Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Homosexuality, Adultery & Other Sexual Sins
The Truth about Sexual Sin
The Media’s Distorted Narrative
Modern culture portrays sex as casual, consequence-free, and purely physical. Movies, TV shows, and music glorify promiscuity while ignoring the emotional, spiritual, and relational consequences. The world pushes a "do what feels good" mentality, yet it rarely acknowledges the heartbreak, guilt, and brokenness that follow.
Sex is not just a physical act—it is a God-given gift with profound meaning. Misusing it leads to destruction, but following God's design brings freedom, intimacy, and lasting joy. Here are seven reasons to save sex for marriage:
1. Debt: The Cost of "Free Love"
Sex outside of marriage is never truly free. Over a million teenage girls become pregnant each year, placing emotional, financial, and social burdens on families. Worse, many turn to abortion, adding deep psychological and spiritual wounds.
God’s design for sex protects individuals from these burdens. When we follow His ways, we avoid the painful consequences of disobedience.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” — Galatians 6:7
2. Disease: The Hidden Danger
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a silent epidemic. There were once only two known STDs; now there are over 29, with a new one discovered every nine months. Each year, 12 million people in the U.S. contract an STD—33,000 every day. Some, like HIV/AIDS, are life-threatening.
The only sure way to protect yourself is through purity: abstinence before marriage and faithfulness within marriage.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
3. Disappointment: The Emotional Fallout
Casual sex leads to deep emotional wounds. Many give in to pressure, thinking it will bring them closer to their partner. Instead, it often leaves regret, shame, and a sense of loss.
God designed sex to be a bond of love and commitment within marriage. Outside of this covenant, it loses its beauty and becomes a source of pain.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
4. Distrust: The Broken Bond
Premarital sex can damage trust. More than half of engagements end in breakups, many due to guilt, resentment, or loss of respect. When a couple gives in to temptation before marriage, it sets a precedent—“If we broke God’s rules once, what’s to stop us from doing it again?”
God’s design for purity builds trust and respect, forming a strong foundation for a lifetime of love.
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” — Hebrews 13:4
5. Dilution: The Loss of True Intimacy
Just as watering down a drink weakens its flavor, giving yourself to multiple partners weakens the ability to fully connect with your future spouse. Sex is meant to unite a husband and wife as "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Each past sexual experience leaves behind emotional and spiritual ties that can haunt future relationships. Purity protects the ability to form a deep, undistracted, and intimate bond in marriage.
6. Dependency: The Addiction Trap
Sex outside of God’s plan can become an addiction. With readily available pornography and casual hookups, a cycle of momentary pleasure is followed by guilt, shame, and emptiness. Sexual sin is unique because it doesn’t just affect the body—it affects the soul.
Even when trapped by sexual sin, God's love and grace are greater, and He offers freedom and restoration through His grace.
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18
7. Divorce: The Pattern of Brokenness
Premarital sex can create a pattern of instability in relationships. If someone has spent years forming and breaking bonds, they are more likely to bring that pattern into marriage. This contributes to the high divorce rates in today’s world.
God calls us to faithfulness, commitment, and purity. By saving sex for marriage, we build a foundation that can withstand the trials of life.
“The man who hates and divorces his wife… does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. “So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.” — Malachi 2:16
A Word for the Single
Singleness is not a curse—it is a season to grow in faith and prepare for a future spouse. If you are waiting for the right person, remember: you are worth the wait.
How to Find Freedom from Sexual Sin
If you have made mistakes, there is hope. Jesus offers full forgiveness and healing to anyone who turns to Him. Through confession, repentance, and faith, you can be made new.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Final Thought
Sex is never just sex. It is a powerful gift from God, meant to be enjoyed within marriage. Choosing purity honors God, protects your heart, and builds a foundation for a lifetime of love and trust.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Matthew 5:8
You are worth the wait. Let your first time be with the one you’ll spend the rest of your life loving.
sex addiction
Breaking Free: A Biblical and Practical Guide to Overcoming Sex Addiction
Sex addiction is a real struggle for many, but with God’s help and practical steps, freedom is possible. The Bible speaks to the power of renewal and deliverance, offering wisdom for those seeking to break free from bondage. This guide integrates spiritual, psychological, and practical strategies to help you walk in victory.
1. Understanding Sex Addiction
Sex addiction involves compulsive sexual behaviors that negatively impact one’s life, relationships, and spiritual walk. While modern psychology acknowledges addiction as a behavioral disorder, Scripture also speaks to the spiritual and emotional dimensions of sin and bondage.
