Broadcast 4065
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1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NET) For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality.
I remember having a conversation with a backslidden brother who argued with me about the definition of fornication. He tried to convince me that if two people have agreed to marry each other and become intimate, they are not committing fornication because marriage is about consent. I tried to show him from scripture that while marriage involves consent, a lady is given in marriage by the constituted [spiritual] authority over her. She does not give herself in marriage; her father or someone occupying that position in her life is the one who gives her in marriage.
My conversation with this brother (whom the Lord is now restoring) opened my eyes to an important issue I had not properly considered: sexual immorality is a major source of stumbling for many believers, but little is said about it in many church assemblies. Many have gotten into trouble in this area because of carelessness in small things. I remember having to instruct one of my mentees to never be alone with a sister when she visits.
God's will for us as believers is that we become holy. Nothing hinders this more than sexual immorality. Fleeing sexual immorality is not a suggestion for believers; it is an instruction. If we are to continue living and excelling spiritually, we must put to death the works of the flesh (see Romans 8:13), and the first on that list is sexual immorality (see Galatians 5:19).
We live in a world that is increasingly sensual. Temptations are everywhere, but remember that where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. Grace empowers us to resist sin and teaches us how to deny worldly lusts (Titus 2:11-12). For example, grace would teach an unmarried young man not to tell a lady he does not intend to marry that he loves her.
Go into today asking the Lord for grace to stand firm in this area. This grace is received by faith. You have to believe that you can stand and stay pure.
Prayer: I expel and resist every latent influence of the spirits of immorality. I walk in holiness and inherit God's promises. Amen (2 Corinthians 7:1).
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—Abraham Damilola Arigi
Bible In 1 Year: Psalms 60-62 (in today's audio)
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