Sanctifying Our Sexuality
New You
May 13, 2018
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
In 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul urges Christians to sanctify their sexuality—rejecting sexual immorality, honoring the body as holy and for the Lord, and reserving sexual activity for marriage between a man and a woman—relying on God's Word, Spirit, and the church to reshape our views.
Summary
Paul's first specific exhortation to the Thessalonian church addresses sexuality: believers must reject sexual immorality and adopt a Christ-centered understanding of the body. The world treats personhood as merely having a body and thereby distorts sexual interactions, but Scripture calls the body inherently holy and honorable as male and female made in God’s image. Sanctifying sexuality means using our bodies in holiness and honor for the Lord, recognizing that sexual activity is authorized only within heterosexual marriage; sexual sin harms individuals, marriages, and the church community. We are given God’s Word, the Spirit, and the church to repent, reform our views, and live in holiness.
Key Points
- Context: 1 Thessalonians 4—Paul's first specific pastoral exhortation is about sexuality.
- Two views of the body: modern personhood (body as primary) vs. biblical view (body as holy and for the Lord).
- Primary command: sanctify your sexuality by abstaining from sexual immorality.
- Sexual sin originates in the flesh after conversion, so holiness is needed in how we use our bodies.
- The body is inherently honorable and male/female reflect the image of God, shaping sexual ethics.
- God authorizes sexual activity only within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.
- Sexual misuse damages more than private lives—it brings destruction into marriages and the church.
- Resources for change: God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and the church; prayer for transformation of hearts and views.
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