Growing Giants Pt.5
Sexual Purity: An Expression of Holiness
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and His ways.
Radical respect leads to sexual integrity. – Jim Burns
We present holiness unto the Lord and honor due to our brothers and sisters in Christ when we walk in purity (adapted from JB Lightfoot)
Purity code (Jim Burns):
In Honor of God, my family, and my future (or current) Spouse, I commit my life to sexual purity. This involves:
1. Honor God with your body
1 Thessalonians 4:4 and 7 – Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor… God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives (see also 1 Corinthians 6:20)
“In return for the love shown us, we present our bodies to Him as acts of worship.” – Jim Burns
2. Renew your mind
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His Good, pleasing and perfect will.
Tune out the bad and tune in the good.
Daily Devotions
Find positive friends
3. Turn your eyes from worthless things
1 Thessalonians 4:5-6a – Not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and His ways. Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife.
Song of Solomon 8:4 – Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right.
4. Guard your heart
1 Thessalonians 4:3 3 – God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
“Our sexuality does not own us or define us. Jesus does” - Rachel Gilson
“Many days, many nights, our sexual desires will feel like only a source of weakness. Yet when dependence is the goal, weakness is an asset.” - Rachel Gilson
“If you don’t believe escape is possible, you won’t look for it. But God has promised that He will provide it every time.” - Rachel Gilson
What she thought was disqualification became her platform/testimony for sharing the gospel!
For discussion or personal reflection: (partially adapted from The Purity Code)
Brainstorm and list positive results of following the Purity Code
What are some of the negative consequences of not committing to and following the code?
Which of the four ways to follow the code do you find most challenging?
What are personal boundaries you feel you need to help yourself “stay away” from sexual immorality?
If you are single, have you ever thought about making choices now in light of possibly being married one day?
If you are married, are there things you need to confess and repent of to your spouse?
Verse to Memorize:
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.