Holiness - Avoiding Porneia & Greed

Sexual sin is not something new. It is prevalent in the world, including the church. We should not hide from dealing with it, but fight it together, teaching our children before the world teaches them.

We must put off all filthiness (Gk. porneia). This is any sexual activity outside of marriage. We should also put off all impurity (sexual impropriety). We cannot walk in a manner worthy of the gospel and still indulge in sexual sins. Adultery flows from idolatry, for we seek to get more out of life because we think Christ is not enough. We must go to the gospel and overcome inferior lusts with the superior love of Christ, the blameless, pure, spotless Lamb, whom we are to imitate.

We must put off covetousness. This is an ungodly, insatiable desire for more. Let us instead fix our gaze upon Christ, who was not greedy, but poured out His life.

We must also put away filthy conversation. We should not think we can handle them, but should flee from them.

Our lives must be marked by thankfulness. Holiness flows out of thankfulness, for we express our thankfulness because we love Christ and want to live differently for Him. Non-Christians should see us and name us as thankful people, not fornicators or idolaters.

We should beware deceitfulness. We are called to a life of holiness because God is holy, and we cannot just accept Jesus into our heart as a ticket out of hell and then do whatever we want.

We must guard our hearts and hide God's word in it. If something is causing us to sin (eg. a computer used for porn), we must get rid of it. We must hate our sin. Do not trade the glory and treasure of Christ for the garbage of this world.