How to Avoid Fornication

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Even though we live in a society that seems to have an “anything goes” attitude toward sex, God has boundaries and standards that He expects His people (the church), to honor, respect and obey. Fornication is any sexual activity or conduct that God has forbidden. A clear study and understanding of scripture reveals that, when it comes to sexual activity, the only occasion or condition where it is condoned and blessed by God is when it is between a man and a woman who are in the God-ordained covenant of marriage. Just take a glimpse at God’s boundaries in Leviticus 18:1-30; 20:7-24; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Ephesians 5:3; Hebrews 13:4; and Revelations 21:8. God wants you to be holy like He is holy.

It is extremely important that every child of God, from youth to adults, understands the seriousness of the sin of fornication and does all he or she can to avoid it like the scripture commands. Here are some teachings from the Bible that can help those who want to please God by avoiding sexual sin.

1. Make Up Your Mind – To avoid sin, you have to first recognize that a behavior is sin in the sight of God. There are far too many Christians who have adopted a worldly view of fornication instead of a godly/Biblical view. Decide today to see fornication for what it is – sin. Psalm 5:4; John 8:1-11; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:18 2. Guard Your Heart – The process that leads to sin starts in our minds. Therefore, we need to be careful about what we expose our minds to. Avoid exposing your eyes and ears to those things that stir up lust within you and lead you down a path toward fornication. Watch your thoughts because they become actions. Keep your mind exposed to God’s word and God’s (spiritual) people. Psalm 119:11; Matthew 15:19-20; Philippians 4:8; James 1:12-15 3. Avoid Sin Situations – Many people get caught up in fornication because there are in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person. Make a conscience effort to avoid situations (and, even certain people) where you will be prone to and vulnerable to sexual sin. Romans 13:4; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Sexual sin not only affects you but it affects your relationship with God and should be taken very seriously. If you ever find yourself caught up in the sin of fornication, know that God loves you and there is a way out through repentance, confession and prayer (1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1-2). If you are struggling, find a spiritually-minded Christian who can encourage you to do what is right in God’s sight and keep you accountable. Ask God to send or lead you to spiritual Christian who you can build a strong healthy relationship with and, eventually, be joined with in marriage. You don’t have to be in bondage to sexual sin. You can overcome (and avoid) fornication and have the victory through the presence and power of God.