What does it mean to abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3)?

The apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians was written to encourage and instruct a young Christian community. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, Paul urges the believers to live a pure and holy life that is pleasing to God. He writes, “For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality, so that each of you knows how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, not with lustful desires, like the Gentiles who don’t know God. . . . For God has not called us to impurity but to sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–7, HCSB).

“Sexual immorality” is translation of the Greek word porneia. It encompasses all forms of sexual activity that fall outside the bounds of heterosexual marriage, which is God’s design for intimate human relationships. The word is also translated as “fornication” (KJV) and “sexual sin” (NLT). The verb abstain (apechesthai in Greek) means “to avoid, keep away, be distant.”

Abstaining from sexual immorality is a key aspect of God’s will for the believer’s sanctification and personal purity. The Bible commands Christians to stay away from every kind of sexual temptation, including premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, incest, bestiality, prostitution, and pornography (see Exodus 20:14; 22:19; Romans 13:13; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 4:3).

Paul told the Corinthians to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). To flee or abstain from sexual immorality also includes not indulging in fantasies or engaging in lustful thoughts, desires, actions, flirtations, and innuendos (see Matthew 5:28; 1 Peter 2:11). The call to abstinence is not God’s way of depriving people of joy; it is meant to protect them and honor the sanctity of marriage (see Proverbs 5:18–20; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9).

Christians are to control their bodies and lustful desires, recognizing that sexual sin not only affects the individual but also defrauds others, including potential future spouses (see 1 Thessalonians 4:6–8; 1 Corinthians 5:6; 6:15–16). As members of Christ’s body, we are undergoing a process called sanctification—we are being set apart for God’s purposes—and should embody holiness in all aspects of life (see 1 Peter 2:9–11; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15–16; 2:9; 2 Timothy 1:9). By abstaining from sexual immorality, Christians distinguish themselves from non-believers and glorify God through their pure and holy lifestyle.

So, how can we obey God’s will for us and live a life that pleases Him? How can we abstain from sexual immorality? Abstinence begins with understanding and internalizing what God’s Word says on the topic: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9). Scripture is a lamp that guides us on the pure path (see Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:23–24).

The Bible tells us to keep far away from sexual temptations and flee as soon as we recognize a threat. When Potiphar’s wife pressured Joseph to sleep with her, “he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house” (Genesis 39:12). Paul told Timothy to “run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT). We should turn to other mature believers for help, accountability, and prayer in our struggle against sexual sin.

We abstain from sexual immorality by humbly submitting our sinful desires to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7). We avoid temptations by shutting our eyes and looking away from anything that causes us to lust (see Job 31:1; Isaiah 33:15). We put on our spiritual armor and stand our ground (see 1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:13). We know that “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT).

We can abstain from sexual immorality when we “let the Holy Spirit guide [our] lives. Then [we] won’t be doing what [our] sinful nature craves” (Galatians 5:16, NLT). We give ourselves entirely to God, living to please Him and honor Him with our whole bodies (Romans 6:13). In every battle, we seek the way of escape God provides. And when we fall short, we don’t give up; instead, we look to our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who understands our weaknesses. We come boldly to God’s throne in repentance and prayer. There, we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (see Hebrews 4:14–16).