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Sunday, July 14, 2013 am & pm                  Presented in 2 Parts

THE SIN OF FORNICATION 

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;” (2 Timothy 4:2–3)  When Paul wrote this, he was concerned about the welfare of the church.  There is a good chance he had observed a softening toward the truth, probably including moral issues.  Timothy was admonished to preach the “whole counsel of God” regardless of how pleasant it was.   This is a task we are continually facing today, as back then.  One of the challenges I face as a preacher is determining what to preach.   I realize that my preaching must be “balanced” and truthful.  Sometimes that means addressing issues that are uncomfortable to talk about.

The topic I am discussing today is not one that I enjoy addressing.  It is uncomfortable and sensitive.  But it is also a subject that we need to address.  Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States issued 2 rulings which spit on God and His word.  Both involved legitimizing homosexuality, specifically same-sex marriage and they are indicative of the moral decline that is rapidly increasing in our society.  Because of this, I feel compelled to address this subject.  While we will address the sin of homosexuality, I believe we also need to address the sin of fornication in general, as I believe it is the attitude of much of our society to tolerate fornication that has made the shift of attitude in favor of same-sex marriage and homosexuality so prevalent.

Friends, no matter what the current prevailing attitude of society might be toward a moral subject, truth is STILL the truth!  AND sin is STILL sin!  We must speak and uphold truth regardless of what society around us might think about it or us. 

Isaiah 5:20 tells us, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”   I want us to realize that when our citizens, legislators and courts enact laws that reject the moral standard God has set forth in His word, that not only are they calling evil good, but they are also calling us who stand for godly morality evil.  In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling which overturned the Defense of Marriage Act in a 5-4 vote (DOMA, legislation passed in 1996 which recognized a marriage as between a man and a woman, allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriage, and denied federal benefits associated with marriage to same-sex marriages), Justice  Antonin Scalia issued a dissent to the ruling.  In it he said, "It is one thing for a society to elect change; it is another for a court of law to impose change by adjudging those who oppose it hostes humani generis, enemies of the human race,"[1]  Speaking of the initial law (DOMA), Scalia noted that the majority ruling against DOMA was in essence saying that President Clinton and majorities in both the House and Senate were acting with malice and bigotry against same-sex couples.  He continued later in his dissent by saying, “In the majority’s telling, this story is black-and-white: Hate your neighbor or come along with us."[2]  My reason for reading this is NOT political but to let us know what is IMPLIED if we dare oppose homosexuality and same-sex marriage, OR other forms of fornication.  For the past 50 years or so (actually, all throughout history) we have seen a steady abandonment of Biblical morality in this nation.  The past few years, rather than drifting, it seems that we are running away from God’s standard at a sprinter’s pace.  Friends that is why we need to be concerned about these things.

It grieves me that this subject needs so much attention, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand and think it doesn’t apply to us.  The continued immorality that is being, not only tolerated, but also legitimized by our governments, learning institutions, and the media WILL in time present a danger to the Lord’s church and those who strive to stand for the truth: Both consequences for those who dare defend the Bible and compromise from those who will not.  In fact, if truth be known, there are churches of Christ that are beginning to tolerate these issues to some degree already.  It starts with the more liberal minded, but in time it will make its way down to so-called “conservative” congregations.   

I invite you to consider 1 Corinthians 5 in which you will note a congregation that tolerated fornication and was greatly condemned as a result.  In vs. 6 Paul said, “Your glorying is not good.  Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?”  It will also lead to many in the future softening their stand for what is right and compromising (i.e. selling out the truth) for the sake of peace.  That is why we need to address this subject head on and dig in our heels.

So with that in mind, today, let us take a look at the sin of fornication.

