October 13th, 2025
by Luke Edgerton
by Luke Edgerton
The Struggle and Hope of Sexual Purity
In a world that often celebrates sexual freedom without boundaries, the call to sexual purity can seem outdated or impossible. Yet, this timeless message remains as relevant and vital as ever for those seeking to live a life of faith and wholeness.
The ancient city of Corinth was a place where sexual indulgence knew no bounds. In this sex-obsessed port city, even the most depraved acts were commonplace. It was against this backdrop that early Christians were called to live differently - to embrace a radically counter-cultural sexual ethic.
But the struggle was real then, as it is now. Even within the church, sexual immorality had taken root. The Apostle Paul addressed a particularly egregious case - a man in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. What's more shocking than the act itself was the church's apparent indifference to it.
This scenario serves as a stark reminder: what one generation tolerates, the next normalizes. Sin has a way of snowballing, starting small and growing into something unrecognizable. The enemy's tactic is to minimize sin, whispering, "It's not that bad." Before we know it, we've drifted far from God's design.
The Greek word used for sexual immorality is "porneia" - the root of our modern word "pornography." It encompasses a wide range of sexual behaviors that transgress God's standards, including premarital sex, extramarital affairs, homosexuality, and more. The sobering reality is that everyone is or has been sexually broken to some degree. Whether through our own choices or the actions of others, sexual brokenness touches us all.
But here's the good news that shines like a beacon of hope: everyone can be restored to wholeness through Jesus Christ. No matter how far we've strayed, no matter how deep the brokenness, God's power to heal and restore far exceeds the enemy's capacity to corrupt and destroy.
The path to restoration begins with mourning. We must allow ourselves to grieve over sin, both personal and collective. This godly sorrow leads to repentance and opens the door for God's healing work. It's crucial to understand that God's discipline is always restorative, never punitive. Unlike human attempts to motivate through shame, God's kindness leads us to repentance.
Throughout scripture, we see examples of sexual sin and its consequences. Abraham's impatience led him to sleep with Hagar, resulting in generational conflict that echoes to this day. David's moment of weakness with Bathsheba spiraled into adultery and murder. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that even a single illicit encounter can alter the course of history.
Yet we also find hope in figures like Joseph, who literally ran from sexual temptation when propositioned by Potiphar's wife. His example challenges us: are we willing to flee from situations that could compromise our purity?
The call to sexual purity isn't about rigid rule-following or suppressing our humanity. Rather, it's an invitation to experience the freedom and wholeness God intends for us. Imagine a life unburdened by the constant pull of sexual temptation, free to pursue God's purpose with undivided focus. This is the life available to us in Christ.
So how do we move towards this healing and wholeness? James 5:16 provides a key: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." There is power in bringing our struggles into the light through confession. Whether it's a young man battling pornography addiction or a woman seeking love through a string of unfulfilling relationships, the first step is to acknowledge our need for help.
This journey towards sexual wholeness isn't one we're meant to walk alone. We need the support and accountability of a loving community. When we confess our struggles to trusted brothers and sisters in faith, we open ourselves to receive prayer, encouragement, and practical help.
It's important to remember that our sexual behavior, no matter how pure, could never earn us salvation. As Philippians 2:8 reminds us, it was Jesus' obedience to death on the cross that bridged the gap between humanity and God. Our pursuit of purity flows from gratitude for this gift, not as an attempt to earn God's love.
For those carrying the weight of sexual sin or brokenness, hear this truth: God is not angry with you. His wrath was fully poured out on Jesus at the cross. The Father's heart towards you is one of love and compassion, eagerly desiring your restoration and wholeness.
No matter where you find yourself on this journey, know that there is hope. Whether you're struggling with pornography, trapped in a cycle of hookups, or dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse, God wants to bring healing to those broken places. He is not shocked by your struggles, nor is He limited by your past.
The invitation stands: come to Jesus with your sexual brokenness. Allow His love to wash over you, His truth to renew your mind, and His power to transform your desires. As you take steps of obedience, even small ones, you'll find the Holy Spirit empowering you to live out God's design for sexuality.
This journey towards sexual wholeness is not just about personal transformation. As the body of Christ embraces God's vision for sexuality, we become a powerful witness to a world desperately in need of true love and intimacy. Our purity becomes a light in the darkness, pointing others to the One who can satisfy our deepest longings.
