Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.
1 Corinthians 6:18 NIV
Do you understand how valuable your body is? Many people, especially today’s youth, lack an understanding of its importance. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul says, “For you were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The “price” refers to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s means of redeeming us to Himself. Because of this redemption, your body is no longer your own; it belongs to God.
Meanwhile, the concept of the body as a temple highlights the importance of maintaining holiness and purity. Just as the physical temple must be pure and set apart for worship, believers must keep their bodies pure and free from sin. Sexual immorality, in particular, defiles this sacred space. In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul contrasts the sanctity of the body with the corrupting nature of sexual sin.
Paul emphasises that every believer should actively avoid and flee from sexual immorality. “Fornication” refers to sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage. Paul uses strong language (“flee”) to emphasise avoiding such behaviour. However, sexual immorality has become the norm in our world today. Nevertheless, the instruction to every believer is to flee and desist from such acts. Believers must not be enticed by the devil, nor consent to his will, and desist from all forms of immoral acts.
Furthermore, In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Paul says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour.” Paul emphasises God’s will for believers to be sanctified. This includes abstaining from sexual immorality and honouring God with one’s body. Do you possess your vessel in sanctification and honour? God is not pleased with sinful lust and is ready to help you. Therefore, you must surrender your flesh and allow His strength to help you overcome sexual lust. God’s standard is sure, and He will not lower it for anyone. Flee from such sin and keep your bodies in purity and honour as an act of worship and reverence towards God, for there is a great reward for this.
Consider the life of Joseph, from the Book of Genesis, who provides a great example of integrity and righteousness, particularly in the face of sexual temptation. His encounter with Potiphar’s wife illustrates the principle of running from immorality. Potiphar’s wife repeatedly tried to seduce him, but Joseph refused her advances, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). This refusal signifies Joseph’s awareness of the gravity of sexual sin and his desire to honour God with his body. Joseph’s decision to flee reflects the sanctification and honour called for in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. He possessed his body in honour, choosing holiness over immediate gratification or fear of consequences from his master.
God’s favour remained with Joseph. He eventually became the second most powerful man in Egypt, used by God to save many lives during a severe famine (Genesis 41). God eventually rewarded his faithfulness and integrity. Likewise, God has a plan for your life. Don’t fall the devil’s prey; embrace purity today so that you can become useful in the Father’s hands.
In conclusion, understanding the value of your body as a temple of God is crucial. Sexual immorality defiles this sacred space, and believers must flee from it. The lives of Paul and Joseph offer clear examples of the importance of maintaining purity and honouring God with our bodies. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will. Consequently, we open the door for His blessings and favour in our lives. Embrace purity today, and let your life be a testament to God’s holiness and righteousness.
