Sexual purity in simple term is abstaining from every sexual related sin before marriage.

1 Thessalonian 4:3 - 5 says:
Verse 3: for this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality
Verse 4: that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor
Verse 5: not in passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God

I’ll be talking to us on the importance and steps to sexual purity & the dangers of sexual impurity while dating.

The importance of sexual purity:

They are so many, but I’ll list a few…

1) To protect yourself from the spiritual and emotional damage that comes from sharing sexual intimacy outside of marriage

2) To protect yourself from harmful diseases and unwanted pregnancy

3) It helps us to be confident and clear headed when making vital decisions as regards to the relationship

4) It helps you to hear from God on matters concerning the relationship.

1 Peter 2:11&12 says:
Verse 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul
Verse 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Steps to sexual purity:

1) Date with purpose
Dating is an avenue towards marriage and that’s why it’s advisable to date right. Be purposeful with the person you choose to date. Maintain the mindset that the person you are dating or will date is the person you want to marry. Don’t go into a relationship because everybody around you are in a relationship. Have the right mindset about dating before going into it.

Dating is a means to get to know the other party better because you want to marry the person. People that go into relationships without purpose end up wasting each other’s time. And in other to make the relationship work or feel connected to each other, they end up having sex. As a guy/lady, make a list of what you want in the relationship and be sure of it. It’s also not advisable to date for a very long time.

1 Timothy 4:12 say:
Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in words, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in PURITY

2) Setting boundaries
Communication is key in every relationship. So you and your partner should set boundaries early in the relationship and work towards it together. Agree in advance on appropriate level of affection. It’s natural to feel sexually attracted to the person you are dating, that’s why it’s advisable to set those boundaries early in the relationship.

Set the boundaries before the attraction becomes too difficult and you end up doing things that the both of you will later regret. Plan you dates and activities around other people. It doesn’t mean you can’t have an alone time with your partner for private discussions but please do it with other people around like going restaurants or open gatherings, so it doesn’t give room for immoral thought and actions.

Being alone in a secluded environment gives room for temptations. Don’t participate in passionate kissing, don’t lye on top of each other in the name of play, don’t touch your bodies with or without clothes and make your meetings during the day. Don’t go to each other’s house late at night. So you don’t get stranded and end up sleeping over.

1 Timothy 4:12 says:
Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in words, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in PURITY

3) Always be on guard
Don’t think it can’t happen to you. No matter how spiritual you think you are, no matter how much you read the scripture and pray. Always have it at the back of your mind that no one is above temptation. Not taking appropriate precautions during dating will leave you vulnerable and open to temptation. Like I wrote before, it’s Natural to feel attracted to the person you are dating, that’s why it’s advisable to watch your conversations. Don’t say or do things that will sexually arouse the other person, either with the kind of clothes you wear, your body language or even sex chatting.

Read also: You can have a fresh start with God

Ephesians 5:3&4 says
In verse 3 But FORNICATION and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as is fitting for saints
Verse 4: neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting which are not fitting, but rather giving thanks.

4) Realize the cost
As we all know, sex forms an intense bond physically, emotionally and mentally to both parties. So participating in sexual intimacy before marriage carries a huge cost. Not only do you create an opportunity for life-changing ramifications like sexual transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy but you rob yourself and your future spouse the joy and excitement that comes with the connection and oneness sex brings to a marriage.

Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied: he shall not be visited with evil

Thank you all for your time?

By Miss Effah Mercy Eteng
From : The Impact Library