LIVING HOLY IN A SEXUALISED WORLD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Matthew 5:27-30, Job 31:1, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16-17
INTRODUCTION:
We live in an age where sexual immorality is aggressively promoted and celebrated. From billboards to movies, social media to music, the world is saturated with images, ideas, and temptations that aim to erode purity and godliness. Sadly, even within the Church, many believers struggle to maintain holiness amidst this cultural pressure.
God’s call to His people remains unchanged: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness in a sexualised world is not just possible—it is required. Sexual purity is not old-fashioned; it is God’s design for protecting our destinies, preserving our dignity, and maintaining our intimacy with Him.
This message is a wake-up call to reject the lustful standards of the world and embrace the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Living holy in a sexualised world begins with a renewed mind, a guarded heart, and a disciplined body—presented as a living sacrifice to God.
1. SEXUAL PURITY IS GOD’S WILL FOR BELIEVERS
God has not left us without instruction on how to live holy in a corrupt world.
a) God Desires Our Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
To be sanctified means to be set apart from the corruption of the world, especially sexual immorality.
b) God Calls Us to Honour Our Bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:4–5)
We must control our passions, not be ruled by them like those who do not know God.
c) God Is the Avenger of Sexual Sin (1 Thessalonians 4:6)
There are spiritual and physical consequences for defiling the body.
d) God Has Called Us to Holiness, Not Uncleanness (1 Thessalonians 4:7)
Holiness is not optional; it is God’s standard for His people.
Biblical Example: Joseph resisted sexual temptation in Potiphar’s house because he feared God (Genesis 39:7–12).
2. RESISTING SEXUAL TEMPTATION REQUIRES DISCIPLINE
Living holy is a daily decision that involves spiritual and physical discipline.
a) Run from Sexual Sin (1 Corinthians 6:18)
Flee youthful lusts; don’t negotiate with temptation.
b) Guard Your Eyes and Mind (Job 31:1)
Make a covenant with your eyes and protect what you feed your mind.
c) Starve the Flesh, Feed the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–17)
Walk in the Spirit so you don’t fulfil the lusts of the flesh.
d) Set Boundaries in Relationships (Proverbs 4:23)
Protect your heart by setting godly limits in interactions.
Biblical Example: David fell into sin with Bathsheba because he let down his guard (2 Samuel 11:1–5).
3. MODESTY AND PURITY ARE KINGDOM VALUES
Our dress, speech, and attitude must reflect the holiness of Christ.
a) Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
Let your body be used for God’s glory, not for lustful attention.
b) Don’t Conform to the World’s Standards (Romans 12:2)
Reject trends that promote indecency and impurity.
c) Modesty Is an Expression of Reverence to God (1 Timothy 2:9–10)
Dress in a way that honours God and reflects inward purity.
d) Purity Reflects Christ’s Character in Us (Philippians 2:15)
We must shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.
Biblical Example: Esther was favoured not for her beauty alone, but for her modesty and godly character (Esther 2:15–17).
4. OVERCOMING LUST AND PORNOGRAPHY THROUGH GOD’S POWER
Lust and addiction can be broken by the power of the Holy Spirit.
a) Lust Begins in the Heart (Matthew 5:27–28)
Adultery is not just an action; it begins in the imagination.
b) Deal Radically with Sin (Matthew 5:29–30)
Take drastic steps to avoid things that cause you to stumble.
c) Use the Word of God as a Weapon (Psalm 119:9–11)
Hide God’s Word in your heart to stay pure.
d) Accountability Brings Deliverance (James 5:16)
Confess your struggles and seek help from mature believers.
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery was forgiven and told to go and sin no more—Jesus offers cleansing and transformation (John 8:3–11).
CONCLUSION:
Holiness in a sexualised world is possible when we intentionally pursue God, guard our hearts, and discipline our bodies. While the world promotes perversion, God calls us to purity. Living holy is a lifestyle that pleases God, preserves our destiny, and distinguishes us in a corrupt age.
If you’ve fallen into sexual sin, there is hope. God’s grace is available to restore, heal, and empower you to walk in purity. Don’t let shame or guilt keep you down—come boldly to the throne of grace and begin anew.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live a life of purity and holiness.
2. Father, deliver me from every lustful habit and addiction.
3. Lord, renew my mind and help me guard my thoughts.
4. Holy Spirit, empower me to resist temptation daily.
5. Surround me with godly influences that build holiness in me.