Romans 7:15 (NIV) – "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
Recognizing that addiction is both a spiritual battle and a behavioral pattern is key to overcoming it.
2. Breaking the Chains of Shame
Shame often keeps people trapped in their addiction, making them believe they are beyond redemption. However, the Bible assures us that God’s grace is greater than any sin.
1 John 1:9 (NIV) – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Practical Steps:
Confess your struggle to God and a trusted accountability partner (James 5:16).
Remember your identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Replace self-condemnation with God’s truth about you (Romans 8:1).
3. Overcoming Triggers and Temptations
Triggers often lead to temptation, and fleeing from temptation is biblical wisdom.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) – "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."
Practical Steps:
Identify your triggers (stress, loneliness, boredom, past trauma, emotional wounds, or exposure to explicit content).
Create barriers (use accountability software, remove explicit content, limit social media use, and set internet filters).
Replace bad habits with godly activities (prayer, fasting, serving others, exercise, and creative outlets).
Renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2) by meditating on Scripture and focusing on what is pure and honorable (Philippians 4:8).
4. Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan
Even after gaining victory, staying free requires a plan.
Matthew 26:41 (NIV) – "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Key Strategies:
Accountability: Have someone check in with you regularly (Proverbs 27:17).
Recognize warning signs (stress, isolation, returning to old thought patterns, rationalizing sin).
Have a response plan: When tempted, immediately turn to Scripture, prayer, and a trusted friend.
Develop healthy routines: Engage in daily devotionals, community worship, and self-discipline practices.
5. Replacing Lust with Healthy Sexuality
Sex itself is not evil—God created it for marriage and intimacy.
Hebrews 13:4 (NIV) – "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure."
Practical Steps:
Learn about biblical sexuality (God’s design for love, intimacy, and marriage).
Cultivate self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Pursue purity in relationships (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
Set clear boundaries in dating or friendships to avoid compromising situations.
6. Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance
Sexual sin can be deeply spiritual, requiring prayer, fasting, and the power of God.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) – "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world."
Steps to Spiritual Freedom:
Renounce sexual sin in prayer (James 4:7) and seek deliverance from any spiritual strongholds.
Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to resist attacks from the enemy.
Surround yourself with strong believers who can pray for and support you (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Use Scripture as a weapon against temptation (Psalm 119:9, Matthew 4:4).
7. The Power of Community and Accountability
Healing happens in community. God calls us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Practical Steps:
Join a support group such as Celebrate Recovery or Pure Desire Ministries.
Have an accountability partner who understands your struggles and prays with you.
Engage in church and discipleship programs for encouragement and spiritual growth.
Be honest and transparent about struggles so you can receive true support.
8. Forgiveness and Healing
Forgiving yourself and others is crucial for lasting healing.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) – "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Practical Steps:
Accept God’s forgiveness (Psalm 103:12) and stop dwelling on past mistakes.
Forgive those who have hurt you, recognizing that bitterness can hinder your healing (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Replace guilt with grace, understanding that you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
9. Resources for Support
In addition to biblical wisdom, practical resources help reinforce your journey:
Christian Counseling: Seek a counselor specializing in addiction and faith-based healing.
Support Groups: Join a group like Celebrate Recovery or Pure Desire Ministries.
Books:
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn
Sexual Detox by Tim Challies
Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William Struthers
Final Encouragement
Freedom is possible! God’s grace is sufficient, and He is willing to walk with you through healing and renewal.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Take action today: Seek help, surround yourself with a godly community, and walk daily in the truth of God’s Word. You are not alone, and with God’s help, you can break free and live in victory.
Christians and Spiritual Oppression
Give No Place to the Devil: Understanding Spiritual Strongholds
The Biblical Admonition (Ephesians 4:27)
The Apostle Paul warns in Ephesians 4:27, "Give no place to the devil." The term "place" signifies a location, opportunity, or foothold. This warning implies that Christians can inadvertently allow demonic influences into their lives, necessitating vigilance in spiritual warfare.
How Demonic Strongholds Form
Many Christians recognize that sinful activities open the door to demonic oppression. However, fewer realize that the sins of others against us can also create strongholds in our lives. Trauma, abuse, and exposure to chaotic environments can provide opportunities for the enemy to gain influence.
Examples of Open Doors:
Suffering abuse from a parent, guardian, or spouse.
Living in an environment shaped by addiction.
Experiencing controlling or oppressive relationships.
Growing up in disorder and instability.
