2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.  1 Thessalonians 4:2-8

A. The Destructive Nature of Sexual Sin

1. Sexual sin destroys the body, heart, soul: Proverbs 7:6-23. 1 Corinthians 6:18

2. Sexual sin destroys relationships: Proverbs 6:25-35

3. Sexual sin brings severe judgment from God: Proverbs 5:8-14, Proverbs 6:29, Exodus 20:14

B. The Pathways to Holiness

1. It is the will and calling of God: 1 Thess. 4:3 & 7, 1 Peter 1:14-16, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

2. It requires self-knowledge beginning with salvation: 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5

– Know your areas of weakness: James 1:14-15

– Keep yourself on the straight and narrow: Proverbs 22:3

3. It requires self-control, self-denial, self-discipline

– of the EYES: Job 31:1, Matthew 5:27-30

– of the BODY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27