Being Radical in Killing Sin

Our very existence in the flesh necessitates taking very seriously the warning of the Savior in Matthew 5:27–32. Jesus later said that what “proceeds from the heart defiles a person . . . evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,” etc. (Matthew 15:18, 19). Paul described the characteristic sins of those who walk in darkness as “orgies and drunkenness, sexual immorality and sensuality, quarreling and jealousy” (Romans 13:13). “The works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality” etc. (Galatians 5:19). Sexual temptation is very powerful, using very strong lures to indulge these sins. Thus, we are warned: “You may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).

Judeo-Christian values have had some protective influence on Western culture; however, there has always been a consistent assault on those values. European society became openly immoral years ago, and America has followed close on her heals, much like the biblical sisters Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) (Ezekiel 23). Israel had the Word of God and the presence of God like no other peoples; yet the lust of the flesh often overruled. “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day” (under the judgment of God; 1 Corinthians 10:6–8).  

Few are aware of the moral sewer that presently engulfs even our small rural community because it is covered in darkness and whispered in private. As ancient cultures were prone to indulge the flesh, so the tendency remains to throw off restraint and pursue perversity, particularly when there is no fear of God to prevent it. However, “God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4). Thus, Paul warns believers to “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire” (Colossians 3:5). Putting the flesh to death is radical but necessary. Jesus used the same drastic language to press upon the listener how dangerous it is to give in to carnal lust, even when it is confined to just a look. “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. . . . And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away” (Matthew 5:28–30). Why so radical? “For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” But you say you are a believer and safe in His grace? No, “You may be sure of this, that no one who [practices these sins] has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).