Text: Hebrews 13:4 NKJV
Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Hebrews 13:4 NKJV
MESSAGE
Another principle we want to establish today is purity before and in marriage. We live in a world where it is permissible for young people to indulge in sexual immorality all in the name of dating.
Because he said he will marry you does not give him access to your body. Remember that your body belongs to God and is a member of Christ, therefore anyone who pollutes the temple of God shall be judged (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:18-19).
A premarital sexual relationship is not acceptable in Christian marriage. The world system may allow it but it is a sin before God. You must not allow the culture of your land and the decay of the present world to pitch you against the will of God.
Cohabiting with an intended spouse is also not allowed. You will only be heaping fire into your bosom. God is holy and the marital institution must be kept holy and undefiled. It is sad today that we see many married people defiling their marital beds. They are simply calling for the judgement of God.
The word of God is very clear, the honour in marriage is marked by purity. Purity must be your guiding principle before and during the marriage. Do not allow anyone to despise your youth but rather be an example of a believer in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).
Always remember that everyone can but because you are a child of God, you cannot. God has placed a high value on marital purity. Those who kick against this value of purity expose themselves to divine judgement. The Bible says, “but fornicators and adulterers, God will judge”.
Will God find your marital bed pure even before marriage? Will you keep it pure during the the the marriage? You cannot bend to the ways of the world, the principles guiding your life are divine and they must be followed. Those who follow this principle never lack God’s blessings
In case you have defiled your marital bed before or during your marriage. Confess your sin to God and make necessary restitution involving your pastor to your spouse. If you are an intended Christian couple who have not kept the marital bed pure, prayerfully speak to your pastor and seek the forgiveness of the church.
REFLECTION
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV
God’s principle of holiness in marriage stands firm, it must not be compromised. Every of God’s children must live by it, endorse it, and defend it.
PRAYER
Father, Please help me keep my marital bed pure and preserve my marriage.
