Bible Question:

I am a fornicator. I keep going committing fornication. I really need God to help me. I really feel guilty.

Bible Answer:

Fornication is the sin of sexual activity culminating in intercourse when the couple involved are not married. This sin is now common worldwide. In fact, many times a teenager who has not lost his or her virginity will be ridiculed for still being a virgin. Research has shown that 70-90 percent of adults have committed fornication.[1] Fornication is an epidemic, even though research has shown that couples who did not engage in fornication had happier marriages.[2] It is also common for teenagers and adults who commit fornication to feel guilty and be more unhappy after married than those who wait until after marriage to have sexual intercourse.  Therefore, the question we are concerned with is, “How can I stop committing fornication? ” To be more specific, how can a Christian stop fornicating?

I Want To Break My Sin Habits!

The answer to finding victory over the sin of fornication is found in Galatians 5:16-17.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Galatians 5:16-17 (NASB)

The apostle Paul wrote this to Christians, who are also called saints (Ephesians 1:1). That is, the instruction found in these two verses will only work for someone who is a real Christian. Notice that we are told as a Christian walks by the Spirit, he or she will not carry out the “desire of the flesh.” What is the “desire of the flesh”? It is sin and these various sins are listed in Galatians 5:19-21.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these . . . Galatians 5:19-21 (NASB)

The first sin listed is immorality. The Greek word that is translated as “immortality” is porneia, which also is translated as fornication (Matthew 15:19; John 8:41). That is, fornication is immoral. It is sin.

If a Christian will walk by the Spirit, he or she will increasingly stop committing the sin of fornication. Therefore, how can a Christian stop the habit of fornication or any other sin habit? The answer is to walk by the Spirit. For an explanation of how to walk by the Spirit please read, “God’s Will – Be Filled With The Spirit.” As you follow the steps outlined in this study, a Christian will increasingly stop committing their sin habits, in this case fornication.

As a Christian follows these steps, the fruit of the Spirit will grow in his or her life. Here is the fruit of the Spirit,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . . Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)

That is, a transformation will occur. A Christian will increasingly stop sinning and at the same time become more godly.

Conclusion:

Every real Christian will feel guilty who commits fornication because the Holy Spirit will convict them of sin. If you are habitually committing fornication, then you should be concerned as to whether or not you are a Christian. For Romans 8:13-14 teaches that a true Christian will sin less and less. If you are not a Christian, you need to repent of your sins, admit your sins to God, seek God’s forgiveness and give Him your life (Romans 10:9-10). If you are a Christian, repent of your sins and accept His forgiveness in order to restore your relationship with God. Please read the study “What is the meaning of the word repent or repentance in the Bible?” in order to understand biblical repentance.

 

References:

1. James C. Coyne. “Did a Study Really Show that Abstinence Before Marriage Makes for Better Sex Afterwards?” Psychology Today. March 28, 2011.
2. AJIT JHA. “Study: Sex before marriage adversely impacts relationship.” Digital Journal. September 2, 2012.

Suggested Links:

God’s Will – Be Filled With The Spirit
Porneia Definition — What is the meaning of the Greek word porneia in the Bible?
How To Be Filled With The Spirit
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
What does it mean “Do not quench the Spirit?”
Can a person change their sinful habits and behavior?
What is the meaning of the word repent or repentance in the Bible?
Must a person repent in order to go to heaven?