What If I’m Struggling With Sexual Immorality?

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Do you treat sexual immorality seriously?

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul expresses his deep concern for the faith of the Thessalonian believers during their trials and persecution. Unable to bear the uncertainty, he sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage them, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith. Timothy's report of their perseverance brings Paul immense relief and joy, reaffirming their mutual longing to see each other.

While Paul acknowledges the inevitability of suffering, he emphasizes that such hardships are part of God’s plan to strengthen their faith. He concludes by praying earnestly for the opportunity to visit them again, to help them complete their understanding of God’s will, and to encourage them to grow in love and holiness. As he notes in Chapter 4, one way he wants them to grow in love and holiness is by living sexually moral lives.

In verse 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul writes, “For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you keep away from sexual immorality.” The Greek word translated as “sexual immorality” is “porneia”—where we get the word pornography. It refers broadly to all forms of sexual sin, including sex outside of marriage, lust, and homosexuality.

This command likely posed a significant challenge for many in the Thessalonian church, given their cultural background. Women were often devalued and mistreated, as reflected in the practices of the time. For example, Rabbi Akiva famously taught that a man could divorce his wife for no more significant reason than finding another woman more attractive. Such attitudes fostered a climate of abuse and objectification, making Paul’s call to sexual purity countercultural and radical.

Paul’s second command was for believers to control their passions. He writes in verses four and five, “that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, ⁵ not with lustful passions, like the Gentiles, who don’t know God.” Much like today, the culture around the Thessalonian believers often promoted indulgence in desires without restraint. Pagan worship practices, for example, frequently included acts of sexual immorality, even involving temple prostitutes.