August 12
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” (Revelation 22:15)
Yesterday we looked at some very serious warnings from the scripture about immorality, where scripture very clearly teaches that those who do such things shall not go to heaven. Lest any think Paul is being particularly harsh on those who commit immorality, please note that in his list of sins that characterize people who are not going to heaven, he includes “coveting,” “carousing,” “drunkards,” “swindlers,” and other sins that might be considered less serious by some. John also has stern warnings at the end of Revelation, quoted above, clearly stating the fate of the immoral.
My first primary point is that it is imperative that we stick to what the Bible says about sexual relationships and not trust in man’s reinterpretations. The stakes are just way, way too high to miss on this one. The warnings are dire, and it is imperative that each one clearly understands what God’s definition of immorality is.
If any of you are struggling with the temptation or have already stumbled into sins of immorality – these specific sins and any others not explicitly mentioned here – then there is only one thing for you to do. STOP DOING THESE THINGS. JUST STOP. PERIOD. IMMEDIATELY. NO COMPROMISING, NO DELAYING, NO HESITATING, NO BACK SLIDING. Make no provisions for the flesh in this area. Get help to get away. You will need to do a lot of work to repent and renew your heart and soul before God, and ask His forgiveness and the forgiveness of those whom you have wronged in your sins, but the first and foremost thing you need to do is STOP EVERY IMMORAL ACT.
If these persons are part of your family, speak up to those who are in a position to help you. If they don’t help you or tell you to keep it quiet (as sometimes other family members may tell us), then go elsewhere outside the family and do whatever you have to do to get the help you need and get away from the situation. You are not doing anyone any good by being silent or allowing yourself to be subjected to such things. If you are silent, that person more than likely will abuse others as well.
If you are being pressured by a co-worker or boss or a boyfriend or girlfriend or someone who has some power or influence over you, refuse to be blackmailed and get out of the situation and refuse to participate in the immoral behavior. No money or job or “friend” is worth it. Even if you spouse is asking you to participate in behavior that the Bible clearly says is immoral, you have to obey God rather than accommodate your spouse.
STOP associating with those with whom you have committed these immoral acts. STOP going to those places where these temptations ensnare you. FLEE the area if you need to and move to another city to get a fresh start if need be. Do whatever you have to to get away from immoral persons that make you stumble.