What Can We Do About Immorality? (Part 3)
Preachers have an especially important responsibility. Immorality must be dealt with from the pulpit. It must be said in no uncertain terms what the Bible teaches regarding immoral behavior and what the consequences of that immoral behavior will be if it goes un-repented. This means pointing out the many scriptures that promote morality and condemn immorality. There are not a few. Here is a short list: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 15, Proverbs 16:16-19, Mark 7:20-23, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-7, Colossians 3:5-9, Jude 5-11, Revelation 21:8.
Elders in the Lord’s church also need to step up and demand that preachers teach lessons about immorality. The church’s elders have the responsibility to feed the flock (Acts 20:28). The sheep need a balanced diet. Too much cake and ice cream makes sheep sick! Meat and potatoes does the job. Sometimes, meat is hard to chew. It takes time to digest. That is okay. However, if we eat no meat, we will be weak. The devil will take advantage of this. It takes strong medicine to fight a strong disease. We may not like it, but it is good for us! This is an elders’ job; to ensure we take our medicine. James 5:20 says, “let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
Can one be forgiven of immoral behavior. YES, ABSOLUTELY! Many have been forgiven (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). However, forgiveness of sin is not a license to practice sin (Romans 6:1)! Sin will destroy us. It is always best not to sin to begin with. Folks, we can make a difference in the problem of immorality, but we must work at making that difference!
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley