Motivation for Fornication

One of the most common sins of this era is that of fornication. According to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, the Greek word porneia refers to "illicit sexual intercourse in general" (531-32). This general word would include adultery and homosexuality, and bestiality, along with those who are not married. Many couples today are living in fornication, concerning which Paul wrote the following in Colossians 3:5-7:

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

Consider some of the crucial teachings of this passage. First, there are worldly lusts that entice all of us in one form or another. Second, we must count ourselves dead to all these temptations. Christians cannot afford to entertain lascivious thoughts or behavior. Third, the wrath of God will come upon all those who do give in and practice such immoralities. Fourth, many Christians walked in such sins previously, even living in fornication. Fifth, such behavior should not now characterize the child of God.

Besides this passage, the sin of fornication is condemned throughout the New Testament (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:18-21; Heb. 13:4). Jesus said for a man not to even entertain thoughts of lust for a woman or he had already committed adultery (a more specific form of fornication) with her in his heart (Matt. 5:27-28). Combining that teaching with the Greek word porneia, does anyone really need to say anything more about pornography? All such pictures and ideas inflame the passions, which is precisely what the devil wants.

Now some may be saying, "We know all that; why are you wasting our time rehashing what everybody already knows?" The problem is that knowing this information does not seem to be sufficient. Just in the 21st century alone, the following events have occurred (no names or places will be used). One preacher in an area had a two-year affair with another preacher’s wife. A different preacher made an appointment to meet with a prostitute in another city; it turned out to be a sting operation, but his name and occupation were published in the paper and broadcast on television. Yet another preacher left his wife of more than two decades (and their children) to live with a younger woman. Several young people have entered into a live-in relationship with others without benefit of marriage. Why? The preachers had undoubtedly all preached against the sins they committed, and the young people had been taught all of their lives that fornication is sin that will keep someone out of heaven. How can it be explained that these events have occurred? It is doubtful that they are isolated examples.

Something is lacking when capable gospel preachers who know and can defend the Word of God desert the faith for a lust of the flesh. Something is wrong when young people enter into relationships that are contrary to what they have believed their whole lives. What is the problem and what is the solution?

First, Satan is more powerful and clever than we may give him credit for. To be this successful with so many of God’s people requires great diligence and the ability to know and exploit our weaknesses. Many of those referenced would never be talked into stealing money, but they were covetous for something else. Christians must be reminded that Satan is working earnestly for our destruction. We cannot lose sight of James 1:12-16. We must be alert at the earliest possible moment that our thoughts are straying in the wrong direction. Self-control is essential.

Second, we cannot ignore the fact that we live in a sex-saturated society. Magazines, billboards, television, and movies all sport women who are dressed in such a way as to glorify the flesh. Men are bombarded with enticing eye candy constantly, but there is more to it, and that is, the idea that all of those women are available for and just desiring a man. The idea that most women are either "desperate housewives" or exceedingly lonely is an absurd myth perpetuated by the devil.

Third, a woman cannot do much about the entertainment media, but she can do something about herself. She can dress modestly, as the Scriptures teach (1 Tim. 2:9-10). A high neckline and knee-length skirts will not generally draw lustful gazes. Worldly women and young girls may advertise themselves thus, but godly women should strive for modesty. Single women should know that wearing the attire of a harlot is going to attract the kind of man who only wants to "hook up." Married women should realize that husbands are faced with numerous temptations (and sometimes opportunities) and employ an effective counter-strategy.

Fourth, all should realize that the flesh is temporary but that the spiritual person lives forever. After everything is dissolved, only the inward person will survive. Of how much value is a handful of decades when compared to centuries without number? Are we really willing to give up an eternity of genuine happiness for the brief possession of a human body, which shortly decays and deteriorates? As Jesus once asked: "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Fornication involves the three avenues of sin. First, someone covets (the lust of the eyes) another person. Second, the imagination convinces him (or her) that having that person (lust of the flesh) is a must. Third, if the object of one’s desire reciprocates, one’s pride is nurtured as well (1 John 2:15-17); many claim they deserve to be happy. Yet the end is death. "Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?" (Pr. 6:27).