1 Cor. 6:12-20 Addendum on Self-Control (1)

In the previous post, in section “d” we noted several areas where self-control is critical.  Our answers were quite short.  But, at other times over the years, we have developed more detailed answers, giving us Biblical knowledge (remember, knowledge is a key to putting on self-control) on each subject.  For the next few posts we plan to share those studies.  Remember that each “desire” is good, a part of how the Creator made us.  But because of sin, these “desires” must be controlled. 

1)    Self-control and fornication.  We are created with the potential for many desires.  One of these is a desire for intimacy.  There is one good way for this desire to be satisfied: with a covenant relationship (marriage) with a person of the opposite sex.  All other intimate relationships are “fornication” (sin).  How can we pursue God’s loving plan?

a)    1 Cor. 6:12-20:

i)      We must not allow the desire to be the strongest voice in our lives.  “I will not be brought under the power of any” (v12).

ii)   My physical body is “for the Lord,” a tool to serve Him.

iii)            My union (relationship) with Christ is more important than any other relationship.

iv) We must identify and then flee from tempting situations.

v)    As a believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in my body.

b)    1 Cor. 7:1-5: If we are married we must not neglect marital intimacy, if at all possible.

c)    Matt. 5:28: Adultery in the heart or mind is sin; it is the same as committing the physical act. 

d)    Job 31:1-4: Pornography and wandering/lustful eyes are sins.

e)    1 Thess. 4:3-8:

i)      God’s will is holiness, that believers are separated unto Him.

ii)   God punished sexual sin.

f)     Prov. 5: We dealt with this passage in the previous post.  Here is a summary.

i)      Be forewarned; personal destruction awaits fornicators.

ii)   Stay away from the harlot or seductive woman.

iii)            Develop a good physical relationship with your wife.

iv) Remember: all sin, including fornication, brings bondage.

g)    1 Tim. 5:2: Treat young women as sisters, in purity.  In other words, no suggestive talk, no showing off for them, and so forth.

h)    2 Tim. 2:22: Flee the kind of lusts that are “common” to young men.

i)      Add Genesis 39 to your list of Biblical illustrations.  It is the story of Joseph in Egypt and his purity.