A Sermon on Sexual Immorality and Sexual Purity
Today I had the privilege of filling the pulpit at Stonebridge Church in Boone, IA. The text assigned to me was 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, and it's a passage many could find uncomfortable because it deals with sexual immorality and a call to sexual purity.
You can listen to the sermon here or watch it here (start at 31:30).
The topic of sexual immorality is a huge part of God's story of transforming grace in my life. As you’ll hear in the sermon, I was introduced to pornography by a family member when I was 10 years old. That led to 14 years of pornography addiction and a whole host of lust-related sin issues that have plagued me for a very long time. Porn almost ruined my marriage and my ministry. However, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, He has redeemed my brokenness, made me new, and granted me victory and freedom!
If you listen to the sermon, I share more of my story and my journey of finding victory from pornography addiction, and some of the convictions God has given me in light of my past. The text in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 is also full of relevant instruction for anyone struggling with any form of sexual immorality to any degree.
I hope and pray the sermon encourages you to live to please God by walking in sexual purity. In Christ, because of the gospel, sexual sin does NOT define you and should NOT be a constant source of guilt, shame, and fear. In Christ, freedom and victory are not only possible - they are God's will for you!
If you’re struggling with sexual purity, here are a few resources to explore as you take a step toward freedom in Christ:
The best book I’ve ever read on pornography recovery.