Sexual Purity

This week, in our Seeking Him Together Bible Study, we took a good, honest look at Sexual Purity. At first, that topic may seem a bit odd to include in a 12 week study on personal revival. But as I poured through the daily devotions, it became very clear to me that it's exactly those details that you think aren't as important as whatever else you're looking at that have the biggest potential to trip you up. I've seen it happen- perfectly reasonable people who allow one compromise after another and discover far too late that they've fallen deep into the hole of sexual sin.

Often, I think many women don't see themselves as vulnerable to sexual sin. We think that because we may not feel lusty, we aren't as, well... (about to get blunt here) likely to strip down nekkid with someone in the backseat of a car. Truth is, when we think of an affair as movie-style passion we can be tricked into forgetting that it starts much more 'innocently' than that. We forget that for many of us, an affair is when we are getting our needs met from any man that is not our husband. Needs could include laughter, conversation, compliments, validation... even spiritual things. Daaangerous territory, my friends.

To help safeguard our purity, this study lists 12 tips to follow. I realize many may seem legalistic (more on that term soon) but if you're finding yourself balking at one of them, prayerfully consider why it is that you're opposed to the idea. I found each tip to be helpful, so I'm listing them below in case they might be helpful to you, too: (my notes are in italics)


* Recognize your potential for moral failure.
- as soon as you think you can't fall, you surely will

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
-1 cor 10:12

* Realize that you don't have to give in.
- "I couldn't help myself" has to stop being an excuse in every area of our lives.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
-1 cor 10:13

* Resolve to be pure.
- Making a firm commitment, starting this day. Far easier to keep a resolve made before the heat of the moment.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct
-1 peter 1:13-15

* Remove all bitterness.
-harboring resentment leaves an open door for sexual sin.

looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright
-Hebrews 12:15-16

* Restrain your fleshly desires.
-Telling yourself you can have anything you want, anytime, can backfire when you find yourself in a situation where you want to resist sexual temptation

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
-Romans 13:14

* Reject anything that could lead you back into bondage.
- Know what your triggers are. Stay away from situations/people/places that you know weaken your resolve.

And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.
-Proverbs 7:7-9

* Run from every form of evil.
- When you find yourself even a little tempted, GET OUT. Don't hang around to see if you can resist, run!

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
-2 timothy 2:22

* Renew your mind with the Word of God
- Keep in contact with Him... it's amazing how soaking your heart and brain in the Word can help you resist temptation.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philipians 4:8

* Recruit help.
- Be honest with your closest friends. Ask them to help you stay away from temptations, to give you accountability, to check in with you, and pray for you. I have a few accountability partners who struggle in the same areas I do, and I have to say that it has made a beautiful change in my walk.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16

* Remember the consequences.
- I think often people plunge into sexual sin because they simply haven't thought it all the way through.They get as far as... my problems will be over, I will be happy... without thinking about all they stand to lose.

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
James 1:14-15

* Refuse to remain in defeat and depression.
- When we're feeling defeated and depressed, we are more vulnerable to fall into things that make us feel better. Even if you've already messed up, get up and get moving again

For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again
-Proverbs 24:16a

* Rely on the Holy Spirit.
- Realizing we can't do it on our own but relying on God's provision to help us is the sure-est way to keep from stumbling.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
-Galatians 5:16a

Sheesh! That turned out to a very long post. How 'bout we let the scriptures speak for themselves and I'll just sign off? Sound good to everyone? Me too...

xoxo