The Matrix of Spiritual Oppression
The enemy does not operate in isolation—demonic spirits work together to entrench their influence. A common pattern emerges in those who have lived under oppression or chaos:
Rebellion & Control – Those who have endured control often develop a rebellious spirit, vowing never to be controlled again. Scripture equates rebellion with witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23), indicating a deeper spiritual entanglement.
Fear – A fear of being oppressed or taken advantage of leads to resistance against authority, commitment, and accountability.
Lying Spirits – When commitment and accountability are resisted, deception often follows. Small lies may be used to avoid conflict or responsibility.
Compulsive Behaviors – To maintain a sense of control in an otherwise uncontrollable life, compulsive behaviors may develop.
The Consequences of Spiritual Strongholds
Unchecked strongholds lead to:
Rebellion against legitimate authority.
A resistance to commitment and accountability.
Struggles with loyalty in relationships.
The habit of deception to avoid conflict.
The development of compulsive behaviors as coping mechanisms.
Breaking Free: Steps to Deliverance
Even the newest believer in Christ has authority over darkness. Deliverance involves:
Recognizing the Strongholds – Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of bondage.
Repentance – Renounce any sinful behavior that has strengthened these strongholds.
Binding and Renouncing – Declare, in Jesus’ name, the rejection of spirits of rebellion, control, fear, and lying.
Seeking Strength from the Holy Spirit – Pray for divine assistance to resist the enemy’s return.
Accountability – Partner with a trusted believer who can support and pray with you.
Commitment to Growth – Stay vigilant, as the enemy will seek re-entry.
Commitment and Accountability: Essential for Spiritual Growth
Scripture calls Christians to be accountable and loyal to one another. A person who cannot be committed to others will struggle with commitment to Christ. Growth in faith requires a willingness to be challenged and refined within the body of Christ.
Addressing Fear and Compulsion
Stepping into freedom from strongholds may feel uncomfortable. However, we must resist the urge to return to familiar but harmful coping mechanisms. Surrendering control to God brings lasting peace.
Important Considerations
Interpretation of Scripture – Different theological perspectives exist regarding spiritual warfare. Always seek balanced biblical teaching.
Psychological Factors – Trauma has psychological effects. Spiritual warfare should not replace professional mental health support.
Abuse and Trauma – If you are experiencing abuse, seek help from qualified professionals. Spiritual healing is valuable but does not replace professional intervention.
Mental Health Awareness – Some symptoms attributed to spiritual strongholds may also be linked to mental health conditions. Seeking medical and therapeutic assistance is crucial when needed.
Final Encouragement
Spiritual freedom requires perseverance. When setbacks occur, do not allow guilt to weigh you down—repent and press forward. Walking in unfamiliar spiritual freedom may be turbulent at first, but remain steadfast. Refuse to return to the enemy’s grasp. Surround yourself with strong believers who will walk with you in accountability.
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).
Mission To Spread The Gospel By Jose B. Cabajar
Paul on Spreading the Gospel
Selected passages from New Testament epistles.
14: I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish: 15: so I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
1 Corinthians Chapter 9
14: ...the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 15: But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have any one deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16: For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17: For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. 18: What then is my reward? Just this: that in my preaching I may make the gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel. 19: For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. 20: To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law -- though not being myself under the law -- that I might win those under the law. 21: To those outside the law I became as one outside the law -- not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ -- that I might win those outside the law. 22: To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23: I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
2 Corinthians 11
4: For if some one comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough. 5: I think that I am not in the least inferior to these superlative apostles. 6: Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. 7: Did I commit a sin in abasing myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel without cost to you? 8: I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9: And when I was with you and was in want, I did not burden any one, for my needs were supplied by the brethren who came from Macedo'nia. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
Galatians 1
6: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel -- 7: not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9: As we have said before, so now I say again, If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10: Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. 11: For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12: For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 3
4: For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely men? 5: What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7: So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8: He who plants and he who waters are equal, and each shall receive his wages according to his labor. 9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10: According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. 11: For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Decoding the 2025 Tech & Crypto Convergence: A Nairobi Perspective on Global Innovation
The digital landscape of May 2025 is electrifying—a bold fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency that’s sparking inn...
-
AI models have advanced significantly, with various options catering to different needs. This comparison explores five major AI models: Gr...
-
Home SYMBOLS and their Meaning The Wise Old Owl | Halloween Symbols Comments To...
-
Day 39: Palm Sunday – Hosanna to the King! 📅 Date: April 9, 2025 📖 Scripture Reading: "The crowds that went ahead of Him and those...