 I.                    What is fornication?

a.        Fornication defined – from the Greek word, πόρνος  (pornos), which means“sexual relationships outside the bonds of marriage.”[3] 
“Sexual intercourse performed outside the bonds of marriage.” [4]
If you look up the term, it is a broad term describing ANY sexual relationship other than that of a husband and wife.  Examples of fornication would include: casual relations, cohabitation (whether there is intent to marry or not), homosexuality, prostitution, bestiality, and adultery. 

b.       “Sexual immorality” – Newer translations will use the term, “sexual immorality” instead of fornication and some translations use both words interchangeably (NKJV). 
I have mixed thoughts about using this term as it is vague (and thus open to broad interpretation).  It can lead to narrowing the scope of sinful behavior or for others broadening the scope. 

Usually when this argument is used, it proposes that the Bible does not condemn pre-marital relations (under certain circumstances, i.e. you love each other), and that the term refers to specific acts which are specifically condemned in other places (prostitution, idolatry worship, homosexuality, etc.).

c.        Bible passages clearly make a distinction between “sexual relations” in a marriage and all other relationships. 

                                                   i.      Genesis 2:24, when God created Eve from Adam’s side, she was presented to him as his helpmeet.  Commenting on this Moses then said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”   The idea of becoming one flesh involves our discussion.  Clearly it was intended exclusively for marriage (though tolerated in some other circumstances under the Old Law like many other things).  Jesus would elaborate on this in Matt. 19:4-6.

                                                  ii.      Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”   This passage alone ought to clear things up.  While it can be shown that adultery IS a form of fornication, the fact that both words are mentioned here limits the act to marriage exclusively to marriage.  Fornication and adultery would be the sum total of all that is not the “marriage bed.”

                                                iii.      1 Cor. 7:2 “Because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.”  The implication of this text is that outside of relations between a husband and wife anything else is “sexual immorality.”

 

 II.                  The Bible condemns fornication

a.        I like to use multiple scriptures when possible to prove a point.  I realize that something only needs to be said once to be true, and repetition doesn’t change that truth.  BUT, when something is repeated over and over, I believe it drives the point on.  Because of the seriousness of this subject, let us notice several passages that address the subject.

b.       Heb. 13:4 – a passage we have already mentioned.  It states that adulterers and fornicators, God will judge.

c.        Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”   NOTICE how both adultery and fornication are mentioned.  Also notice the result.

d.       Ephesians 5:3-7 – “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.”   

e.       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.”

f.         1 Thess. 4:3-8 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”

g.        1 Cor. 6:9-11, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

h.       1 Cor. 5:1-6, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.”  Paul will elaborate on this noting that rather than tolerating such behavior, it is grounds for withdrawing from one who refuses to repent.  Vs. 6, “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?”

i.         1 Cor.  6:18–20, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

 

 III.                The consequences of fornication

a.        In many of the passages we just mentioned, we find consequences for those who choose to engage in such behavior. 

b.       Social consequences  -  rampant immorality will degrade any society.   Standards of decency are eroded.   The reason that prompted this lesson right now was the immoral decision of our court system.  But it’s not just the courts.  Our democracy still puts into office elected officials.  As a nation, the moral standards expected of our elected officials and candidates have been greatly compromised.  Who we elect is an indication of the attitude of much of our society.  How many vote (or choose not to vote) without regard for moral consequences, as well as our right to religious freedoms? 
Prov. 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”
Jeremiah 5:30–31, “An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?”   This is the conclusion of a rebuke of the house of Jacob who did not fear the Lord and were described as defiant and rebellious of heart.  They neglected the needy and ignored the wicked.

c.        Physical consequences – disease & unwanted pregnancy.  Young lives scarred and innocence removed.  An example of physical consequences is that of David with Bathsheba.  Not only did it lead to an unwanted pregnancy, but that also led to a web of lies that ended in the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband.  Let me add to this, how many babies are murdered on a yearly basis because of the selfish pursuit of lust?
And do not forget 1 Cor. 6:18 which says, “whoever commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
Paul told Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts.” (2 Tim. 2:22)  One who engages in fornication is NOT pure and has lost their purity and innocence in these matters.

d.       Mental consequences – one who engages in fornication loses their innocence.  There may be mental scars and regret.   There is also the subject of guilt because one knows they have committed such a serious sin (if you can actually catalogue sins).
There is also the possibility of false beliefs of love (learned later when it is too late).  Even our godless society recognizes that there are age limits.

