"...cease to do evil; [and] learn to do well..." ¹² We should also learn to discern or understand why certain behaviours are sinful, harmful and unhealthy for us. Not every disciple is spiritually mature enough to accept a 'Thus saith the LORD.' Sometimes, we also have to supply reasons why certain behaviours are wrong. As you see in this section, there are reasons outlined against every deviant sexual behaviour as well as reasons why we should pursue God's ways.

Some may also argue that, as the Apostle Paul wrote, 'it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." ¹³ Yet, in the preceding verse, Paul exhorts believers to 'reprove' the 'unfruitful works of darkness." ¹⁴ On the surface, it seems like a contradiction. But it isn't. The word "speak' in Ephesians 5:12 is the Greek verb "lego' which has the connotation of describe or narrate. So, in fact, Paul isn't counselling us to talk about the "unfruitful works of darkness" but rather to reprove them. In addition, he also adds that it is a "shame" to narrate or describe them. This is wise counsel. Narration of ungodly acts will not keep us "simple concerning the ways of evil.' On the contrary, they may pique the curiosity of some. Suffice it to reprove them with reason.

We're exhorted to provide people with a "reason of the hope' that lies within us. It can be deduced therefore that we can equally provide people with reasons why we don't believe in something. God's ways are best, even those principles which ought to guide our sexual conduct.

Scriptural Wisdom

See appropriate section for biblical references.

Biblical References

See appropriate section for biblical references.

Practical Help

Unfortunately, many times 'sinners' are strictly counselled "to just stop it." The method that many of us use for overcoming sin can be aptly described as 'white knuckling" (pure will power) or the "Avis" method of overcoming sin -- just try harder! For some people this works. For many it doesn't. We have a responsibility to "feed the flock" and help them escape the danger of the secular wolves that hound us.