1 Corinthians 6:15

New International Version

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!

For Encouragement

Never!

That is emphatic. It shows the resolve of a person who understands the sanctity of his body as part of the body of a holy God—Christ Jesus our Lord. Having understood who he is, a child of God (Romans 8:16), and apprehended his position in Christ (Ephesians 2:6), what it means to be a part of Him (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:16) because he is an active participant of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), the believer must have this mindset and resolve of Paul in this passage of scripture.

Paul would never join his body with a prostitute to defile it. We prostitute ourselves when we engage in sex outside marriage and thereby totally dishonor the only sanctified means of sexual pleasure. Sanctified sexual pleasure means sexual intimacy is a gift from God, designed to be enjoyed within the context of a committed, loving marriage. Any other sexual intimacy is immoral and a defilement (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6; Hebrews 13:4). 

If we pride ourselves on being children of God, we are born again, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. So, we must dread soiling our bodies through any immoral sexual acts of pleasure. We should cringe at the thought, and that should cause us to say, “Never!” with Paul.

See the extent one goes to avoid staining a white shirt or dress. A little speck of food on any white dress stands out visibly, making us uncomfortable and ashamed. We seek immediate change until which time we try to hide and cover-up. How can we feel comfortable staining Christ’s sparkling garment of righteousness on us?

Regrettably, sexuality has become a compromised subject in the church these days. We do not think about our nature in sanctified and refreshing ways. We walk, unrestrained, into sexual innuendos and then run, unbroken, to take hold of 1 John 1:9.

As believers, we differ from our unsaved work colleagues and friends (2 Corinthians 6:17). We must think and desire lofty things, not lowly appetites (Colossians 3:1-3). We have God’s defensive and offensive armor to adorn us for the fierce battle around us (Ephesians 6:10-18). Our condition and conversation must remain sanctified (5:3-5), full of grace, and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). And you know the good part of all this?

When you determine to flee from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8:), the Holy Spirit will strengthen and sustain you (Genesis 39:11-12; 1 Corinthians 6:18). He knows your weakness and always avails you with a door of escape when necessary (1 Corinthians 10:13). But if you fall, don’t hide it. Confess it, for He is faithful and just, and will forgive you and purify you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). You can then walk with Him without guilt to fulfill His purpose for your life.

Pray with Me

Father, we thank you for the season of Lent, which gives us the opportunity for introspection, confession, and cleansing. We ask for the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit to help us in your word and prayer, bringing conviction to where there is a hint of sexual immorality and impure thought. Help us desire holiness in our walk with Jesus and live it. Thank you in the glorious name of Jesus, amen.

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