Fleeing Immorality: Embracing God's Design for Our Bodies

In 1974, Bruce Springsteen released a song titled "Born to Run," which captures a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Apostle Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 6. Just as Springsteen sought to escape Freehold, New Jersey, we are called to flee from "Immoralityville," a metaphor for sexual immorality. This call to flee is not just about running away from something harmful but also about running toward something greater—God's purpose for our lives. Today, we explore three compelling reasons to flee sexual immorality and pursue God's design for our bodies.

Firstly, Christian freedom comes with beneficial boundaries. While we are free in Christ, this freedom is not a license to indulge in every desire. Paul reminds us that not all things are helpful, and we should not be dominated by anything. True freedom thrives within the limits God has set for us, allowing us to live in a way that honors Him and benefits us. The Corinthian culture, much like ours today, was rife with opportunities for sexual immorality, but God calls us to live within His boundaries for our good and His glory.

Secondly, God has a beautiful plan for our bodies. Our bodies are not just physical entities; they are integral to our spiritual lives. Paul emphasizes that our bodies are made for the Lord and are members of Christ. This means that our bodies are not designed for sexual expression outside of marriage. Sexual intimacy is a gift meant to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage, reflecting the one-flesh union God intended from creation. Moreover, our bodies are destined for resurrection, a future hope that underscores their eternal significance.

Lastly, the health of the body of Christ requires individual holiness. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and engaging in sexual sin is a sin against our own bodies. This sin not only affects us but also the corporate health of the church. We are called to flee from sexual immorality and glorify God in our bodies. Jesus Christ, who took on a body and lived without sin, is our example. As believers, we are reborn to run away from sin and toward glorifying God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Christian Freedom and Boundaries: True freedom in Christ involves living within the beneficial boundaries God has set for us. These boundaries are not restrictions but protections that allow us to thrive spiritually and physically. Embracing these limits leads to a life that honors God and benefits us. [07:24]
• 2. God's Design for Our Bodies: Our bodies are created with a divine purpose, meant for the Lord and as members of Christ. This design calls us to honor God with our bodies, recognizing their eternal significance and the future hope of resurrection. [15:36]
• 3. Sexual Intimacy and Marriage: Sexual intimacy is a sacred gift intended for the marriage relationship. Engaging in sexual acts outside of this context is not only against God's design but also harmful to our spiritual and physical well-being. [19:30]
• 4. Holiness and Corporate Health: The health of the church depends on the holiness of its members. Our bodies, as temples of the Holy Spirit, must be kept pure to maintain the integrity and witness of the body of Christ. [24:51]
• 5. Glorifying God in Our Bodies: We are called to glorify God in our bodies, choosing to flee from sexual immorality and pursue holiness. This is our ultimate purpose, reflecting the example of Jesus, who glorified God through His obedience. [33:09]
  ** [33:09]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:00] - Born to Run: A Metaphor for Our Journey
• [05:11] - Christian Freedom and Boundaries
• [07:24] - Not All Things Are Helpful
• [10:00] - God's Design for Our Bodies
• [12:30] - The Body and Sexuality
• [15:36] - Members of Christ
• [19:30] - Sexual Intimacy and Marriage
• [22:00] - The One Flesh Union
• [24:51] - Holiness and Corporate Health
• [26:22] - Fleeing Sexual Immorality
• [27:41] - The Impact of Sexual Sin
• [30:52] - Our Bodies as Temples
• [33:09] - Glorifying God in Our Bodies
• [37:10] - Jesus: Our Example in the Body

Observation Questions

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful"? How does this relate to Christian freedom? [07:24]
2. How does Paul describe the relationship between our bodies and the Lord in 1 Corinthians 6:13? What is the significance of this relationship? [15:36]
3. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of sexual intimacy, and how is it meant to be expressed? [19:30]
4. What does it mean for our bodies to be temples of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19? [30:52]

Interpretation Questions

1. How does the concept of "Christian freedom with boundaries" challenge or affirm your understanding of freedom in Christ? [05:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sexual immorality affects not just the individual but the entire body of Christ? [24:51]
3. How does the future hope of resurrection influence the way we should view and treat our bodies today? [19:30]
4. What does it mean to glorify God in our bodies, and how does this relate to the example set by Jesus? [33:09]

Application Questions

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be stepping outside the beneficial boundaries God has set? How can you realign with His design for your life? [05:11]
2. How can you practically honor God with your body in your daily routine, considering the sermon’s emphasis on our bodies being made for the Lord? [15:36]
3. What steps can you take to ensure that your relationships reflect the sacredness of sexual intimacy as intended by God? [19:30]
4. In what ways can you contribute to the health of the body of Christ by pursuing personal holiness? [24:51]
5. Identify a specific temptation related to sexual immorality that you face. What strategies can you implement to flee from it and glorify God instead? [26:22]
6. How can the example of Jesus, who lived without sin, inspire you to make choices that honor God with your body? [37:10]
7. Consider the idea that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. How does this truth impact your view of self-care and the choices you make regarding your body? [30:52]