Overcoming the Sin of Immorality

Purity Love Happy Homes Confidence

Lust Shame Fear Broken Homes Loneliness

Purity of mind, conscience, and body is a tremendous personal asset, a Christian virtue, and a blessing to mankind. Declining moral values of today cause men and women to accept and indulge in behavior that the Bible clearly defines as sin. This behavior has become an accepted way of life for many people. That which God calls sin is often accepted as permissible. What will be the result of this departure from the beautiful plan of God?

Much television, literature, and online content is filled with violence, sex, and immoral practices. Often this impure influence is brought into the home for entertainment. The minds of many men, women, and children are filled with lustful thoughts and desires. Sadly, this evil environment is even found in the homes of some professing Christians.

God’s Word tells us that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection… despisers of those that are good… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). In words that we can understand and apply to our lives, Jesus told his disciples, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications” (Matthew 15:19). “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Again, Jesus says in the Holy Scriptures, “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

Complete text of: Overcoming the Sin of Immorality

Many people seek a life of pleasure and go to all means to satisfy their lust. They enjoy today and do not worry about tomorrow, unconcerned about giving an account of their deeds on the judgment day when all will stand before God. Some of the pleasures indulged in are alcohol, drugs, and sex. Passions can be aroused with very little or no control. Because of these sins, homes are broken and innocent children are left without a father or mother. The Bible, in Galatians 5:19-21, lists some of the sins common to mankind—adultery, fornication (premarital sex), uncleanness, hatred, murders, and drunkenness—and says “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

When there is a breakdown of biblical morality in society, the children suffer. The lack of teaching and example leaves them without a proper understanding of the value and importance of moral purity.

Many young people engage in sexual relationships before marriage, which is against God’s teaching. They ignore the consequences of these actions thinking they can escape the penalty of sin. But consciences are defiled, purity is lost, and innocence is destroyed. Some single young women become pregnant. This results in shame, guilt, confusion, and the responsibility of caring for a child. Some mothers resort to an abortion. A life is destroyed, adding still more sin and guilt to her heart. Otherwise, young people become parents at a premature age. The carefree years of youth are spoiled because of a little sinful pleasure. The pure beginning that enhances intimacy in marriage is compromised.

Marriage is a blessing to those who follow the plan of God. God intended a man and a woman to be happy and enjoy the marriage union together. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4). A couple in love with each other may plan to marry, but to live together without being married is sin in the eyes of God.

The Word of God speaks against homosexuality. “That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved” (Romans 1:26-27 NLT). When men or women allow sexual lusts to dominate their thoughts, it leads to deviant practices in order to satisfy their unrestrained passions including homosexual behavior. Many homosexuals are no longer ashamed of their immoral conduct. Society encourages them to come out in the open and be accepted. Homosexuality is often excused; however, each person is accountable for their actions.

Sexual sins lead to unhappiness, guilt, and emotional distress. Often these sins become a way of life, and many find themselves caught in an addiction they cannot control or overcome without the help and counsel of others. Certain serious diseases are the result of immoral conduct. HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases cause needless suffering and death. More importantly, sin separates us from God eternally. The impure can have no part in the kingdom of God. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 6:9).

An immoral life can be changed, an impure mind can be renewed, and sins can be forgiven. The Spirit of God will reprove an individual of sin and will lead him to repentance. We must recognize sin and its seriousness in the eyes of God without self-justification. We must come to God in humility, acknowledging our guilt with a heartfelt sorrow, pleading for forgiveness, and asking for grace to make restitution and forsake sin. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Let us turn from our evil ways and call unto the Lord while there is time.

The rewards of living a pure life are many. Living in the will of God frees us from guilt and turmoil. Love abounds in the heart where Jesus dwells, and our thoughts become pure. We have peace of mind and freedom from fear. We seek to serve our fellowmen and find true fulfillment. Peace abounds when we have a clean heart and we know we can be with Jesus someday! Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

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Heaven—Your Future Home?

What About Your Future?

Who can think about the future without considering whether there is another existence after this life? Man cannot escape the thoughts of his state after death, but is inclined to put them out of his mind. He busies himself with the things of this life, placing thoughts of death, heaven, and hell into the distant future (Matthew 24:48, Ecclesiastes 8:11). The reality is, however, that a choice must be made. To do nothing will mean being eternally lost.

There Are Only Two Destinies

The glories of heaven and the terrors of hell convince us that we must make heaven our eternal destiny. There is a choice to be made if we are to realize this reward. No sin will enter heaven; this is sure. There will be eternal punishment in hell for those who do not find forgiveness for their sins. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46).

Heaven—The Home for All the Redeemed

To the redeemed, those who have been washed in the blood of Christ, heaven is a special place (Revelation 7:13-14). It is home. Their desire for heaven is like the desire of the psalmist in Psalm 63:1, “My soul thirsteth for thee… in a dry and thirsty land.” To the fleshly, earthly mind, heaven seems a distant, far-off place. To the person born of the Holy Spirit of God, heaven is close and real. He experiences a foretaste of his eternal home.

The virtues exemplified by Christ—truth, humility, purity, and love—are precious to the child of God. As God graces the believer’s life with love from heaven, he is careful to be honest and humble. His heart longs for the fullness and purity of these Christian graces in the heavenly home (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Heaven—A Place of Light

Complete text of: Heaven—Your Future Home?

Life on this earth has many shadows. We often encounter things we do not understand. We attempt to look into the future, but are not able to do so. Disappointments are often experienced in our lives. All of this could be described as darkness.

Heaven has only light. It is where God dwells. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). In his light is perfect understanding. Knowledge will be complete. The past and all events will be totally clear. In this light, there will be full fellowship between the Father and all those who reside with Him.

Heaven is described as “the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12). Attributes of light listed in the scriptures are knowledge, holiness, and joy. This light is without interruption—forever! There shall be no night there (Revelation 21:25).

Heaven—A Place without Threat or Sin

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie” (Revelation 21:27). Discouragement, disappointment, temptation, and sin are part of the earthly life. They will never enter that beautiful land.

In Revelation 21:4 we read, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” To the Christian, heaven is the fulfilling rest, the completion of the journey. He knows that even as God has wiped away his tears on earth, so all sorrow will be taken away in the perfection of heaven.

Immortal State of the Saved

Human relations are important to us here on earth. Others’ joys and sorrows touch our emotions. Family ties are meaningful and separation is painful. All of this is a necessary part of our mortal state.

When Jesus returns for judgment, everyone will be transformed. The dead will rise. The mortal body that is corrupt and subject to death will become immortal. “And the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).

In this state, family relationships will no longer carry the same meaning for us. Jesus taught that there will be no marriage relationships in heaven (Matthew 22:30). The emotions of this life will pale in comparison to the joy that will be in the presence of the Lord God. Nothing will blemish the relationship between the saved and the Lamb of God.

The saints shall continually look on things which mortal eyes have never seen; they shall hear things which mortal ears have never heard; and they shall know that which the heart has never thought upon.

Jesus and His Own Will Be Glorified

A day is coming when the Lord Jesus shall appear to all the inhabitants of the earth. Everyone will stand before Him to be judged (Matthew 25:31-34). His true followers, even though they were despised and rejected in their earth life, will be taken into glory (heaven). There they will be able to praise and glorify God without end. Mortality will give way to immortality. “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). See also 2 Corinthians 5:1.

In this life the saints have had many trials, temptations, and difficulties. Through grace those that have trusted in the Deliverer and persevered to the end will be taken to heaven. People from all lands and of all tongues and ages who have kept the faith will be there. This great and innumerable throng, pardoned from sin and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ, will inhabit heaven (Revelation 7:9-14).

These souls who have been redeemed in this life will be glorified in heaven. How wonderful it will be to experience the marriage of his church with the Lamb of God. This will be glory beyond compare. (Revelation 19:7-9).

Heaven—Beyond Human Understanding

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

The glory and splendor of heaven cannot be fully understood or described. Our minds understand the things which we can see and feel. While we understand that heaven is the abode of the soul with God, He has chosen not to reveal all the aspects of that eternal home.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was given a glimpse of heaven. As he was being stoned for his faith, he “looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55).

Even though much about heaven cannot be explained, we know enough that we, like faithful people through the ages, desire to dwell eternally in the city that God has made. Hebrews 11:10 tells us that Abraham by faith “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Read also Hebrews 11:13-16.

Will We Be There?

