Read: Acts 15:1-35
Think: In Acts 15:28, the letter that the apostles, elders, and the whole church in Jerusalem sent with Paul and Barnabas to report on the decisions made by them included, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements: You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell.” In William Barclay’s commentary on the book of Acts he writes, “It has been said that chastity was the only completely new virtue that Christianity brought into the world. In an impure world, Christians had to be pure.”
Act: Chastity is defined as refraining from sexual relationships outside of marriage. Having worked with students for almost four decades, one of the greatest temptations they continue to face is to abstain from sex outside of marriage. Therefore, these verses and Barclay’s statements continue to be of great relevance for believers in every culture and generation, not just for those in the first century. Yet, from the first century until the 21st century, we can see how radical it was/is for Christians to be known as “different, set apart, and holy” because of their commitment to sexual purity. In the 21st century, we must, in the same way as the early church, talk openly about God’s call to live sexually pure in our culture. Take time—this week—to identify and come alongside a single person or dating couple and become their accountability partner and/or support person in this area. Ask them how you can pray for them encourage them specifically.
Pray: Dear Jesus, remind me how difficult it is to be a student or young adult in any culture. Give me the courage and the time to come alongside someone who needs an accountability partner. Give me, as well, Lord, Your Holy Spirit’s help to live with integrity and sexual purity in my own life. I need You. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
