No. 354 - Guarding Your Heart Against Immorality

The Consequences of Fleshly Desires

Guarding Your Heart Against Immorality

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."

Prayer 

Dear Lord, help me to understand the dangers of immorality and give me the strength to guard my heart and body from sin. Teach me to honour You with my life and live in purity. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul addresses issues of division, lawsuits among believers, and immoral behaviour. The city of Corinth was known for its immorality, and many in the church were struggling with sexual sin. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and as believers, they should glorify God with their bodies. Verses 18-20 specifically call Christians to flee sexual immorality, emphasising that this sin is unique because it involves the body, which belongs to God.

Be Encouraged 

In today’s world, immorality is a constant temptation. Many people face pressures from society, media, and even friends to engage in behaviours that go against God’s will. But as Christians, we are called to guard our hearts and bodies against such sin. Just as a temple is a sacred place, our bodies are sacred because they are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We honour God by keeping our bodies pure. Imagine a priceless piece of art being mishandled or mistreated—our bodies are even more valuable because they were bought at the highest price, the blood of Jesus Christ.

Application 

To guard our hearts against immorality, we must be vigilant in resisting temptation. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Also, James 1:14-15 warns us that sin begins when we are drawn away by our own desires, leading to death. Let us fill our hearts with God's Word and focus on what is pure, so we can glorify Him in our bodies and spirits.

Invitation 

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, today is the perfect time to surrender to Him. Visit any nearby Church of Christ to learn how to obey the gospel of Christ through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all your past sins and for your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in faith and learn to obey Christ’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Respond to God’s call today and share this message with others who need to hear it. Let’s all commit to honouring God in our lives and fleeing from immorality.

Concluding Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for revealing the importance of keeping my body pure and for reminding me that my body is a temple for Your Spirit. Help me to live a life that honours You and to always resist temptation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day. 

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


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