RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-12-31	What Is Sexual Immorality
		The Greek word most often used in the New Testament and translated “sexual immorality” is porneia. It is sometimes translated as “whoredom,” “fornication,” and idolatry. It means surrendering of sexual purity. It is primarily used of premarital sexual relations. It involves any type of sexual expression outside the Biblically defined marriage relationship (Mt.19:4-5). We get our English word pornography from this word. Paul tells us there is a connection between sexual immorality and idolatry (1Co.6:18). The bodies of believers are the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1Co.6:19-20). The context of 1 Corinthians is of pagan idol worship which involved sexual acts performed in the temple of a false god. When we use our physical bodies for immoral purposes, we are imitating pagan worship by profaning God's temple (1Co.6:9-11). It is impossible to have a healthy relationship with God when our bodies are given over to impurities of any kind. Sexuality is designed by God. God alone gets to define the parameters for its use. The Bible clearly teaches that sex was created to be enjoyed between one man and one woman. This union is a covenant marriage until one dies (Mt.19:6; Ro.7:1-3). Any expression of it outside of those parameters is an abuse of God's gift. The Bible calls this sin. So adultery, pornography, premarital sex, and homosexual relations are all outside of God's design. Thus they are sin! We live in a culture that wants to redefine sexuality from God's design to their own standard. There are some common objections to God's design. 1. It is not wrong if we love each other. The Bible makes no distinction between “lovong” and “unloving” sexual relations. The only Biblical distinction is between married and unmarried people. Sex within marriage is blessed by God (Ge.1:28). But sex outside of marriage is “sexual immorality” (1Co.7:2-5). 2. Times have changed. What was wrong in Biblical times is no longer wrong today. It is interesting to note that most of the passages condemning sexual immorality also includes evils such as lust, greed, stealing (1Co.6:9-10; Ga.5:19-21). Most have no problem understanding that these other things are still sin. God does not change. Culture's opinion may change, but God does not (Ml.3:6; He.13:8). Mal 3:6  "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. 3. I can have a good relationship with God because He “understands.” This is a deception and very harmful (Pr.28:9). Pro 28:9  One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. We are deceiving ourselves if we think we can choose sin and God does not care (1Jn.2:3-4). 1Jn 2:3  Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1Jn 2:4  He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. In summary allow the writer of the book of Hebrews to teach us (He.13:4). Heb 13:4  Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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