Sexual desires are a natural part of human life, and the Bible doesn’t shy away from discussing them. For those wondering how to navigate these desires in a way that honors God, scripture provides clear guidance on purity, self-control, and the sacredness of sex within marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sexual Desires
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fleeing from sexual immorality. It reminds us that engaging in sexual immorality not only goes against God’s design for our bodies, but it also brings harm to ourselves.
By fleeing from sexual immorality, we are choosing to honor God with our bodies and protect ourselves from the negative consequences that come with engaging in sinful sexual desires.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
In this verse, we are reminded of God’s will for our lives, which includes our sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality. It highlights the importance of self-control and living a life that honors God, rather than indulging in lustful desires.
By controlling our bodies in holiness and honor, we reflect our relationship with God and set ourselves apart from the world, demonstrating a commitment to live according to His design for sexuality.
Matthew 5:28
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse challenges us to examine the intentions and desires of our hearts. It teaches us that harboring lustful thoughts and intentions is just as sinful as physically committing adultery.
By recognizing the seriousness of lustful desires, we are prompted to guard our hearts and minds, cultivating purity in our thoughts and actions. It serves as a reminder to focus on honoring God in our relationships and striving for righteousness in all areas of our lives.
Galatians 5:16
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our lives and resist the desires of our flesh. It reminds us that through the power of the Spirit, we can overcome and refrain from gratifying our sinful sexual desires.
By walking in the Spirit, we open ourselves up to God’s transforming work in our lives, enabling us to live in obedience and victory over temptation. It highlights the importance of surrendering our desires to God and seeking His help in living a life that is pleasing to Him.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
In this verse, we learn that marriage is designed by God as a safeguard against sexual immorality. It acknowledges the reality of human sexual desires and provides a Godly solution for their fulfillment within the context of marriage.
By honoring the institution of marriage, we can protect ourselves and our relationships from the harmful effects of sexual immorality. It emphasizes the importance of commitment and faithfulness within the marriage covenant.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the value and sanctity of marriage. It calls for marriage to be held in high honor and for the marriage bed to remain undefiled, free from sexual immorality.
By upholding the sanctity of marriage, we demonstrate our reverence for God’s design and His standards for sexual purity. It also reminds us of the solemn reality that God will ultimately judge those who engage in sexual immorality and adultery.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
This verse celebrates the joy and fulfillment found within the context of a God-honoring marriage. It encourages husbands to delight in their wives and find satisfaction in the intimate love shared between them.
By embracing the gift of marriage, we can find fulfillment and contentment in the love and affection of our spouse. It highlights the beauty and the exclusivity of marital intimacy, emphasizing its rightful place within the covenant of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse serves as a warning against engaging in sexual immorality. It reminds us that those who persist in unrighteousness and continue in a lifestyle of sexual sin will not inherit the kingdom of God.
By heeding this warning, we are encouraged to turn away from sexual immorality and pursue a life that reflects God’s righteousness. It underscores the importance of living a life that is in alignment with God’s standards, ensuring that our actions and choices are rooted in obedience to His Word.
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This verse highlights the importance of intimacy within the marital relationship. It reminds couples of the need to not withhold themselves from one another, except for a mutually agreed-upon time of prayer and fasting.
By prioritizing intimacy within marriage, couples can safeguard themselves against the temptations of sexual immorality. It serves as a reminder that maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship within the boundaries of marriage is an important aspect of honoring God and strengthening the marital bond.
Proverbs 6:32
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of committing adultery. It warns against the consequences that come with engaging in sexual immorality outside the bounds of God’s design for marriage.
By recognizing the devastating effects of adultery, we are reminded of the importance of guarding our hearts and minds from temptation. It highlights the need for wisdom and self-control in order to preserve our relationships, our emotional well-being, and our spiritual walk with God.
1 Peter 2:11
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse encourages us as followers of Christ to abstain from the passions of the flesh, including sexual desires that lead us astray from God’s will. It reminds us that indulging in these passions can wage war against our souls.
