It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord himself will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
“Each of you should learn to control your own body.” That sounds like good advice, doesn’t it? We could apply it to many different things: Don’t hurt people with your body. Don’t eat too much. Don’t drink too much. But none of that is what God is talking about here. Do you know what he’s talking about? Sex.
The Bible says a lot about sex. God created people male and female. That means that sex is a creation of God. The Bible says that sex is meant to be a wonderful blessing that unites a husband and a wife in marriage. In fact, the Bible encourages husbands and wives to have sex with each other.
But the Bible also says this: “Avoid sexual immorality.” As with all God’s gifts, sex is corrupted by sin. According to the Bible, all sexual relations outside of marriage are sin. Living together before marriage? Sin. Pornography? Sin. One-night stands? Sin. Obviously, God’s Word tells us something totally different than what our society says. Our God who created sex knows best: “Avoid sexual immorality.”
This is a really big deal to God. “The Lord himself will punish all those who commit such sins.” God himself will punish those who commit sexual sins. Really? Yes. Why? “Anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God.” Are you rejecting God’s commands about sex? Watch out!
If someone in your life is warning you about sexual sin, listen to them! They care about your soul. Their goal for you is simple: Repent! Turn from your sin. Turn to Jesus. Find forgiveness in him before it’s too late. This is serious: “Avoid sexual immorality.”
Dear God, you created sex to be a blessing for a husband and a wife in marriage. Forgive us and our world for corrupting your good gift. Strengthen us to avoid sexual immorality in our hearts and lives. Amen.
Upside-Down Savior 