Last week we discussed how to overcome temptation on our radio broadcast. If you missed the program, you can listen here.
Temptation comes in all shapes and sizes, but I think when most people hear the word temptation, their minds immediately think about sexual immorality.
Today, sexual immorality is pervasive in the church of Jesus Christ. It is a problem that is much bigger than most of us want to admit. It is one that we shouldn’t ignore. Paul didn’t. He addressed sexual immorality in his letter to the Corinthians, and his message is relevant to us today.
Here is what we need to know.
First, don’t be surprised when sexual temptation knocks on your door.
Sexual temptation is everywhere. You can’t escape its brazen invitation, more so now than ever before. Advertising agencies make a living off the maxim, “sex sells.” Their product ads assault the mind with sexual images. Story lines in television programming exploit sexual themes, and writers and producers of these programs continue to push the envelope. We are a long way from what was permissible in the days of “I Love Lucy.”
Modern technology has added another insidious level of sexual temptation primarily through the great proliferation of pornography on the internet. It is by far the fastest growing segment in cyber space with literally thousands of new sites being added each hour. What was once only available in scummy adult stores is now accessible in our homes. In this day and age we don’t have to wonder what Proverbs 11:27 means: “…evil comes to him who searches for it.”
Next, be aware that behind the sexual temptation is a trap.
A man may think that a casual look at a pornographic website will be enough. But it beckons him back time and time again. At a point in time, he needs something more. A woman seeks out a casual relationship, maybe on the internet or with a fellow worker, but that doesn’t satisfy. And she takes the next step. We have to understand something about our flesh. It never improves. Paul put it this way: “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:19).
Finally, realize the body is meant for the Lord.
Our bodies are not meant to be used for sexual immorality. They are meant for the Lord, to be used to express His love to the world. In contrast, sexual immorality is far removed from a life controlled by the love of God. It marginalizes people by making them less than who they are in God’s eyes. It floods the heart with intense feelings of guilt and shame, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.
The Bible does give a solution. It’s a one step plan. “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
When sexual temptation stares you in the face, flee. It is the most spiritual thing you can do. Then, make the choice to honor God with your body. He redeemed you to live His life through you. Sharing in His life and experiencing the fruit of His Spirit is far more rewarding, more fulfilling, and more satisfying than anything the world can throw your way.
Paul expressed it this way in Romans 12:1, 2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” It is time for us to live out Romans 12:1-2, to abandon ourselves to Jesus. When we do we will discover that His will is good, pleasing and perfect to us.
Recognize & admit what is in front of me is a “temptation” & not a passing “fancy”…..!!!
This is where it is the most rampant, society, adrvertisers use this puberty that has come on all at a certain age and is a physical drive, originally for procreation,today left for reprobate mind.(Romans) I wonder if this is why we are to humble ourselves as a child prior to puberty.
And I hold me accountable as has been a temptation and have as well as am still learning the way of escape from these things that are today common practice in this world. And all I found is where Paul said well then who will save me from this body of sin and death? And his reply Jesus Christ my Savior, my Lord. Now please teach me how you by Faith in you humble me. So we learn we are not of this world only in it, and thank God for if and when I ever err again by walking of my old flesh I thank you Jesus for being
1 John 2:1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
And now a C.S. Lewis quote
A blessed spirit is a mould ever more and more patient of the bright metal poured into it, a body ever more completely uncovered to the meridian blaze of the Spiritual Son.
We are those that beleive a new creation in Christ growing in his spectatular amazing provision of Salvation through his Son, us being responders to this rather than initiators as growing up we all have been taught to be initiators, now responders by Faith in Christ
Thank you Bob for your wise words.