Sexual immorality, regardless of its form, has three broad consequences: spiritual, emotional, and physical. Let’s briefly explore each of these using fornication and masturbation as examples
1. Spiritual Consequences
Fornication (Sex outside of marriage):
- Separation from God: Sexual immorality creates a barrier between us and God.
- Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV): “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”
- Defiling the Body, God’s Temple:
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV): “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you… therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
- Fornication dishonours the temple of God. It opens the door to all kinds of demonic oppression and invites spiritual contamination.
- Opening Doors to Demonic Oppression: Sexual immorality creates ungodly soul ties, which can lead to spiritual bondage.
- 1 Corinthians 6:16 (NKJV): “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For ‘the two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh.’”
Masturbation:
- Feeding Lust:
Although masturbation is not mentioned directly in Scripture, it is often accompanied by lustful and impure thoughts.- Matthew 5:28 (NKJV): “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Quenching the Holy Spirit:
- Masturbation is often done secretly. Engaging in secret sin grieves the Holy Spirit and dulls spiritual sensitivity.
- Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV): “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
2. Emotional Consequences
Fornication:
- Guilt and Shame:
Many who fall into fornication experience feelings of guilt and emotional turmoil.- Psalm 32:3-4 (NKJV): “When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.”
- Emotional Bondage:
Unholy soul ties may cause emotional instability and confusion, especially when the sexual or immoral relationship comes to an end. The person may still feel a longing for them or feel they cannot live without them. - Lack of Peace:
Sexual immorality disturbs inner peace. It robs you of peace.- Isaiah 48:22 (NKJV): “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
Masturbation:
- Isolation and Secret Guilt:
Many who struggle with masturbation feel shame, secrecy, and loneliness. - Emotional Dependence on Pleasure:
Masturbation can lead to unhealthy emotional coping mechanisms, relying on temporary pleasure rather than turning to God for comfort.
3. Physical Consequences
Fornication:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):
Engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage exposes one to physical diseases. - Unwanted Pregnancies:
Fornication can lead to pregnancies outside of God’s covenant of marriage, creating long-term challenges. - Physical Weariness:
The misuse of one’s body outside God’s plan can lead to fatigue and a loss of vitality.- Proverbs 5:11 (NKJV): “And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed.”
Masturbation:
- Addiction:
Overindulgence can develop into a subtle compulsive behaviour that drains physical energy and focus. - Impact on Future Relationships:
Habitual masturbation can distort expectations of intimacy and affect genuine marital intimacy in the future.
Why These Habits Displease God
- They Violate God’s Design for Sexuality:
- Sex is a covenant act designed for marriage.
- Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV): “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
- They Invite the Flesh to Rule Over the Spirit:
- Galatians 5:16 (NKJV): “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
- They Hinder Spiritual Growth:
- Continuous indulgence in sexual sins keep believers from moving forward in their faith.
- Psalm 66:18 (NKJV): “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.”
- They Dishonour God:
- Sexual sins are not just personal struggles; they dishonour the God who created us for holiness.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NKJV): “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.”
Biblical Examples:
- David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11): David’s act of adultery led to guilt, cover-ups, and tragic consequences, including death in his family and national turmoil.
- Samson (Judges 16): Samson’s indulgence with Delilah weakened his strength and brought about his downfall.
What is the way out?
Overcoming sexual immorality is a spiritual journey that requires intentional effort, reliance on God, and a transformed mindset. Here are steps to help with deliverance:
- Recognise the Sin – Acknowledge that sexual immorality is against God’s will and that it hinders your relationship with Him.
- Repent and Confess – Sincerely repent, confess your struggles to God, and seek His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Surrender to the Holy Spirit – Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength to resist temptation and walk in righteousness.
- Renew Your Mind – Replace impure thoughts with God’s truth by meditating on Scripture (Romans 12:2).
- Guard Your Heart and Eyes – Be mindful of what you watch, read, and entertain (Proverbs 4:23).
- Flee from Temptation – Avoid situations, people, or places that lead to sin, just as Joseph did (Genesis 39:12).
- Engage in Prayer and Fasting – Seek spiritual strength through prayer and fasting to overcome strongholds (Matthew 17:21).
- Surround Yourself with Godly Accountability – Connect with mature believers who will encourage and support your journey.
- Stay Committed to Holiness – Daily pursue purity by living according to God’s standards (1 Peter 1:16).
- Walk in God’s Grace – Trust that victory is available through Christ and embrace His grace for transformation.
Deliverance from sexual immorality is a process that requires faith in Christ Jesus and perseverance, but with God’s help, freedom is absolutely possible.
For more information, please read detailed article on “Deliverance from Sexual sins” (Deliverance from Sexual Immorality – Feast of light)
God bless you
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name. Amen
Prayer: By the power in the blood of Jesus, I break every generational curse of sexual immorality affecting my life, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
