August 26, 2022In recent weeks, we have looked at eight areas where we need to heed God’s warnings: 1. Resist Being A People Pleaser; 2. Be Very Careful How You Live; 3. Make Sure to Test the Spirits; 4. Let Go of Empty Words; 5. Put Aside Revenge; 6. Use Your Influential Power Wisely; 7. Say “No” to Imitating Evil; and 8. Keep Your Vows to God.
Today, let’s look at the final two areas, as examined in the following article by Lynette Kittle: https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/10-warnings-in-the-bible-we-don-t-take-seriously-enough.html.
“9. Avoid Sexual Sin
1 Corinthians 6:18 warns to, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Unfortunately, even Christians are caught up in viewing pornography, participating in a hook-up society, and playing around with adulterous temptations. Online sites and phone apps make it easier than ever to be tempted and offer endless opportunities to pursue sexual sin.
Yet, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 explains, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality.”
As God’s word encourages, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).
If you struggle with sexual sin, ask God to help you resist its temptations. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
10. Refuse to Call Evil Good
The Bible warns in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Our current day society, including more and more churches, is in the process of calling things good that God has called evil. As governments are creating new laws in the land, renaming and legalizing sinful practices, many are churches joining in by changing doctrines to support the culture.
Ephesians 5:11-12 warns, “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.”
By looking at what the Bible says and seeking God for wisdom and understanding, we can resist calling what is evil, good, and instead pursue a life that is “acceptable and pleasing to him” (Philippians 4:18), so that we may produce good fruit and grow in our love and knowledge of our Father.”
As we reflect on these warnings from God’s Word, we are reminded of how much God loves us. If you have never asked God’s forgiveness for your sins and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, I would like to ask you: “What are you waiting for?”
Scripture for the weekend: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Because everyone sins, those who say they have not sinned reveal either their ignorance or pride, demonstrating that they do not belong to Christ. Acknowledging the truth of the gospel is not enough – people must also confess their sin and walk in the light (Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13).” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from “The Jeremiah Study Bible”)