For New Followers of Jesus - 30 Bible StudiesSample

Bible Study 27/30

Jesus Commanded: Sexual purity and holiness

No.9/12

Key principle

God's position on sexual purity is clear in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Book of Proverbs, God warns against immoral behaviour. When Jesus came, He was clear on divorce and adultery. As we read the letters of the Apostle Paul, he warns about immorality and sexual misconduct again and again. Followers of Jesus must not make any room for immoral behaviour.

Key Scripture passages

Matthew 5:27-32 (BSB) – (27) You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ (28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (29) If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (30) And if your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell. (31) It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ (32) But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Matthew 19:3 and 1 Corinthians 6:19 are important.

Use the following questions to discover more about what the Holy Spirit wants to teach you.

1. What do we learn about God from these passages? (How is God revealing Himself to us in this passage: His character, works, commands, and promises?)

2. What do I learn about myself or people from these passages? (What is God expecting from me? What needs to change in my life? What are my responsibilities?)

Question

Why does God want us to live sexually pure and holy lives? Read these passages carefully. This is an important issue.

Obedience

Are you flirting with people from the opposite sex, living in an immoral relationship (and trying to justify it) or having relationships with a woman or man that cannot be described as holy? Confess these issues before the Lord and break these relationships.