2 Cor. 12:21, 2 Sam. 12:1-15; Examine Yourselves for Sexual Immorality (2)

2.     Responding to the problematical circumstance.

The proper response in these situations revolves around three prominent ideas in the Scriptures.  First, as in every situation, we must cast ourselves upon God.  We yield ourselves to Christ (Rom. 12:1), submitting ourselves to Him.  This needs to be the normal life we live because the temptations to sexual immorality often seem to come upon us with surprising suddenness.

Second, the primary action we are called to take is to flee.  This is what Paul told Timothy (2 Tim. 2:22) and it is what Joseph did (Gen.39:12).  It is worth noting that Paul also told us to flee idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14).  When Phinehas quickly ran and killed the two fornicators he was actually dealing with idolatry as the two, idolatry and sexual immorality, had become one in the same (Num. 25).

Third, the Proverbs especially places an emphasis on renewing and enjoying the marriage relationship as a means of preventing sexual sin (see Prov. 5).  

In order to consider the wrong response to the problematical situations that present a temptation to sin let us define the three terms Paul uses.

·        Uncleanness: (akatharsia) 1 uncleanness. 1a physical. 1b in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living. 1b1 of impure motives.

This is a sin that goes beyond mere sexual sin, though it is generally used in conjunction with sexual immorality as is the case in 2 Cor. 12:21.  It tells us that weakness in one area is related to a general life that is unrestrained or lustful.

·        Fornication: (porneia) 1 illicit sexual intercourse. 1a adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc. 1b sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18. 1c sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mk. 10:11,12. 2 metaph. the worship of idols. 2a of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols.

The law (Lev. 18 esp.) notes many relationships that involve this sin.  In the end we can say that fornication is any sexual relationship outside of marriage.

·        Lewdness: (aselgeia) 1 unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence.

You may see a progression, or we should say a regression in Paul’s choice of terms.  First there is a life and thought-life that is unclean, not disciplined.  It leads to involvement in relationships that are immoral.  If there is no repentance (as David did) the continuing lusts lead to more and more involvement in trying to satisfy these lusts in ways that will never satisfy.  

Today’s reading from 2 Samuel helps us turn to the matter of God’s cure for this sin.  Many would want to point out the need for accountability relationships such as the one David had with Nathan the prophet.  But I believe it’s more important to note that God sent Nathan to David.  The need is for God’s servants who teach and preach to be clear about sin and to live exemplary lives.  The need is for preachers today who will be as clear as John the Baptist who pointed out the sexual immorality of Herod (Matt. 14:1-5).