By recognizing our identity as sojourners and exiles in this world, we are challenged to live differently and resist the pull of sinful desires. It prompts us to seek God’s help in overcoming these temptations and living a life that honors Him.
Ephesians 5:3
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.”
In this verse, we are called to a higher standard of holiness as Christians. It instructs us to not even let sexual immorality or impurity be mentioned among us, highlighting the importance of maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed.
By striving to live lives free from sexual immorality and impurity, we demonstrate the transformative work of Christ in us. It challenges us to be a shining example of righteousness and purity, reflecting God’s character in our daily lives.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
This verse exhorts us to put to death the sinful desires of our flesh, including sexual immorality, impurity, and evil desires. It emphasizes the need to continually surrender these desires to God and allow Him to transform our hearts.
By recognizing the idolatrous nature of covetousness and sexual immorality, we are prompted to redirect our affections towards God. It challenges us to renounce the things of this world and pursue a life that is focused on glorifying Him in all areas, including our sexual desires.
Romans 1:26-27
“For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
This verse addresses the act of homosexuality and emphasizes that it is contrary to God’s design for sexuality. It warns of the consequences that come with rejecting God’s intention for sexual relationships.
By acknowledging God’s clear design and the consequences that accompany sexual immorality, we are called to align our desires and behaviors with His Word. It prompts us to seek His guidance and live in accordance with His divine plan.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not meant for sexual immorality but are intended to be vessels for the Lord. It underscores the significance of honoring God with our bodies and recognizing His ownership over every aspect of our lives.
By understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we are called to preserve their sanctity and refrain from engaging in sexual immorality. It prompts us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, dedicated to God’s purposes and bringing glory to His name.
1 Corinthians 7:9
“But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
In this verse, we are reminded that if individuals struggle with self-control and burning with passion, it is better for them to pursue marriage. It acknowledges the reality of sexual desires and provides a Godly solution for their fulfillment within the bounds of marriage.
By choosing marriage, individuals can channel their sexual desires in a way that is honoring to God and prescribed by His design. It underscores the importance of seeking healthy and God-honoring outlets for our sexual desires, rather than allowing them to lead us into sin.
Proverbs 7:6-27
“For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, ‘I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you. I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home.’ With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.”
This passage serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the seduction of sexual immorality. It presents a vivid image of a foolish young man falling into the trap of an adulterous woman.
By highlighting the destructive consequences of sexual immorality, it urges us to exercise wisdom and discernment in the face of temptation. It emphasizes the importance of staying away from situations and individuals that could lead us astray, and to keep our hearts and minds focused on godly pursuits.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol.”
This verse paints a picture of the allure and deceitfulness of sexual temptation. It warns against the smooth words and enticing promises of the forbidden woman, stressing the destructive path that follows.
By understanding the deceptive nature of sexual sin, we are encouraged to guard our hearts and minds against the lies and enticements that can lead us astray. It prompts us to seek wisdom and discernment in order to recognize and resist the allure of sexual temptation.
1 Corinthians 6:15-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’ But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This passage emphasizes the significance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the importance of honoring God with our bodies and refraining from uniting them with prostitutes or engaging in sexual immorality.
By recognizing the sacredness of our bodies, we are prompted to treat them with honor and respect. It reminds us that sexual sin has a unique impact on our own bodies and goes against God’s purpose for our lives. It calls us to flee from sexual immorality and instead, dedicate our bodies to the service of God.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage and keeping the marriage bed undefiled. It serves as a reminder that God will judge those who engage in sexual immorality or adultery.
By valuing the sanctity of marriage and making efforts to protect the marital relationship from sexual sin, we demonstrate obedience to God’s commands. It prompts us to cultivate a culture of honor and faithfulness within our marriages, reflecting the love and commitment that Christ has for His Church.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
In this verse, we are encouraged by the truth that God is faithful and will provide a way of escape when faced with temptation. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God equips us to resist temptation and endure through His strength.
By placing our trust in God and relying on His power, we can overcome the temptations that arise in the realm of sexual desires. It offers hope and reassurance that we can navigate through struggles and lean on God’s guidance for victory over sexual immorality.