Bill Clinton never admitted to betraying his wife and first lady Hillary, just as my father would never confess the numerous sexual immoralities he is guilty of according to vows of marriage spoken before God. Since the dawn of time, everyone has been subject to sexual temptation.
But what is sexual sin? More importantly, what does it involve? Is it a physical or psychological act, or both?
Deeply rooted within men and women, sexual sin proves itself to be a greater challenge than any other. “No man knows how bad he is until he has tried to be good. There is a silly idea that good people don’t know what temptation means.” (C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters)
Since I was born again in October 2000, I have been blessed to mainly work from Christian environments that posed limited challenges involving sexual temptation. In my ventures into the world, I am thankful for God’s strength which continues to empower me to resist the enemy’s attacks.
How do I overcome sexual temptation so abundant in the world that surrounds me each time I leave my faith driven cocoon? Through obedience according to the following scripture:
“1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 )
Acceptance of the Lord and His almighty power is the first step involved in overcoming sexual sin, sexual addiction or sexual dependence. Understanding we were created by an all loving God plays a key role in one’s spiritual empowerment. We are made to worship God with our minds, our souls and our bodies.
Don’t be fooled, anyone can succumb to sexual sin. In today’s society we are too often led to believe we only have control over our bodies, not our minds or souls. By surrendering control of our souls to God and allowing His word to fill our minds, we insure our path leads to the narrow gateway that is the kingdom of God.
The only way to overcome sexual sin is to constantly make a conscious attempt to avoid pornography, fantasizing or lustful thoughts. Resisting temptation is more than occasional acts of obedience, it is a way of life.
Through prayer and immersion in the word of God, let us protect ourselves from the evil that lays behind the curtain of sexual sin. When tempted remember how Joseph resisted triumphantly as he ran from sexual temptation.
“Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” (Genesis 39:6-12)
Using the Word of God as a barrier against sexual sin, we are called to rely on scripture when tested. “Your Word I have hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
Failure to obey the Lord often does not happen suddenly, rather it slowly inflates like a balloon eventually exploding uncontrollably. Sexual desire when ignored grows like a weed eventually choking it’s host. Beware! We are all at risk.
Have you fallen to sexual sin or know someone who has? The remedy can be found in confession, accountability, prayer and worship. To rid ourselves of sexual temptation we must first surround ourselves with the right people, then adopt a way of life acceptable to God according to His ways.
God’s ways exclude masturbation, flirting and provocative clothing which all lead to eventual sexual sin. None of these things are acceptable to the Lord and all will be punished. Repentance is the only way to overcome failure that comes along with sexual sin. God knows our hearts and is willing to forgive those who love Him enough to learn from their mistakes.
I invite you to call on this ministry for guidance and prayer in the areas of lust, sexual sin and sexual addiction. At the very least we are here to pray for the afflicted and the weak. We should all be on the lookout for the enemy as he roams the earth casting his never ending net filthy with sexual sin. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us, for your love.
We pray you will inspire us to look beyond our own plan
Knowing there is always a light at the end of the tunnel,
We pray you will keep us faithful and strong
As we keep walking in your footsteps.
Lord we pray for your wisdom, your ever lasting guidance
And for your countless blessings bestowed upon us each day,
We ask that you continue shining your light bright upon us
And inspire us to spread your gospel onto those around us.
God move our hearts and minds through your word
Help us resist temptation and steer from sexual sins,
Fill our hearts with tools to build a wall sky high
Through which the evil winds of sin cannot blow.
Thank you all mighty God for your presence in our lives.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
