How do sexual sins bring dishonor to Christians and the cause of Christ?
Any and all sin brings dishonor to Christians and the cause of Christ. Sexual sins just tend to be more noticeable. Singling out just sexual sins might make us forget to look inwardly to see what our own obvious and secret sins are.
The Scriptures are specific that any sexual relationship other than between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage is not acceptable in the eyes of God.
“Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” Leviticus 18:22
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is a sacred institution and any sexual activity that takes place outside of it can be scripturally classified as fornication.
The Apostle Paul further clarifies, “I have written to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. . . . Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders . . . will inherit the kingdom of God. . . . Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. . . . Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 5:9
The Apostle Paul, when speaking to the youthful Timothy, tells him to “flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22
It is important to note that the apostle tells him to “flee,“ not hesitate and think about it, but run from youthful evil desires. These “evil desires of youth” encompass many areas, one of which, we feel, is the dwelling on and fantasying about sex. The apostle further tells Timothy to “pursue righteousness” and “call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
He is even more explicit to the church at Philippi.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.”Philippians 4:8
We are grateful our heavenly Father is so merciful and forgiving, knowing our fragile frame and natural propensity to sin even when we want to do better.
To learn more about sin listen to, “Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?”
“Are We SURE Sin is Really Sinful?”
