Lord’s Day 41
Q109. Does God forbid only the worst sexual sins in this commandment?
We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why he forbids anything that leads us toward impurity — whether actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Corinthians 15:33
Ephesians 5:18
Matthew 5:27–29
1 Corinthians 6:18–20
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
Ephesians 5:3–4
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does the catechism say our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?
- 2
What kinds of things besides actions does this commandment cover?
- 3
How can we guard our thoughts and what we look at?
Illustration
A temple is a place set apart for God. The priests kept it clean and honored because God's presence was there. When the Bible calls your body a temple, it means God's Spirit lives in you. What you do with your body and mind matters because it is his dwelling place.
Application
Before you watch, read, or listen to something this week, ask yourself: would I be comfortable if God were sitting next to me? He is with you through his Spirit, so let that awareness shape your choices.