In the Bible, sexual immorality is the most common sin we are warned about. Various sins are listed in many places in the Bible, but sins of a sexual nature seem to dominate them. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed primarily because of sexual immorality. Sex is a wonderful gift given to us by the Lord, but throughout the centuries it has been used not only casually, but it will consume our minds if we let it. Sex touches almost every aspect of our daily lives on television, advertising, movies, music, and the interaction of people at work, school, and leisure activities. In our society, people will have sex after knowing each other for a short time.
As Christians, we have power over sin, but we are by no means immune to its temptation, so it is important that we fully understand the consequences of these sins. The Bible describes sexual immorality in many ways. In Leviticus 18 there is a list of sexual sins that are called despicable. Then, in the New Testament, acts of impurity, orgies, adultery, and homosexuality are also described as acts of sexual immorality.
Now that we look at the consequences, we must understand that our actions will be judged. In Hebrews 13:4 it tells us clearly that God will judge the adulterer and all sexual immorals. Then in Ephesians 5:3-5, Galatians 5:19-21 and Corinthians 6:9-10 goes on to say, those who indulge in sexual immorality will not inherit the Kingdom of God. It is not in the Bible once, but several times and by multiple authors. These are very powerful verses, especially when you consider that they were spoken to Christians in the early church. These teachings were not given to people outside the church, but to those who called themselves Christians. God was serious about sexual immorality then, just as he is today. Christians have the power to overcome sexual sins, but it is up to us to turn away from the temptations that surround us and follow the narrow path that leads to eternal life.
Now, considering how most Americans claim to be Christians, why is there so much sex in our society today? A main reason is that our church leaders are not explaining what sexual immorality really is and the consequences. There sure is a lot of outrage towards homosexuality on the part of Christians and yes, it is a sin. However, it is a sin that most Christians are not involved in, which is why it is most talked about because it involves others. I guess in most churches there are people having affairs outside of their marriage and others having casual sex. Why don’t we see the outrage with these sins? They are listed right next to homosexuality in the Bible. The reason is that they don’t look within at themselves and these sins hit too close to home.
Another point is that the Bible tells us that if a person who calls himself a brother or is part of the body of Christ but is sexually immoral, we are not to associate with him (1 Corinthians 5:11). Now we have to be very careful not to judge, but if a person in his church is indulging in these activities, he should distance himself from them. As Christians, we need to understand what sexual sins are and how serious they are in the eyes of the Lord.