One must count the cost of failure, like any other warfare. Consider what it will cost if you are overcome by sexual temptation? We consider this strategy used when Solomon was counseling his son in Proverbs about the lure of the adulterous woman. King Solomon had many wives and concubines, he knew very well the consequences of sexual immorality. King Solomon knew His father’s marriage with her mother, how it began from an adulterous affair, and he struggled with his father’s lust. Consider the costs of sexual immorality in Proverbs 6:27-35.

Consider these ancient popular proverbs:

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? >Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? >So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. No matter that a thief allowed to go free if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. But if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, maybe it costs him all the wealth of his house. But a man who commits adultery is senseless, and a fool. Such a person who does so destroys himself. Blows, disrespectful and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be unforgettable. Jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, he will show no mercy as he revenges. The Almighty God will not accept any compensation; the Almighty Jehovah will refuse a bribe, however great it is.

Although King Solomon was talking specifically about adultery, some of these consequences apply to lust in general. Solomon said, “Can a man outdo fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man march on hot coals without his feet being scorched?” The answer to the rhetorical question is, “NO!” In considering adultery, he said a person “destroys himself” and blows and disgrace will be his lot, and the shame will never be wiped away. The consequences last forever. Can someone escape the penalties of practicing in lust? No. It is impossible. As mentioned, sexual immorality is a sin against one’s body (1 Cor 6:18). It always affects one’s body, mind, and spirit. This leads to mental and emotional problem that is later carried into one’s marriage. Personally, I am struggling with explicit images and thoughts from things I experienced before marriage. I carry those as problem with me from the sins of my youth. Sometimes, the after effects are physical sickness such as STDs. Other times, it maybe unplanned pregnancy—which possibly can lead to an abortion. When married, the costs become greater.

Unfaithfulness in marriage leaves brokenness and carnage in its trail. Heartbroken spouse and children who are emotionally damaged are some of the consequences.
As a married minister of the gospel with children, I always consider the consequences of falling into such immorality. I consider first the pain it would result to my wife, the destruction I would be raising to my children, even believers who might fall away from Christ because of my example, and being disqualified from ministry (cf. 1 Tim 3:2, 1 Cor 9:27). The consequences would be devastating, and like Solomon said, the “shame will never be wiped away” (Prov 6:33).

Certainly! Forgiveness is always available to those who accept Jesus Christ, but forgiveness of sins does not eliminate the consequences. the Almighty God forgave David for his adulterous sin with Bathsheba and also for the murder of her husband, but the consequences remains the sword never departing from his home and losing his first child with Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:9- 14).
Another consequence of sexual immorality that must be considered is its effect on our relationship with God. In the Beatitudes, Christ said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God” (Matt 5:8). The word “pure” means unmixed. When one allows lust and other wrong desires to grip into his or her heart, it hinders such person's relationship with God. It separates us from him. David said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18).
Have you taken time to count the cost of failure to sexual temptation? Over Fifty percent of divorce cases involved one party having an obsessive interest in pornographic sites. These seeds which were cultivated in a man or woman’s youth will often bear destructive weeds in marriage. If we are going to win the battle against lust and immorality, we must count the cost. It is simply not worth it.
We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ, will keep us from dishonoring His name, and damaging ourselves as well as others. Make our feet like hinds’ feet and keep us from stumbling (Psalm 18:33). Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10).

REFLECTION

1. What are some potential costs of falling into sexual immorality for both the single and the married?
2. How can considering the cost help in one’s battle against sexual temptation?
3. Do you ever consider the costs of this battle? How has it helped? If not, why not?
4. What other questions or thoughts do you have about this section?
5. In what ways can you pray in response? Take a second to pray as the Lord leads.

DISCLAIMER:

I don't claim the original owner rather the post majorly is a note taking from the original author as shown on the cover page. But the work is packed with practical lessons.