What is sexual immorality?

Sexual immorality is a broad term used in the Bible to describe any sexual behavior that is outside the bounds of what God has intended for human relationships, particularly those outside the covenant of marriage. The Bible frequently warns against sexual immorality, urging believers to maintain purity in their lives. Sexual immorality includes but is not limited to, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and lust. These behaviors are considered sins because they deviate from God’s design for sex, which is meant to be enjoyed within the context of a loving marriage between a man and a woman.

1. Fornication is a broad term for any kind of sexual immorality.
   • Verse: "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." (“1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Sexual sins are a special kind of sin since they are an attack on the body. The Greek word for “fornication” is the source of our word “pornography.” Fornication is listed as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), indicating that it is contrary to living in the Spirit and is incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God. Pornography is not directly addressed in the Bible, but it is included in the concept of fornication, for it refers to pictures or stories that lead to sinful sexual thoughts and deeds.
2. Adultery is a narrow term referring to any kind of sexual activity with someone other than your spouse.
   • Verse: "You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
   • Explanation: Adultery is a serious sin with both moral and spiritual implications; it violates the sanctity of marriage and the covenant relationship between the husband and wife. The sin is so serious that those found guilty of adultery under the Old Testament Law were put to death (Leviticus 20:10). Adultery was also used as a metaphor to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness to God (Jeremiah 3:8-9) and the New Testament believer’s unfaithfulness to God (James 4:4).
3. Homosexuality is a violation of God’s order.
   • Verse: "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:26-27)
   • Explanation: Paul’s discussion of same-sex relationships is part of his broader argument concerning humanity's rejection of God and His truth and authority. Male and female homosexual acts are examples of "unnatural" behavior. Homosexuality is a rejection of God’s natural order and His design of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
4. Lust is the internal desire for sexual immorality.
   • Verse: " You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)
   • Explanation: Lust is an intense, occasionally uncontrollable desire. Although it frequently refers to a sexual desire, it can also refer to other desires that result in sinful acts, such as lust for wealth, fame, or power (James 1:14–15). Lust violates the integrity and purity of human relationships by objectifying people and turning them into tools for one's own satisfaction. Christians should guard their hearts and minds against ideas and desires that can lead to sin.