A demonstration of self-control. "That each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." In the course of our ministry we have seen again and again the truly destructive effects of sexual immorality. We are regularly exposed to heartbreaking stories of rebellion against God and His long established standards. Just this week we heard such a story. The consequence affects not just our generation but those who come after us. What kind of legacy are you leaving, not just for your own family, but your generation?

A demonstration of one who knows God. "Not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God." Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll shares a tip I have found very helpful and effective in this regard. Essentially he advises, when confronted with a lustful thought or image, quote Scripture.  He states, "You cannot quote Scripture and lust simultaneously." I have sure found that to be true!  It's like trying to mix oil and water – they do not have the same properties and thus are incompatible. Men, are you tempted to lust when you see an attractive woman, and of course the same applies to women. Quote this Scripture, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl" [man] [woman] (Job 31:1).

A demonstration of the golden rule (treat others as you want to be treated). "That no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter". Some commentaries favor this as a reference to a Christian brother but others feel Paul is speaking of men and women in general. Certainly the charge to never take advantage of another person in the area of sexuality has a broad application, for sex in any form outside of marriage is off limits. John Piper comments: "When we sin sexually we are not seeking the highest good of others, neither the woman or the man we sin with, nor the person we fantasize about nor the person in the pornography, nor the spouse, parent (or children) of any of these. It is not Christian love that moves us in any of this. It is simply selfish desire. But Christians are people deeply moved by love for others. Christians love people; they don’t use them."

A demonstration of accountability to God. "Because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you". D. Edmond Hiebert observes that in appealing to God as avenger Paul "is bringing to mind the consequences which should stimulate a godly fear, whereas he might have appealed to the bitter physical, psychological, and social consequences of immorality. His emphasis rather is eschatological, the coming judgment day. A just God and a coming day of judgment are factors that cannot be left out of consideration when dealing with moral practices."

A demonstration of our pursuit of holiness. "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness." Personal impurity and personal holiness cannot coexist. 1 Peter 1:15 states, "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct".

A demonstration of honor and regard to God. "Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you." 

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber