The Devastating Effects of Sexual Immorality

We live in a world that has become sexually charged. From vivid airbrushed photos to naked fantasies, many are lured into a dark world of deception.

While some see it as innocent fun, the truth is that sexual immorality will put you on a collision course with God, it will wreck your relationships, ruin your life, and destroy your faith.

Today, I want to…

• Expose the dark world of the sexual immorality that is causing so much hurt and pain.
• Share the latest statistics of this pandemic with you.
• Reveal what God thinks of it.
• Show you the pathway out of the darkness into a transformed life.

God loves all people, but He hates sexual immortality. 

While some go out of their way to defend the sexual revolution, saying that there is nothing wrong with it, the truth is that you only need to look at the bad fruit of this pandemic on the world to see the devastating impact it is having on so many people’s lives…

• Rampant sexual diseases
• Millions of illegitimate births
• An increase in abortions
• Broken relations and divorce
• Shattered personalities
• A warped and perverted view of sex that has distorted reality
• Many are left broken, damaged, haunted by their past, and held in dark bondage

Porn and sexual immorality are in defiance of God’s will and plan for life. 

What Does God Have to Say about Porn and Sex?

“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” (Ephesians 5:3)

“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:5)

“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Jesus warned us, “But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:28-29)

Again, Jesus told us, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” (Mark 7:20-23)

“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32)

What is Porn?

Pornography is the explicit description and display of sexual organs and activity that is intended to stimulate sexual excitement. In today’s world, it is so easy to access. Google alone can open the door to people of all ages. 

Porn is found in all forms and can be accessed in varying degrees, ranging from what some would call tasteful to titillating photos and writings, and can also include grotesque, deeply disturbing, immoral, and perverted materials. 

From magazines to social media reels and pictures to video games, movies, as well as writing and speech, porn is everywhere. 

Porn reaches people of all age levels through a multi-billion-dollar industry targeted at now only adults but teenagers and even children. Even young kids in primary school are watching things they should not be watching, that is messing them up.

Porn is both a symptom and a cause of the widespread immorality and corruption of modern society. 

The term “pornography” comes from two Greek words: 

• Porne 
  • A prostitute (A woman who sells her body for sex)

• Graphein
  • To write or draw an image 

Pornography has become increasingly commonplace. 

How Many People Watch Pornography?

Is porn really an issue? Well, let’s look at the stats…

Despite the recognition of the negative effects of pornography, the number of people consuming pornography continues to rise…

• 61% of the general population report viewing pornography
• 73% of teens have consumed porn
• 12 is the average age of first exposure
• When pornography is viewed, couples are twice as likely to separate
• One in 2 teens say they “feel guilty or ashamed” after watching porn
• 46% of people believe that porn is harmful
• 38% are neutral about porn’s effects
• 41% of teens say they believe watching porn is wrong, while 38% do not believe it is wrong

And amongst Christians…

• 54% of practicing Christians say they watch porn (75% are men and the remaining 25% are women)
•  67% of pastors have a personal history with porn
• 18% of pastors in the United States currently struggle with pornography

The problem with pornography: it is deceptive. 

Many give in to the feelings of pleasure, but it can…

• Lead to deviant sexual behavior,
• Lead to addiction, 
• Corrupt your thoughts, leading to unhealthy sexual fantasies,
• Contaminate you with lustful pleasure,
• Become an obsession that funds you in bondage,
• Become a doorway to darkness where the enemy can get his claws in you,
• Desensitize you and warp your perception of reality,
• Damage your relationships,
• Shatter your life,
• Corrupt your moral values, leaving you torn, tangled, and anxious, 
• Trap you in a tug-of-war between God and forces of darkness, 
• Leave you feeling guilt-ridden, 
• Shipwreck your faith and walk with God
• Make you feel bound in darkness,
• Lead to spiritual death.

Are You Hurting? 

Many are…

• Wounded,
• Troubled,
• Lonely, 
• Hurting, 
• Feeling rejected, 
• Feeling isolated, 
• Feeling like they can’t measure up to expectations. 

Stop!

If you are living in sexual sin, I implore you to stop.

Watch out. Come clean. You can start over.

The Consequences.

God clearly hates all forms of sexual immorality, and it has devastating eternal consequences.

Look at what God’s Word says… 

“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, commit adultery, are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, greedy people, drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Is There a Way Out?

The good news is that no matter how you have messed up, there is a way out. God didn’t just condemn us. He offers a fresh start, forgiveness, and healing.

