Theme: From Judgment to Restoration

Key Texts: 1 Corinthians 6:9–20; Hebrews 13:4; Psalm 51; 1 John 1:7–9

1. The Detriment of Sexual Sin

Sexual sin is treated with particular seriousness in Scripture—not because it is the only sin, but because of what it does to the body, the soul, and the covenant relationship with God.

A. Sexual sin defiles the body

“Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

• The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (v.19).

• Sexual sin is unique because it involves misusing what God designed for covenant intimacy.

• It produces shame, confusion, emotional bondage, and spiritual dullness.

B. Sexual sin distorts God’s design

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5)

• Sex is designed for marriage as covenant, not consumption.

• Sexual sin reduces people to objects and pleasure to a god.

• It trains the heart to seek gratification rather than holiness.

C. Sexual sin damages witness and fellowship

“Let marriage be held in honor among all… for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (Hebrews 13:4)

• It weakens credibility in prayer, ministry, leadership, and discipleship.

• It grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

2. God’s Judgment on Sexual Sin

Scripture is clear: unrepentant sexual sin invites divine judgment.

A. Judgment is real, not symbolic

“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral… will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10)

• This is not about isolated failure but persistent, unrepentant practice.

• God’s judgment may include:

• Spiritual barrenness

• Loss of authority and anointing

• Discipline (Hebrews 12:6)

• Eventual exclusion from the kingdom if there is no repentance

B. Judgment is redemptive, not merely punitive

“Those whom the Lord loves He disciplines.” (Hebrews 12:6)

• God judges sin to bring people back, not to destroy them.

• Delay of repentance hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:13).

3. The Church’s Responsibility to Judge Sexual Sin

A. The church must judge inside, not outside

“Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?” (1 Corinthians 5:12)

• The church is not called to tolerate open sexual sin among believers.

• Judgment here means discernment and discipline, not condemnation.

B. Biblical church discipline

“Remove the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13)

• Discipline may include:

• Removal from leadership

• Temporary restriction from ministry

• Accountability structures

• The goal is always repentance and restoration, not punishment.

C. Failure to discipline corrupts the church

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (1 Corinthians 5:6)

• Tolerated sin spreads.

• Love without truth becomes compromise.

4. The Call to Repentance for Those in Sexual Sin

A. What is repentance?

Greek word: Metanoia

• Meaning: a change of mind that leads to a change of direction

• Repentance is not:

• Feeling bad

• Saying sorry

• Promising to do better

• Repentance is:

• Turning from sin

• Turning to God

• Turning toward obedience

“Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

5. The Role of Confession in Repentance

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9)

• Confession means agreeing with God about sin.

• Confession:

• Breaks secrecy

• Destroys shame’s power

• Opens the door to healing

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper.” (Proverbs 28:13)

6. The Role of Honesty in Repentance

“Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being.” (Psalm 51:6)

• Half-truths delay healing.

• Minimising sin prolongs bondage.

• God restores the honest, not the evasive.

David’s repentance (Psalm 51) shows:

• No excuses

• No blame-shifting

• No self-justification

7. The Role of Humility and Discipline

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

True repentance includes:

• Willingness to be corrected

• Acceptance of consequences

• Patience with the process of restoration

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.” (1 Peter 5:6)

Discipline is not rejection—it is proof of sonship (Hebrews 12:8).

8. Submitting to Church Authority

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17)

• Restoration flows through submission, not independence.

• Refusal to submit often reveals unbroken pride.

• Authority is God’s chosen instrument for protection and healing.

9. The Promise of Restoration and Renewal in Christ

“Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

This is the gospel:

• Sexual sin is not beyond redemption.

• Repentance leads to:

• Cleansing

• Renewed intimacy with God

• Restored identity

• Recommissioning (in time)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10)

Christ does not merely forgive—He renews.

Closing Exhortation

Repentance is not humiliation—it is liberation.

Discipline is not rejection—it is love.

Submission is not weakness—it is wisdom.

Those who truly repent will find that the same Christ who judges sin also restores sinners, fully, deeply, and permanently.