Read 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 1 Corinthians 9:27
Discover
1. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, what words and/or punctuation emphasize the importance of our response to sexual sin?
2. What makes sexual sin different from all other sins?
3. According to 1 Corinthians 9:27, what is an important step of preparation?
Respond
The Bible often tells us to stand firm and resist temptation, but when it comes to sexual sin, it says to run. Why? Because we don’t stand a chance.
Running from sexual sin involves self-denial and preparation. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul emphasizes the importance of training. This involves controlling our desires and submitting to the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for “discipline” in verse 27 is translated to mean, “to deliver a knock-out blow.”* This is the type of finality we’re called to train for – to run from sexual sin, putting to death our desires and running toward God.
Is there a sin you’ve allowed to take hold or persist in your life? What’s keeping you from running away from it? If nothing comes to mind right now, how is your training going? Are you taking steps in advance to respond to temptation when it comes? Take a few minutes to pinpoint one step you need to take today to either run from a sin or to prepare. Then tell someone about what you’re going to do.
Want to go deeper? Read this article on four ways to fight sexual sin.
*The Moody Bible Commentary, Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL, 2014