Where will we go when life is over? Will we go to heaven? The Spirit of God gently knocks and reminds us to prepare for our eternal future.

We need to recognize our need of God. Through the fall of man in the beginning, man has forfeited (lost) his favor with God. Repenting of our sins and finding forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ can restore this relationship. God then accepts us as just, and pardons us. We thus become a child of God through the power of the Word and Spirit (John 3:5; 1:12). The peace that we experience is a foretaste of the fullness of rest that will be ours in that eternal abode. Every soul can have clear evidence in his heart that a mansion has been prepared for him in heaven (John 14:2-3).

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Life Worth Living

A Restless World

This world is a restless place. We see people dashing about trying to find fulfillment in activity. Many dedicate themselves to gather riches. Others want all the pleasure of the sensual life. Still others want more leisure and arrange to work less and play more. Yet their spirits are not satisfied. Gadgets, pleasures, and possessions eventually lose their attractiveness. Every new diversion fills in for a time but quickly loses its appeal. Something seems to be missing.

We all have our share of disappointments. Our activities are limited by our physical capabilities. Family members need constant care. We feel trapped in a job because we lack expertise to take up other work. We spend money and go into debt hoping the next purchase will make life more tolerable. Our marriage has not proved to be what we had hoped. In vain we look for fulfillment and purpose.

Is this all there is to life? Should there not be something meaningful to give us satisfaction, something more permanent? Surely, there is a solution.

What Is Life?

Life is a precious span of time given to us by the Creator. The Bible says it is like a shadow (1 Chronicles 29:15); as short-lived as plants and flowers (1 Peter 1:24); and as fleeting as a vapor (James 4:14).

Complete text of: Life Worth Living

While we are young we see life extending for years. As we get older, time seems to speed up. We can’t accomplish what we had hoped for earlier. We are disappointed by a variety of hindrances that restrict our lifestyle.

What Is the Problem?

What contributes to the discontent inside us?

Life is an opportunity but also a responsibility. We are unhappy whenever we go against the good we know we should do. Sin against our fellow man brings about uneasiness and guilt. Sin against ourselves has its destructive effects on our peace of mind. We feel responsible for our deeds.

Most people have a feeling that life is part of a bigger picture than their few short years on earth. For many this means they need to recognize a higher spiritual power, a greater purpose at work in the universe. They may not always know who or what that is.

Often people are dissatisfied with life because they fail to see it from God’s perspective. They are ignorant of God’s will and purpose for man, sometimes willingly so. Many fail to envision the eternal bliss of the faithful and would rather ignore the final judgment of the wicked and godless (Romans 6:23).

The Abundant Life Is Available

Jesus says in John 16:24, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” The joy that Jesus gives is not easily removed from a Christian’s heart.

At times we are heavy hearted because of temptations. But the joy from the Holy Spirit’s presence runs deeper. It may not be the bubbling, light feeling all the time but simply a calm trust in the Lord that allows us to stand unwavering in trial and unconquered by the storm.

Some may tell you that the Christian way is too restrictive to be enjoyed. They might think that in order to be happy you must be able to do as you please. Just try the Lord! You will find it is a pleasure to serve the One who died for you. It will become clear to you that the person who serves himself is really the one in bondage and the servant of Christ is the free man.

True fulfillment is not found in following trends and fashions or patterning our lives to impress others. That kind of living becomes a compulsive force in us and leads to bondage. When we are humble we are free. Free to be ourselves. Free to rest our minds from worrying about what others are thinking of us.

Jesus Offers Life Worth Living

In Matthew 11:28 we read, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Here Jesus offers rest to all whose load seems more than they can carry, whose life lacks purpose, whose life is unfulfilled.

Come to the Lord and give Him your load of sin, your dissatisfaction, your unfulfilled emptiness, and your frustration. Admit your inability to handle life’s problems. Turn from what you know to be wrong in your life. Give your life over to Jesus. Trust Him to take you by the hand and lead you.

Once you realize you need help in your life, you can come to Jesus and receive that help. As long as you feel independent and self-sufficient, He can do nothing for you. When you yield yourself to his care, there is hope for you.

Jesus Christ can fill the deepest longing of your soul. Yield your life and will to Him. As you ask Him to fill you with his abundance, life in all its fullness will be yours.

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