PG-13 (Part 2)

by Pastor J. Mark Martin

Last month we discussed sexual purity. God invented sex, He wants it to be precious, that’s why sexual purity is God's Will.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “…this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality…”

Obviously, God takes sexual purity before marriage and sexual integrity within a marriage very seriously. It's obviously His will.

But also think about yourself? What’s the cost of sexual impurity to you? It’s pricey. There are hidden costs.

We already discussed the emotional and physical consequences to sexual sin. There are also big relational consequences as a result of sexual immorality.

Social scientists are telling us that if you’re looking for a life-long, fulfilling relationship, you don’t start out by having premarital sex or by living together!

• Research now shows that people involved in premarital sexual activity are 5 times more likely to be unfaithful in marriage.

• Engaging in premarital sex is also connected with a much higher risk of divorce.

• The scientific data accumulated shows that becoming sexually active before marriage actually sabotages relationships!

• Thousands of couples are having difficulties in marriage because of previous experience.

Consider the following consequences to sex before marriage:

Lack of Trust. Many a spouse, during a difficult time in their marriage, has thought: "If he/she broke the rules with me before marriage, how do I know they won't break the rules after marriage?"

Flashbacks. The memories of being with other people can be difficult to erase and can haunt you in your marriage.

Comparisons. “I wonder if I’m like the others?”

Guilt. After marriage many people still feel like they’re doing something wrong. For some this leads to an emotional shutdown that leads to a lack of sexual desire just a few years into marriage.

You really need to ask yourself the question: "Is it worth it?"

There are also spiritual consequences of sexual sin. You know, avoiding God because you feel so guilty. Not being able to get into the worship. The Lord’s Table no longer seems inviting to you, maybe you even avoid it, and you don’t hunger like you used to for God’s Word.

• What you did last night keeps coming to mind and you know that your fellowship with God is broken or strained.

• Maybe you even find all sorts of excuses why you can’t, or don’t need to fellowship with other believers.

• You’re prayer life has dried up because you’re prayers don’t get past the ceiling. That’s because Psalm 66:18 says: “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear;” In other words, God refuses to hear your prayers (Jeremiah 7:13, 16).