Sexual Immorality

Sexual Sins & Sexual Standards

The Lord wants His people to keep the sexual side of their human nature from sin. So, the Bible warns against sexual sins, not only the actions, but the impure thoughts and filthy words we might speak.

God wants us in fellowship with Him, but continual sexual immoral behavior excludes us from His kingdom. On the other hand, self-control (or temperance KJV) and the Fruit of the Spirit can guide us and keep us in faithful relationship with God and our spouse.

  1. The Bible condemns sexual sin
    1. Adultery — Ex 20:14 You shall not commit adultery Pr 5:1-23
    2. Incest — Lev 20:19-21
    3. Sex with animals — Lev 20:15-16
    4. Loss of virginity before marriage — Dt 22:20-21
    5. Prostitution — Dt 23:17-18; Pr 7:10-27
    6. Homosexuality — Rom 1:26-27; 1Cor 6:9
    7. Obscenity — Eph 5:4
    8. Lust — Mt 5:27-28
  2. God's will regarding sexual standards
    1. In negative terms
      1. Laws against illicit sexual behavior — Ex 20:14; Lev 20:10-21; Dt 23:17-18
      2. The command to flee immorality — 1Cor 6:18; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; 1Thess 4:3
      3. Sexual sin excludes one from the kingdom — 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3-5; Rev 22:15
      4. Sodom and Gomorrah — 2Pet 2:4-10; Jude 1:6-7
    2. In positive terms
      1. Strive for purity — 1Thess 4:3-7; 1Pet 3:2
      2. Be faithful in marriage — 1Cor 7:2-4
      3. Exercise self-control — 1Cor 7:8-9; Gal 5:23; 1Thess 4:4
      4. God can cleanse you from immorality — 1Cor 6:11
      5. You can overcome immorality through the Holy Spirit — Gal 5:16-17

        6. See also Adultery; Marriage.

        Related Study Links:

        Warnings against sexual sins
        Prohibition of adultery
        Punishment of adulterers
        Prohibition of homosexual behavior
        Exercising self-control
        Responsibilities in marriage