Sins Not to Flirt With

6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.

What does it mean to Flirt with something or someone?

Flirt: behave as though attracted to or trying to attract someone, but for amusement rather than with serious intentions.

Flirting with sin can suck you in.

1 Corinthians 10:8 NIV

8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.

The example of Israel encourages us not to commit sexual immorality.

Numbers 25:1–3 KJV 1900

1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. 2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. 3 And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.

Why does this sin angers God and invokes His wrath?

God created intimate sexual relationship to be between a married couple.

Genesis 2:24 KJV 1900

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Sexual relations is not only physical, but it is spiritual also.

1 Corinthians 6:16 KJV 1900

16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

Marriage is sacred to God, but fornication separates us from Him.

1 Corinthians 7:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Sexual immorality disobeys God whose plan for the world is to represent Him as His image-bearers.

Ephesians 5:30–32 KJV 1900

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.