“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)
Symptoms are indicative of diseases. They may also reveal the intensity of a disease’s infestation. But sometimes, several diseases could give off the same symptoms. And for a physician to properly get to the root of the matter, specific tests must be done. Addressing the symptoms of a disease alone could be misleading. The same goes for sinful sexual habits. To get rid of them, you must address the root cause, not the symptoms.
In today’s anchor text, Apostle Paul addressed the issue of sexual misconduct at the Church in Corinth, and his first instruction was to flee. You do not negotiate with sin. You abstain. His next instruction is also simple yet powerful. It’s a call to remembrance that your body is not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19). Your body is the Temple of God, and His Spirit lives in you. Having this consciousness would help you lead a life of consecration with a determination to glorify God with your body (Romans 8:11-12; 1 Corinthians 6:20).
Furthermore, Scripture uncovers the very thing that causes people to fall into temptations (James 1:13-15). Apostle James writes that God cannot be tempted, and He also does not tempt. Rather, people are enticed or drawn into sin by their lusts. That is, the devil would only suggest things that you already desire. And all these happen in the mind.The same way the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness is the same way he does it today – through the mind (Matthew 4:1-11).
The mind is a vital gateway that should always be guarded (Proverbs 4:23). The preceding verses from 20-22 explain how you can achieve that – by staying your mind on God’s word. As you study the word, a new mindset is formed, and new desires are birthed in you.
Dear believer, no matter the mistakes you might have made in the past, God has a way out. His word is stronger than any addiction. You can retrace your steps by allowing His word to renew your mind and desires today.
Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 16-17; Acts 9:26-43