The scripture continues, “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 

Jesus Made a Way for You to Be Set Free

Today, you can be set free. God can cleanse you, forgive you, and transform your life.  No matter your past transgressions, you can call on the name of Jesus. God can save you, restore you God, and heal you.

The scripture goes on and says, “The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” (1 Corinthians 6:13)

God then implores those who have been set free to flee from all sexual immorality.

“Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Steps to Healing.

1. Go to Jesus: Seek healing and deliverance from personal sins and sexual immorality. 

If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. 

Do you realize what Jesus did for you?

If you are not in a relationship with God, please invite Jesus Christ into your life to be your Lord and Savior. We were cut off from God due to our sins, but Jesus bore our sins and paid the full price on the cross so that we could be reconnected to God. God loves you so much that He made a way for you to be forgiven and to become part of His family. He wants to share forever with you.  

It is time to come clean. 

Repent.

You can find forgiveness in Jesus. 

You may feel haunted by your secret sin. 

It is time to come clean and be set completely free.

You may be a Christian or even in the ministry and be battling with sexual immorality.

Admit your sins and shortcomings, not to me, but to God.

Face the truth.

God sees it all. You cannot hide it from him. So be honest. 

You may feel weighed down, entangled, and bound up.

Many live in denial. 

“I’m not so bad.”

Some will try and minimize your issue or even rationalize it away.

Strip off the weights.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Repent.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

When you confess your sin, God forgives you.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

If you have messed up, ask God to forgive you. Jesus paid the full price on the cross for all sins so that we can be made clean.

Let’s Pray…

Dear Lord Jesus, I need you. I know I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Please wash me and cleanse me. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

If you have prayed this prayer, please let us know. We would love to pray for you and send you some incredible ebooks to help you on your journey with God.

Now, leave your life of sin.

Jesus said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10)

Remember, there is no more condemnation in Jesus if you have repented, turned to Him, and come clean.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

When you repent and turn to God, you start afresh. When you take Jesus as your Lord and Savior and turn from your old life, you become a brand new creation.  

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

2. Cast all our anxieties and cares on Him.

Give God your burdens, along with your hurt and pain. 

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Deal with the hurts and wounds. Work through them. Cast your burdens and pain on Jesus. 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Ask Jesus to break the bondage and to bring healing to you. 

3. God can heal and deliver you. Jesus sets captives free.

God can break the chains of bondage.

Take responsibility for your life. 

Ask God to break all soul ties with previous partners.

When Jesus sets you free, stay free.

Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

4. Don’t feed your temptation. 

If you feed the bad dog, it will grow stronger. Stop feeding your addiction.

You need to destroy all pornographic materials. 

If you see a place of temptation, you must stop visiting it. Whether by an online sight or an adult place, you must stay away from these places.

Put an eviction notice in place. Don’t trespass.

Don’t play with fire, or you will get burnt.

You need to sever any relationships that have encouraged immorality.

Stop living in sin. If you have a partner, get married.

“It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.” (1 Corinthians 7:9)

Set yourself apart.

“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Flee from temptation.

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”  (2 Timothy 2:22)

5. You need to rebuild your life on God, on a firm foundation of holiness, set apart to God.

Seek God.

“And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) 

Live to please Him.

“We make it our goal to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)

Pray.

“And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’” (Luke 22:40)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

When in trouble, call on God.

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)

Confess all your known sins daily. 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)

Offer up your body to Jesus Christ as a living sacrifice to God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Worship God. 

Praise Him.

Daily renounce any conformity to the world.

Renew your mind.

Cut a new path.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

Spend time daily with God. Develop an intimate relationship with Jesus. 

“Draw near to God, and he will draft near to you.” (James 4:8)

Read His word. Study it. Meditate on it. Confess God’s Word.

Do not face life alone. 

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

God wants to fill you and empower you. The Holy Spirit wants to counsel, comfort, lead, and guide you. So, depend on God. 

Join a Church and a cell group. Become actively involved in a Church. Build relationships with Christians. Find a godly mentor. Check in regularly. 

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

Be accountable.  

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Burning the ships. Decide to never return to your old line of sin. Break down the bridges or links to the past.

Think about good things. 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Stand up to the enemy.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Guard your heart.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Ask God to renew you.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

6. If you mess up… 

Repent on your sin.

Surrender your life afresh to Jesus.

Ask God to forgive and cleanse you. (If you need help with this, click here)

Call on Jesus. 

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

7. Keep Jesus at the center.

Colossians 1:15-23…

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.  

Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead.  So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.”