Corinthians 6:19.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20.
INTRODUCTION
The very fact that God created humanity as “male and female” reveals that we are created as sexual beings Genesis 1:27. Sex is a channel to fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” Genesis 1:28. Sex was designed to consummate the lifetime union between a man and woman Genesis 4:1. Purity reflects God’s own character. Hence, sexual purity is a treasure to be guarded and valued. However, sex has been misused and abused Romans 1:24, 26-27 in the world because of sin Romans 3 23.
OUTLINE
- SOME SEXUAL PERVERSIONS
- CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT
- SOME SEXUAL PERVERSIONS
There are many forms of sexual perversions apart from adultery which is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse Exodus 20:14. Other examples of this sinful acts include fornication, which is sexual sins between unmarried people. The world has also invented so many other sexual acts or practices contrary to God’s intended purpose Here are some of the sexual perversions that believers must guard against.
1. Homosexuality: Refers to sexual acts between people of the same gender. A man having sex with another man is gay while woman and woman sexual relationship is termed lesbianism Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26- 27. According to scriptures, this abominable act led to the destruction of the people of Sodom Genesis 19:4-5, 12-13.
2. Incest: Sexual activities between family members Leviticus 18:7-18
3. Paedophilia: Perverted sexual attraction towards children.
4. Bestiality: Having sexual relations with an animal Leviticus 18:23
5. Rape: Forceful sexual intercourse with an unwilling partner 2 Samuel 13:10 6. Pornography: The explicit literary or visual display of materials of erotic nature e.g. videos, pictures, graphics, or writings designed to provoke sexual lust.
7.Masturbation and use of sex toys
8. Cyber/Phone-sex: Sex-oriented messages or conversations over the Internet or using of phone to have improper sexual conversations or to listen to explicit erotic messages for the purpose of sexual perversion. It also involves fantasising about that which is immoral and impure Philippians 4:8.
2. CONSEQUENCES AND WAY OUT
Failure to repent from sexual vices can lead to addiction 2 Peter 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:18, and the destruction of destinies Proverbs 6:25-28; Genesis 49:3-4. Strange sicknesses and diseases (STl and STDs) can be contracted. The body can be defiled, and the fulfilment of God’s purposes hindered 1 Corinthians 6:15-16. It takes away spiritual covering and brings God’s wrath 1 Corinthians 10:8; Numbers 25:1-11.Guilt and self-condemnation set in Psalm 51:3. Sexual sin can destroy marriages and families Matthew 19:9.
To overcome sexual vices, you must take the following steps.
1. Confess your sins to God 1 John 1:9 and ask Him to cleanse, renew and transform your mind Romans 12:2
2. Get rid of all triggers. Avoid being alone or being in a dark and lonely place with the opposite sex.
3. Speak out about your struggles and see a good and godly counsellor Proverbs 11:14.
4. Study, meditate and confess God’s word. Fast and often pray Psalm 119:9-11.
5 Practice self-control with the help of the Holy Spirit Genesis 39.7 Galatians 5:16
CONCLUSION
Sexual vices are destructive. Flee to avoid God’s wrath 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: 1 Corinthians 6:18;
MON: 1 Corinthians 5.1.
TUES: 1 Corinthians 7:2;
WED: Ephesians 5:3;
THURS: 1 Corinthians 6:13;
FRI: 1 Thessalonians 4:3;
SAT: 1 Corinthians 6:9