Modern culture is redefining morality. Sexual behaviour outside of marriage is now something that is considered normal. In modern culture sexual sin is not an issue, it is not wrong according to the eyes of the world but often encouraged. The truth is that this is not new, 1 Corinthians 7:2 says  "But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband." God the creator of sexuality, the creator of man and woman designed marriage between man and woman to be good. If sex is within marriage then it is not a sin but an amazing gift. The Bible says 

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery." although in our modern culture sexual sin is made to sound harmless if not good the Bible makes it very clear that sexual sin is wrong and harmful. 1 Corinthians 6:18 warns us to "flee" from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." The Bible could say walk from, stroll from, leave behind but rather says "flee". Fleeing is an urgent, desperate act from a dangerous situation. Will you as a Christian flee without hesitation or hang around dipping your toe in the water?

 

If you are struggling with sexual sin, it is important to know that you are not alone. The Bible deals with examples of Godly men struggling with sexual sin. The Psalmist King David wrestled with sexual sin. In 2 Samuel 11, we can read of Davids sexual sin with Bathsheba which "displeased the Lord." Although his sexual desires and lusts displeased God, David was restored.  The problem with sexual sin, unlike most other sins, is that the guilt and shame build-up to make us want to hide and conceal it just like David did. If you are a Christian still suffering from Sexual sin it is vital that you "flee" but with something so addictive how?  Firstly recognising the truth about sexual sin is important. Realising the sin and having a desire to change is a necessity if you are going to "flee" from it. Ask the Lord for forgiveness. God is faithful and His love for us is everlasting. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins He not only bore the punishment for our past sins but also our present and future sins. 

Michah 7:18-20 talks about the forgiveness we can find in God. The depth of Gods love. The amazing truth that once our sins are forgiven they are gone and God puts up a 'no fishing' sign.

 

"Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot and

 hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
You will be faithful to Jacob."

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Because sexual sin is so addictive it is common that Christians try to turn away from it but then fail due to moments of weakness in which they commit the same sin again. The amazing truth we can learn from Micah is that God will have compassion "again". His love and mercy will never run out! He knows we’re sinful creatures, that’s why he sent his son to die for us. He knows we’ll mess up from time to time. He will accept you with loving arms. We are reminded that "We must confess our sins to the Lord and they may be forgiven in Christ."  If you are struggling with sexual sin and want liberation you must recognise the sin, want to change, turn to the Lord Jesus for forgiveness, pray for strength to withstand temptation and read the Scriptures. God promises that "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.

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If you are struggling with temptation Colossians 3:2 reminds us to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Setting our minds upon His ways will allow us to find true joy, satisfaction and liberation.  Each day will be a struggle but if you follow God's plan to overcome the temptation He will keep to His promise and sustain you. It may be a good idea to talk to a Christian friend whom you can be accountable too and pray together. James 5:16 says "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Sexual sin is destructive but there is hope. No sin is too big or too small to be forgiven and no temptation is too big to overcome if you do it through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.