e.       Family consequences – it can cause stress in a family when one is caught in the act of fornication.
It can cause a child to lose trust in his/her parents and parents to lose confidence in their children.   It can result in rebellion if a child is unrepentant and may even result in families having to practice Biblical discipline against their own families.  How bitter that is.
If adultery is involved, it can lead to the sundering of the marriage.  Adultery is the ONLY cause for which God permits divorce.  (More later)  And because of this sin, one may not be permitted to marry again.

f.         Spiritual consequences on earth – it can lead to one being withdrawn from, unless he repents.  1 Cor. 5:1-6. 
It can lead to a lack of trust by brethren and cause difficulties in our spiritual relationships (right or wrong the feelings are there).

g.        Spiritual consequences with God –
Recall how Joseph when tempted by the wife of Potiphar told her that he would be sinning against God (Gen. 39:9). 
Recall the consequences of David’s sin in God’s eyes.  While He forgave him, there were problems.
Consider how, as Christians we belong to God. (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 11:2 speaks of being “Betrothed to one husband,  that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”)  One of the frequent descriptions of Israel’s idolatry was harlotry against God.  To illustrate this, God even had a prophet marry a harlot (see Hosea).  The unfaithfulness grieved God and in time caused Israel and Judah to be put away because of their idolatrous adultery.  Friends, while this would apply to ANY sin, it is worthy of note that fornication is one way unfaithfulness is described.  The point: Fornication will strain your relationship with God and it is VERY serious!
Ultimately, we need to realize that those who practice such will not inherit the kingdom of God, unless they repent.  How many passages above warn of the eternal consequences of fornication if one does not take care of it?

h.       It has congregational consequences –
It can reproach the church and its influence in the community.  Especially when we preach moral purity (as we ought to). 
But it can also lead to unfaithfulness in a congregation.   Imagine the congregation that ignores fornication.  I again appeal to 1 Corinthians 5:1-6 which is EXACTLY what you have.  Their tolerance of immorality caused even the community to blush.  Think about that.
AND suppose that a godless community praises a church because of its tolerance of immorality, what does that say about the church and the community?  Are we truly setting ourselves apart?
Rev. 2:18-23 identifies the church at Thyatira.  What was their sin?  “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.”
IN 1993, the Guardian of Truth published an article by Phil T. Arnold entitled, “Fruits of Fornication”,  Dealing with fornication and the church he wrote, “Fornication often bears congregational consequences. We sometimes speak of the sin of Christians bringing "reproach upon the church." While any sin can accomplish such, few, if any sins, are as good at getting this job done in the eyes of the world as the sin of fornication. How many congregations have been robbed of their most influential leaders and teachers because the sin of fornication overcame an elder or a preacher or members of their families? How many future elders and/or preachers may never be able to serve in such a capacity in the church because of the workings of the consequences of fornication? How many churches will be divided and/or will have their candlestick removed because some refuse to stand for the truth and deal with the consequences of the sin in bringing the fornicator to repentance? If we love the Lords church and his cause in this world, we must hate the sin of fornication and the fruit that it bears.”

“Fornication can also lead to hermeneutical consequences. Would we be experiencing as great a problem (or any problem) in understanding the plain biblical teaching concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage if it were not for the sin of fornication. When that sin leads to the dissolution of a marriage and the pursuit of another marital relation-ship by the put away. fornicator, emotions often override intellect and personal involvement or sympathy produces a hurdle to proper interpretation and application of divine truth. Why would we want to place ourselves in the circumstance of having to redefine terms, strain interpretations and create our own theories to justify what the Bible identifies as sin and to maintain fellowship with the unrepentant sinner and the false teachers who uphold them? Why would we want to lay an added burden upon those who love us of choosing between their love for us and their love for the truth? Yet, this is often exactly what is done as a consequence of the sin of fornication.”[5]

i.         What good comes from engaging in fornication?  Honestly!  Society tells us to have some fun and experiment.  We are told that it doesn’t really hurt anyone.  We are told that as long as the love is there it should not matter – hence the justification of homosexuality, open marriages, casual relations, etc.  But you cannot show me proof that good comes from a society given over to fornication!

