12-09-09 Sorrell 1 Cor Series 15: The Sin of Fornication

Sin

I.             (v1) Paul now moves from the problem of divisions to the second problem – fornication.   

II.            (v1) What is Fornication

A.        The Context - Even in this verse, it is clear that fornication is broad term encompassing many different things. 

B.        Modern Translations - Many modern translations translate this word ‘sexual immorality’.  Immorality means contrary to accepted moral principles.  Something is moral if it is “good and right as judged by the average person.”

C.                The Bible Definition - The Bible uses the word “fornication”.

1.        Fornication – Indulge unlawful lust; the incontinence or lewdness of unmarried persons, male or female; adultery

2.        Incontinence - Want of restraint of the sexual appetite; free or illegal indulgence of lust

3.        Indulge - To gratify, to fail to restrain, to allow

Since Jesus makes it clear that sexual sins are to include what one thinks in the heart.

Matt. 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

A good definition of fornication is “thinking about or engaging in any sexual activity with any person other than your spouse.”

1 Cor. 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

III.      (v1)Paul clearly describes what the problem is – One of satan’s biggest tools is to cloud what is and is not sin.  These subjects are difficult to discuss sometimes, but we must make it clear.

IV.      (v2) The Gossip side of sin - Sometimes we find ourselves more interested with the gossip side of sin than the death side.  This Church whispered and tee-heed over the fact that a member of their assembly was having sex with his step-mother. 

Proverbs 14:9Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

V.        (v2) The Biblical Side of Sin - Instead of secretly/openly being puffed up about this sin; instead of laughing and joking about this sin, they should have responded with mourning.  Sin produces death always.  The proper response to death is mourning. 

VI.      (v2) The Proper Way for The person who committed this sin should have been taken away from them.  This of course is an option but not the desired option.