May we be a people who mourn over sin, who run from temptation, who confess our struggles, and who cling to the hope of restoration in Christ. As we do, we'll discover the beauty and freedom of living in alignment with God's perfect design for our sexuality.
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
The ancient city of Corinth was a place where sexual indulgence knew no bounds. In this sex-obsessed port city, even the most depraved acts were commonplace. It was against this backdrop that early Christians were called to live differently - to embrace a radically counter-cultural sexual ethic.
But the struggle was real then, as it is now. Even within the church, sexual immorality had taken root. The Apostle Paul addressed a particularly egregious case - a man in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. What's more shocking than the act itself was the church's apparent indifference to it.
This scenario serves as a stark reminder: what one generation tolerates, the next normalizes. Sin has a way of snowballing, starting small and growing into something unrecognizable. The enemy's tactic is to minimize sin, whispering, "It's not that bad." Before we know it, we've drifted far from God's design.
The Greek word used for sexual immorality is "porneia" - the root of our modern word "pornography." It encompasses a wide range of sexual behaviors that transgress God's standards, including premarital sex, extramarital affairs, homosexuality, and more. The sobering reality is that everyone is or has been sexually broken to some degree. Whether through our own choices or the actions of others, sexual brokenness touches us all.
But here's the good news that shines like a beacon of hope: everyone can be restored to wholeness through Jesus Christ. No matter how far we've strayed, no matter how deep the brokenness, God's power to heal and restore far exceeds the enemy's capacity to corrupt and destroy.
The path to restoration begins with mourning. We must allow ourselves to grieve over sin, both personal and collective. This godly sorrow leads to repentance and opens the door for God's healing work. It's crucial to understand that God's discipline is always restorative, never punitive. Unlike human attempts to motivate through shame, God's kindness leads us to repentance.
Throughout scripture, we see examples of sexual sin and its consequences. Abraham's impatience led him to sleep with Hagar, resulting in generational conflict that echoes to this day. David's moment of weakness with Bathsheba spiraled into adultery and murder. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that even a single illicit encounter can alter the course of history.
Yet we also find hope in figures like Joseph, who literally ran from sexual temptation when propositioned by Potiphar's wife. His example challenges us: are we willing to flee from situations that could compromise our purity?
The call to sexual purity isn't about rigid rule-following or suppressing our humanity. Rather, it's an invitation to experience the freedom and wholeness God intends for us. Imagine a life unburdened by the constant pull of sexual temptation, free to pursue God's purpose with undivided focus. This is the life available to us in Christ.
So how do we move towards this healing and wholeness? James 5:16 provides a key: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." There is power in bringing our struggles into the light through confession. Whether it's a young man battling pornography addiction or a woman seeking love through a string of unfulfilling relationships, the first step is to acknowledge our need for help.
This journey towards sexual wholeness isn't one we're meant to walk alone. We need the support and accountability of a loving community. When we confess our struggles to trusted brothers and sisters in faith, we open ourselves to receive prayer, encouragement, and practical help.
It's important to remember that our sexual behavior, no matter how pure, could never earn us salvation. As Philippians 2:8 reminds us, it was Jesus' obedience to death on the cross that bridged the gap between humanity and God. Our pursuit of purity flows from gratitude for this gift, not as an attempt to earn God's love.
For those carrying the weight of sexual sin or brokenness, hear this truth: God is not angry with you. His wrath was fully poured out on Jesus at the cross. The Father's heart towards you is one of love and compassion, eagerly desiring your restoration and wholeness.
No matter where you find yourself on this journey, know that there is hope. Whether you're struggling with pornography, trapped in a cycle of hookups, or dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse, God wants to bring healing to those broken places. He is not shocked by your struggles, nor is He limited by your past.
The invitation stands: come to Jesus with your sexual brokenness. Allow His love to wash over you, His truth to renew your mind, and His power to transform your desires. As you take steps of obedience, even small ones, you'll find the Holy Spirit empowering you to live out God's design for sexuality.
This journey towards sexual wholeness is not just about personal transformation. As the body of Christ embraces God's vision for sexuality, we become a powerful witness to a world desperately in need of true love and intimacy. Our purity becomes a light in the darkness, pointing others to the One who can satisfy our deepest longings.
May we be a people who mourn over sin, who run from temptation, who confess our struggles, and who cling to the hope of restoration in Christ. As we do, we'll discover the beauty and freedom of living in alignment with God's perfect design for our sexuality.
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
No Comments