Sexual scandal is not unfamiliar to the church. Sadly, many of the struggles we face today are not new. They were present even in the earliest gatherings of believers. In 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, Paul confronts the sexual immorality that had taken root in the Corinthian church. He does not treat it lightly.
He calls the church to holiness, giving a strong command: “Flee from sexual immorality. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20).
Paul’s words remind us that sexual purity is not just about avoiding scandal. It is about remembering who we belong to, Jesus Christ, and living in a way that reflects His holiness. Every believer, no matter their stage of life, is called to honor God with their body.
But what does that look like in our daily lives? Practically, how do we guard ourselves against the constant pull of sexual temptation, both personally and as a church family? Here are four marks of sexual purity we can practice as followers of Christ:
- Humility
The first mark of sexual purity is humility. Scripture tells us, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Pride can blind us to temptation. If we believe we are “above” sexual sin, we are already vulnerable to it.
Humility means admitting we need God’s strength every single day. It is acknowledging that purity is not achieved by willpower alone but by dependence on the Spirit of God. Humility also helps us respond to others with grace. Instead of judging those who struggle, we recognize that we are all capable of stumbling, and we extend the same forgiveness that Christ has extended to us.
Humility is a posture of the heart. It is a daily confession: “Lord, I need You to guard my eyes, my thoughts, and my desires. Keep me close to You.”
- Boundaries
Boundaries are not about legalism or limiting freedom. They are about wisdom. Healthy boundaries protect us from temptation before it starts. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Boundaries are one of the ways we guard our hearts.
Digital boundaries
In today’s world, much of the battle for sexual purity takes place online. Setting wise digital boundaries is essential:
- Use software that blocks explicit material and provides reports to an accountability partner.
- Monitor your screen time and set limits when necessary.
- Refuse to engage in private conversations with the opposite sex that go beyond quick information, encouragement, or prayer.
- Pray over your entertainment choices. Ask God for discernment, and once you set standards, stick to them.
Relational boundaries
Sexual temptation does not just live on a screen. It can arise in the way we relate to others. Protecting ourselves and others means drawing clear lines:
- Avoid being alone in a private setting with a member of the opposite sex who is not family.
- Do not discuss intimate struggles or sexual topics with someone of the opposite sex.
- Keep physical touch in a safe and appropriate range so that no one could misinterpret your intentions.
- If you are dating, decide beforehand what purity will look like in your relationship and communicate your standards clearly.
Boundaries are not about creating distance. They are about creating space for holiness to flourish. They protect what matters most: our relationship with Christ and with others.
- Accountability
Accountability is a gift. Alone, we are prone to stumble. Together, we can remind one another of the truth and keep each other anchored. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Accountability looks different depending on your season of life:
- Digital: Use software and maintain an open-device policy so nothing stays hidden.
- Familial: For students and singles, a trusted Christian parent or sibling in Christ can help.
- Marital: For married couples, openness with your spouse builds trust and security.
- Pastoral: A pastor or spiritual leader can walk with you in prayer, discipleship, and biblical counsel.
Accountability requires honesty. It is humbling to admit where you struggle, but it is far more freeing to walk in the light. James 5:16 reminds us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
- Intimacy
Sexual purity is not just about saying “no” to sin. It is about saying “yes” to a greater intimacy with God and His people. Every human being longs for connection. If we do not pursue intimacy in healthy ways, we will be tempted to seek it in broken ones.
- With the Lord: Pursue daily prayer, worship, and the study of God’s Word. As you draw near to Him, He will shape your desires to reflect His holiness.
- With your spouse: If married, invest in building spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy that honors God and strengthens your covenant.
- With the body of Christ: Surround yourself with authentic Christian community. Deep friendships within the church give you a place to be known, encouraged, and challenged.
When intimacy with God and His people is our focus, purity becomes less about restriction and more about joy. It becomes the natural overflow of our walk with Jesus.
Sexual purity is not an outdated idea. It is the call of every Christian to reflect God’s holiness in a culture that often celebrates the opposite. The good news is that God does not call us to purity without also giving us the grace to pursue it. Through humility, boundaries, accountability, and intimacy, we can guard our hearts and glorify Him with our bodies.
Purity is not perfection. We all stumble. But when we do, we run back to the One who makes us clean. In Christ, there is forgiveness, freedom, and the power to walk in newness of life.
As a church family, let us be committed not only to fleeing from sexual immorality but also to running toward the joy of life with Jesus.