 

 IV.                Types of fornication

a.        Promiscuous sexual relations (outside of marriage) – living together, sowing wild oats, casual relations, etc.  Are premarital relations acceptable? 

                                                   i.      Some today want to argue that it is fine (and it is certainly acceptable in our society).  They would appeal to the “sexual immorality” argument previously discussed.  Some (even in prominent influential positions) might even say that you SHOULD experiment before you get married.

                                                  ii.      NOWHERE in the New Testament is such conduct spoken of with approval.  There very arguments that are made demonstrate there are not permissive passages.  They appeal to the silence of the scriptures.  But there is plenty of reason to doubt its acceptance.

                                                iii.      Everything we have mentioned about the honor of the marriage bed (Heb. 13:4) demonstrate that these relations were INTENDED for a husband and wife.

                                                iv.      Consider  1 Cor. 7:2, 8-9, This is a text where Paul is dealing with remaining single vs. marrying.  We will not debate the merits in this lesson (see previous lessons from 1 Corinthians for a more detailed discussion of this text – here).  NOTE vs. 8-9, “But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”  Exactly what does Paul have in mind when he speaks of exercising self-control, if it is not relations outside of marriage?

                                                  v.      Also consider Matt. 5:27-28 - speaks of looking upon a woman to lust after her.  If lust is sinful, what does that say about going further than lust while not married?  Consider this in light of James 1:12-15 which discusses temptation and one that gives into temptation. 
We are told in 1 John 2:15-16 not to love the world of the things in the world.  The world includes, “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life.”

b.       Prostitution –It is one who sells fornication or one who pays for it.    
In dealing with our purity, Paul used one joining to a harlot as an example - 1 Cor. 6:12-17.  “For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her shall not be innocent.” (Proverbs 6:23–29)
Note:  This specific example could be added to the previous section dealing with premarital relations.

c.        Homosexuality – this is engaging in relations with one of the same sex, whether male or female.

                                                   i.      Under the Old Law, this was a capital offense – Lev. 18:22-23, 20:13.

                                                  ii.      In the New Testament - Jude 7 condemns the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah describing it as “having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh…”  Genesis 19:5-8 describes the sin of Sodom.

                                                iii.      Romans 1:26-27, “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.”  In this text, the homosexual act is described as being “against nature.”  Also notice that this text mentions both women AND men in the homosexual act.

                                                iv.      1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”   What is interesting about this passage is that it describes both roles in a male homosexual relationship.

                                                  v.      IF homosexuality is condemned, then same-sex marriage is equally condemned.  Legalizing a relationship by a godless nation does NOT invalidate what God’s word says!

                                                vi.      Also note in 1 Cor. 6:10 that there were former homosexuals who had been washed and sanctified.  In other words, it is a behavior that CAN be changed.

d.       Adultery –

                                                   i.      Heb. 13:4 – marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled.
1 Cor. 7:1-5 provides instructions for a husband and wife to render “due affection” to one another so that fornication will not occur.  We have shown that “the marriage act” is designed for marriage.

                                                  ii.      When one who is married breaks that bond by having relations with another they are guilty of adultery.  Or when one has relations with another who is married (God’s definition of marriage) they are both guilty of adultery.   

                                                iii.      That adultery is a form of fornication is seen in 1 Cor. 5:1, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!”   The Greek word is porneia (fornication) which we have been discussing as fornication.   That act of fornication is one who is having relations with his father’s “wife”.

                                                iv.      Adultery is clearly condemned in many of the passages we have discussed (Gal. 5:19, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, etc.) along with fornication. 
Why is it mentioned in addition to fornication?  I believe it is because of its seriousness and how it violates the vow that permits relations that prevent fornication.  It also carries “special circumstances” in dealing with it.

