Zac Poonen teaches that overcoming sexual sin requires self-discipline empowered by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing victory over strong desires before marriage.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of disciplining oneself in the area of sexual desire, particularly for young individuals, highlighting the challenges of controlling these desires until marriage and the need for God's help through the Holy Spirit to overcome temptations and sinful habits. It explains the purpose behind the strength of sexual desire at a young age as a means for developing strong self-control and becoming overcomers in God's eyes.
Full Transcript
Now, the most important area where we have to discipline ourselves is in the area of our sexual desire. And you know, all of you, at your age, you have that desire in your body. That's what makes you attracted towards the opposite sex.
That's what makes you want to look at a pretty girl. That's what makes you have a desire to see some dirty picture of a girl on the internet or in a cinema. Or in a book.
That desire is strong. And that desire starts in a boy when he is 12-13 years old. And the right way to fulfill it is in marriage.
But you can't get married till when you are 12 or 13. You know, nowadays, you don't even get married till you are 27 or 28. You have to have a job and support your family.
Because you have to have a job and you have to be able to support your family. And many people can get married before the age of 30. From the age of 12 to the age of 27-28, you have to control yourself in this area.
Now, you know, 6 and 7 year old children don't have these desires. So, when I was young, I asked the Lord this question. I said, why is it that you allow people to have this desire when they are 12 or 13 and they can't get married for another 15 years? I said, why is it that you allow people to have this desire when they are 12 or 13 and they can't get married for another 15 years? Why didn't you allow this desire to come up in a man only when he is 26 or something? That till the age of 26, he has no interest in girls.
That till the age of 26, he has no sexual passion in his body. Then we won't have any temptation in that area till that age. See, look at these 4-5 year old boys, they are not even tempted.
Imagine if we could be like that till we are 26. Imagine if we could be like that till we are 26. Then we get married and the problem is solved.
But the Lord said, the reason I have allowed it to come 15-20 years before you get married The reason I have allowed it to come 15-20 years before you get married Because my desire is that you get victory over that desire before you get married. I asked the Lord another question, why did you make that desire so strong? We have seen other desires in our body Desire to eat, desire to sleep These are all little more easy to conquer But this desire for sex is so strong And the Lord said, it's only when there is a strong desire that you can be a strong overcomer. If you don't have a strong desire, you won't be an overcomer.
And then you won't be what God wants you to be. So, God in His great wisdom Allows us as young boys to have this desire in us when we are 12-13 years old And it doesn't allow us to get it fulfilled till we get married after 15-16 years. So, here is an area where you have to discipline yourself.
And if you want to discipline yourself here, God can help you. You have to ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. And to give you power to overcome this desire so that you don't sin.
And to overcome the habits that you can learn from other worldly young people. And to control your eyes. God wants to help you to control your eyes.
In the book of Proverbs, it says that a person without self-control is like a city without any walls. In the Olden days, it was the walls of a city that prevented the enemy from coming and conquering it. So, if you don't have self-control in this area, the walls are broken down.
And the devil can come and destroy your life. The Bible says in Galatians 5.23 that the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. So, you can't control this without the power of the Holy Spirit.
I want to encourage all of you. If you really want to live a useful life for God on this earth, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding Sexual Desire
- Sexual desire begins around age 12-13
- Desire is strong and natural but must be controlled
- Marriage is the God-ordained context for fulfilling this desire
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II. The Challenge of Waiting
- Many cannot marry until late twenties
- The Lord allows early desire to teach discipline
- Victory over desire before marriage is essential
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III. The Importance of Self-Control
- Self-control is likened to city walls protecting from enemies
- Without self-control, one is vulnerable to destruction
- Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit
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IV. Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit
- Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit
- Holy Spirit gives power to overcome temptation
- Discipline and control of eyes and habits are possible
Key Quotes
“The reason I have allowed it to come 15-20 years before you get married is because my desire is that you get victory over that desire before you get married.” — Zac Poonen
“A person without self-control is like a city without any walls.” — Zac Poonen
“If you really want to live a useful life for God on this earth, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to empower you to control your desires.
- Practice self-discipline by avoiding situations that trigger temptation.
- Remember that victory over sexual sin before marriage honors God and prepares you for a godly life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does sexual desire start so early if marriage is much later?
God allows early sexual desire so that young people can learn to overcome and discipline themselves before marriage.
How can I overcome strong sexual temptations?
By asking God to fill you with the Holy Spirit who empowers self-control and by practicing discipline in daily habits.
What does the Bible say about self-control?
The Bible describes self-control as a fruit of the Spirit and compares a person without it to a city without walls, vulnerable to attack.
Is it normal to have sexual desires at a young age?
Yes, it is a natural part of growing up, but God calls us to control these desires until marriage.
Can God help me if I struggle with sexual sin?
Yes, God promises to empower you through the Holy Spirit to overcome sexual sin and live a victorious life.
