Stay Pure

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5 (KJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5 (KJV)

1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Also Read: Open Heaven 28 December 2025 – He Forgives All

INTRODUCTION: Purity is a state of being uncontaminated. To stay pure is to remain untainted. To stay pure sexually is to abstain from sexual pollution which could range from premarital sex, illicit sex, lustful thoughts, and exposure to anything that is sexually immoral, etc. Sexual purity is a deliberate effort that should emanate from the heart to other parts of the body. This conscious journey covers pre-marriage and post-marriage seasons. Hebrews 13:4 says the “marriage bed” must be undefiled because God will judge those who stray sexually. This lesson will specifically focus on our roles and the benefits of staying pure sexually.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. OUR ROLES
2. BENEFITS OF SÈXUAL PURITY

1. OUR ROLES

Each individual has a part to play when it comes to staying pure sexually (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Sex is a journey that springs up from our minds as a result; there is a need to consciously work on our thoughts because our lives are shaped by them. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that our thoughts are pure always (Matthew 5:8) and we do not allow sexual lust to take over (1 Peter 2:11). As gatekeepers, we must guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) to know what to allow and what to discard.

Our hands must be kept clean and not allowed to touch what is obscene or immoral (Psalm 24:4a). Our feet must be guided to go only to the places that honour God and the right place at the right time (Psalm 119:101). Since the eyes are gates to the mind, they must be trained to focus on what is pure and edifying (Matthew 5:28; Luke 11:34). Our ears must be trained to filter what comes in because listening to erotic words, songs, etc. can trigger sexual pollution. The mouth is a sensitive organ of the human body when it comes to sexual activity; our lips must not kiss “strangers” (Proverbs 22:14). We also need to stay away from toxic friends (1 Corinthians 15:33) who will be negative influences on us.

We must renew our minds with God’s word as we study it and do His perfect will (Psalm 119:9; Romans 12:2). It is also necessary to ask God to help us.

2. BENEFITS OF SÈXUAL PURITY

Staying sexually pure before and during marriage has several benefits but we shall examine the following:

No entanglement with the yoke of bondage; sexual sin is slavery (Proverbs 6:26; Galatians 5:1). Freedom from this sin brings about peace with God (Psalm 51:12-14; Psalm 119:165a) and with oneself; the heart is not racing because of guilt and secret sin (Psalm 51:3; Isaiah 48:22). Those who are sexually pure are audacious (Proverbs 28:1). They carry themselves with honour and confidence because there is no sin to hide. It takes away the fear of the unknown and sexually transmitted diseases. It is honourable (Esther 2:2). It is interesting and exciting. They are not victims like Reuben and Amnon (Genesis 49:3-4; 2 Samuel 13:32). It helps our relationship with God; sexual sin breaks our association with God (Genesis 39:7-9; 40:8; Ephesians 5:3-5). We escape God’s wrath and judgement (Hebrews 13:4). Staying pure sexually is a good choice. Joseph made this choice and he was elevated in Egypt (Genesis 41:40-41). The prophet Isaiah discloses that those who bear the vessels of the Lord must be pure (Isaiah 52:11).

CONCLUSION: Make the right choice to be sexually pure.

QUESTIONS:

1. State four things an individual must do to stay pure
2. Mention three benefits of staying pure.

FURTHER READINGS:

Sunday: Genesis 41:40-41 (KJV)

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

Monday: Ephesians 5:3-5 (KJV)

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Tuesday: Proverbs 28:1 (KJV)

28 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Wednesday: 1 Peter 2:11 (KJV)

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Thursday: Proverbs 22:14 (KJV)

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

Friday: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Saturday: Luke 11:34 (KJV)

The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

ASSIGNMENT: Students should mention five things to stay away from to remain pure (2×5=10