                                                  v.      IT is so serious that it is the ONLY cause that God provides for the innocent party to sunder the marriage and remarry.  The guilty party cannot remarry.
In Matt. 19:9 Jesus said, “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
Matt. 5:32 also emphasizes this.  NOTE: In both passages the adultery is tied to marrying one who has no right to marry (remarry).  But what makes it adultery is that they are engaging in “the act of marriage” with one whom they do not have the right to be with.

                                                vi.      We live in a society where divorce is high.  While some might argue that the rate has decreased (slightly) over the years, I contend that one reason why is because fornication is tolerated and many avoid marriage all together.   Most who divorce will give no thought to marrying another involving adultery in God’s eyes.  And many churches have been complicit by either avoiding the subject or teaching loopholes by reinterpreting scripture (almost always in favor of progressive interpretation – i.e. loosing what God has bound). 
Friends if a church is permitting membership that God considers adulterous, it is an unfaithful congregation, either in danger of having its candlestick removed or it already has!  I again appeal to both the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 5) and Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29).

 

 V.                  Fornication is not the end!

a.        Fornication is a serious sin as we have seen.  IT has serious consequences. 
But like any other sin, it CAN be forgiven. 

                                                   i.      Paul actually emphasized that in 1 Cor. 6:11, “such were some of you…” 

                                                  ii.      Also Col. 3:7, “In which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.”

                                                iii.      BUT, it requires repentance!  You must quit whatever sinful activity you are engaging in or end whatever relationship God considers sinful.  That is the point Paul was making in the above texts.

b.       Avoiding fornication

                                                   i.      Keep your heart with all diligence - Prov. 4:23-26, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.”
1 Thess. 4:3-7 (again) tells us to abstain from sexual immorality, possess your own vessel in sanctification and honor, NOT driven by passions of lust.  Be holy.

                                                  ii.      Live soberly and righteously – 1 Pet. 5:8 calls for us to be sober and vigilant about the devil.
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13–16)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:11–13)

                                                iii.      Associate with those who will encourage you to do what is right.  1 Cor. 15:33.

                                                iv.      Avoid situations and places that provoke lust.  Consider what you are allowing to influence your thoughts – the television, movies, the computer, etc.

                                                  v.      RUN from it – RUN, like Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife. 
1 Cor. 6:18, “Flee sexual immorality.”
2 Tim. 2:22, “Flee youthful lusts.”  While this problem is not confined to youth, it is especially serious with youth when emotions and hormones are strong and inexperience abounds.

 Conclusion:  And thus we can see that fornication is sinful.  It is my hope that we have a fuller understanding of what fornication is and what the Bible says about it.  Let us not be deceived by the wisdom of men, but pursue the pure word of God. 

In the article quoted earlier by Phil Arnold, his concluding paragraph said this, “Satan may use the world in all its influential means and media to portray fornication as a most beautiful passion that leads to fulfilling oneself as a person and living "happily ever after."  It may be portrayed as glamour and romantic, natural and even innocent. He may suggest that it can be done in secret, no one will ever know, everybody is doing it, and just one time won’t hurt. (All the general appeals of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.) He may try to convince us that it is our body, our business and others will not be affected. Yes, fornication may be advertised as being as sweet as honey, but in the end its fruit is as bitter as wormwood (Prov. 5:3-4). In spite of Satans romantic camouflage, the reality is that fornication is sin; sin that can beget a multitude of other sins from deception even to murder (as in the case of David in 2 Sam. 11); sin that can destroy nations, families, congregations, lives and even souls. If David could have only stopped to consider the consequences that his relationship with Bathsheba might possibly bring, I cannot conceive that this man after Gods own heart would have chosen to taste of this most bitter fruit. The bitter fruit of fornication can bring an abundant harvest of rottenness beyond description, and it can all be avoided by simply heeding the warning of God "flee fornication!"[6]

Friends, let us flee fornication in its every form and let us seek to expose it for the blight that it is.  I humbly commend this to you.