Title: Guarding Your Heart Against Sexual Temptation
Theme: Lust and Desire
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) – Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Introduction:
We live in a society that is over-sexualized, and teenagers are constantly exposed to sexual messages through social media, movies, and even their peers. In such a world, it’s easy to give in to the sexual temptations that we face in everyday life. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to guard our hearts against the sexual temptation that can harm our relationship with God, our future spouse, and our own selves.
Body:
1. Defining Lust and Desire: Lust is an intense or uncontrolled sexual desire, whereas desire refers to a sexual attraction to someone in general. Both are normal human emotions, but what sets them apart is how we allow them to influence our actions. As Christians, we need to understand that sexual desires are God-given, but they must be expressed within the confines of marriage.
2. The consequences of giving into sexual temptation: The consequences of giving in to sexual temptation can be devastating. Not only can they harm our walk with God, but it can also lead to unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, damaged reputation, and emotional hurt.
3. The importance of guarding your heart: In Proverbs 4:23, we read that we need to guard our hearts above all else because everything we do flows from it. To guard our hearts against sexual temptation, we need to:
a) Watch what we consume: Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and read. Avoid content that promotes sexual immorality, and set boundaries for yourself.
b) Surround yourself with godly influences: Surround yourself with friends who share the same values as you. Make sure your closest friends are not those who encourage you to indulge in sexual activities.
c) Pray for protection: Ask God to help you resist sexual temptation, and to give you the strength to overcome it.
Conclusion:
As we go through life, we will face sexual temptation. However, as Christians, it’s important to remember that sexual desires are natural, but it’s how we respond to them that matters. Guard your heart against sexual temptation by being mindful of what you consume, surrounding yourself with godly influences, and praying for protection. By doing so, you can experience the joy and blessings of a healthy sexual relationship within the context of marriage.
