Lecture Notes: Purity and Sexual Immorality

Introduction

• Hosts: Angela and Mari from the "Girls Gone Bible" podcast.
• Topic: Purity, sexual immorality, abstaining from sex before marriage.
• Disclaimer: Sensitive topic, parental guidance suggested.
• Personal and transformative topic for hosts.

Context and Personal Experiences

• Angela and Mari's Background:

  • Grew up Catholic, initially did not consider abstaining from sex before marriage.
  • Transformation through new Christian friendships and ministry involvement.

• Cultural Influences:

  • Common to view purity and abstention as "weird."
  • Encountered friends who practiced abstinence and felt it was honorable.

Key Biblical Reference

• 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
  • Avoiding sexual sin, bodies made for the Lord, not for sexual immorality.
  • Bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought at a high price, honor God with your body.

Personal Transformation

• Angela's Journey:

  • Felt a lack of peace and spiritual repercussions from sexual sin.
  • Realization of needing to live a life in full obedience to God.
  • Encountered conviction through new Christian community.

• Mari's Journey:

  • Initially felt no conviction due to lack of community and understanding.
  • Transformation through fear of the Lord and personal experiences.
  • Emphasizes importance of godly community for spiritual awakening.

Central Themes

The Role of God and Faith

• God as a father to fear, who disciplines and loves.
• Importance of being in reverent fear of the Lord.
• Self-control as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The Impact of Sexual Sin

• Causes separation from God, leads to spiritual death.
• Impact on mental health: anxiety, depression, lack of peace.
• Hookup culture contributing to emptiness and shame.

The Pursuit of Purity

• Purity is not lost but pursued. It begins in the heart.
• Calls for a pure heart and clean hands to enter God's presence.
• Practical steps include setting boundaries, avoiding temptation.

Community Influence

• Importance of surrounding oneself with godly people.
• Testimonies from friends can act as a wake-up call.

Practical Advice

• Boundaries and Self-Control:

  • Avoid situations that lead to temptation.
  • Maintain discipline and consistent prayer.

• Cultural Challenges:

  • Navigate a world saturated with sexual content.
  • Importance of media consumption decisions.

Encouragement

• Acknowledge struggles but emphasize the ease of submission with God's help.
• Purity brings immense spiritual peace and favor.
• Encouragement to live a life aligned with God's word.

Conclusion

• Gratitude to God for grace and transformation.
• Encouragement for listeners to pursue a pure, godly life.
• Final blessing from hosts to the audience.