Key Scripture: Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
🔍 Why Start Here?
One of the most repeated sins addressed in the New Testament isn’t murder or theft—it’s sexual immorality. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, didn’t start his list of the works of the flesh with violence or greed. He started with sexual immorality. Why? Because it corrupts both the body and the soul. It warps the mind, weakens the will, and wounds the heart. And because it was rampant in first-century culture—just like today.
We live in an age of sexual “freedom” that promises fulfillment but delivers bondage. From pornography to casual sex, adultery to same-sex relationships, what Scripture calls sin is now widely celebrated. This series begins with a courageous commitment: to name what God has named, so we can be healed by what God has revealed.
📜 What Is Considered Sexual Immorality in the Bible?
The Greek word used in Galatians 5:19 is porneia. It is the root of the English word “pornography,” and in biblical usage, it refers to any and all sexual activity outside of God’s design for marriage.
This includes:
- Adultery (sex with someone else’s spouse)
- Fornication (sex before marriage)
- Homosexual acts
- Lustful thoughts or sexual fantasizing
- Use of pornography
- Prostitution and sexual exploitation
Mark 7:21 says, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality…”
Mark 7:21
Sexual sin begins in the heart long before it manifests in the body.
🚨 A Sin Named Early and Often
Sexual immorality wasn’t a one-time warning—it was central to the apostles’ letters. Every New Testament church was warned about it:
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…”
- 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality…”
- Colossians 3:5: “Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality…”
- Revelation 2:20: “You tolerate that woman Jezebel… who is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality…”
Sexual sin is spiritual rebellion. But God does not merely call us out of sin—He calls us into holiness.
🧠 What Does the Greek Word “Porneia” Mean?
Porneia speaks of distortion—of a gift from God used in a way He never intended. Sexuality was created for covenant love between one man and one woman. Any use beyond that sacred boundary is profane, even if culturally acceptable.
Jesus was clear: lustful intent is adultery of the heart
(Matthew 5:28), and not even hidden thoughts are exempt from God’s standard of purity.
🩺 What Are the Consequences of Sexual Immorality?
Sexual sin leaves behind spiritual and emotional wreckage:
- It damages relationships — robbing trust and intimacy
- It clouds judgment — normalizing what God condemns
- It invites guilt and shame — silencing our joy and boldness
- It hinders our witness — when believers walk like the world, the world stops listening
But God’s grace runs deeper than the deepest sin.
1 Corinthians 6:11 declares: “Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…”
🛠 How Can a Christian Overcome Sexual Sin?
There is no overnight formula, but there is a Spirit-led path to freedom. Here are five steps rooted in Scripture:
- Confess it to God. Acknowledge the sin without excuses (1 John 1:9).
- Bring it into the light. Talk to a trusted Christian friend or leader (James 5:16).
- Cut off access points. Jesus said to “cut off” what causes you to sin (Matthew 5:29–30).
- Renew your mind daily. Saturate your thoughts with God’s Word (Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:9).
- Walk in the Spirit. Victory doesn’t come by willpower—it comes by walking with Christ (Galatians 5:16).
There will be stumbles, but the trajectory matters more than the trip. Keep walking in the direction of grace.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Immorality
What is considered sexual immorality in the Bible?
Any sexual act outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. This includes fornication, adultery, pornography, homosexuality, and lust.
Galatians 5:19
What does the Greek word porneia mean?
It refers to illicit sexual behavior of all kinds, not limited to intercourse. It’s a blanket term for sexual sin that violates God’s design for holy sexuality.
Is masturbation a sin according to Scripture?
Though not mentioned by name, masturbation almost always involves lust or fantasy, which Jesus equates to adultery of the heart
(Matthew 5:28). The root issue is the heart’s desire, not just the act.
Does God forgive sexual sin?
Yes—fully and completely. The gospel offers total cleansing, regardless of your past
(1 Corinthians 6:11). Repentance opens the door to restoration.
What are the consequences of sexual immorality?
It damages intimacy, wounds identity, invites guilt, and dulls your spiritual sensitivity. But even these consequences are meant to lead us to the Healer.
💬 Closing Thought
Sexual immorality is obvious. And so is the invitation of Jesus—to walk in the light, live by the Spirit, and be set apart.
God’s truth may wound, but it never harms. Like medicine, it may sting—but it heals. If you’re struggling, you are not disqualified. You are precisely who Jesus came to redeem.
In the next article, we’ll explore the first specific category: Adultery—what it is, what Jesus said about it, and how grace restores broken covenants.
