Tough subject… So let’s get down to reality. Ok? A few things you should know about sexual sin….

 

1.    Don’t…

One of the original 10 is Do not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14 If we are going to talk about sexual sin, and we are, let’s start off like God does with simply this: don’t do it.

But there’s more to it than just “don’t!” God is not all about do’s and don’ts…

 

2.    It’s a BIG deal…

If something is included in Gods basic ten, you can bet it’s important. And just in case we didn’t get that from God’s “don’t do it” command- He added Leviticus 20:10: If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife, both the man and the woman must be put to death. Pretty harsh right? Well, thankfully, we are living in New Testament times. Still… the point is sexual sin is a big deal.

 

3.    It can destroy you…

Why is it a BIG deal? Because God loves you and sexual sin destroys you. …a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.  Proverbs 6:20 God didn’t create you so you could destroy yourself- He’s got bigger and better things for you than that.

 

4.    Adultery isn’t limited to what you do with another person…

Israel treated it all so lightly—she thought nothing of committing adultery by worshiping idols made of wood and stone. Jeremiah 3:9

See the words “wood and stone” there? Adultery is not only committed with flesh and blood- it is committed with porn with TV and whatever else… Adultery is committed with desires or “lusts” for things other than God; and if you are married- Adultery is committed through desires for things other than the one God gave you. Do your spouse a favor and put God first and he or she second. God first is the only way to be satisfied- everything else only seeks to enslave you. Good ol’ Pete said it like this, They commit adultery with their eyes, and their lust is never satisfied. 2Peter 2:14 Wow, that verse almost rhymes.

 

5.    God is so good to you…

God is good to you- so why do you go elsewhere for satisfaction? God says, I fed my people until they were fully satisfied. But they thanked me by committing adultery… Jeremiah 5:7b

God is the only God. He loves you and takes care of you. He gives you everything you need. Why then do you feel like you need something else?

 

6.    Your sexual sin affects others…

Sexual sin is not only hurting you. They committed adultery with their idols; they even sacrificed their children, whom they bore to me, as food for them. Ezekiel 23:37 When things become more important to you than God- your kids catch on. They get devoured by the same fire that burns in you.

 

7.    You can get rid of your lust for other things…

Do what you need to do to be rid of all types of adultery. Jesus: You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. Matthew 5:27-29a

Take note of the word “heart” in verse 28. Your heart is where your attitudes lie. It’s our attitudes about the opposite sex that get us into trouble. Our thoughts (Romans 8:5-6) become attitudes and attitudes become actions. Attitudes need to change in order to become healthy. Notice He says what ever it takes it will be worth it to you to get rid of the cause of your sin. If you have material in your house that keeps you in sexual sin- get rid of it. If you need have the cable shut off or the internet taken out or you need to tell someone what you’ve been struggling with so they can tell you what to do and hold you accountable- if you need to do something so that you can be free- do it. It will be worth it.

Two more important things:

#1-In Christ there is always forgiveness If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us

 

from all unrighteousness.  10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:9-10

 

#2-In His word and with His people there is always help. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21…

 

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 1:16

 

Think about it; it’s no mistake that you have landed at North Park. This is the perfect setting for you to get the help and healing that you need.

 

Celebrate Recovery Thursdays at 7:00pm is a safe place where many have found help and healing from all kinds of hurts, habits and hang ups including sexual sin.