Another heart level belief is that we are entitled to fulfill our sexual desires. And that we are entitled to think lustful thoughts. None of these are true, but the heart ruled by self is able to convince itself that this is all true through justification and rationalization.
Those involved in fornication, or sex outside of marriage have the same problem as everyone else involved in sin- a heart that is focused on self.
The heart of a fornicator believes that their physical needs must be met, that because they have a sex drive and it is “awake” that it must be satisfied. The old line, “if you love me you will” is often spoken by the manipulator who is only thinking of themselves. The other person, usually a girl will want to prove her love for him and go along with it. She doesn’t realize that he is not thinking of her at all, he thinking only of himself
The heart set on self doesn’t care what the Bible says or what they learned in church about purity. They are discontent to wait for marriage and want what they want when they want it. Fornicators are taught to believe that everyone is doing it, that no one is abstinent anymore and it is unrealistic to think that 2 people can have a relationship that does not include sex before marriage.
There is also the old line that the self focused and self deceived believe- I won’t get caught. Even if no parent becomes aware, and neither party gets an STD, or the girl doesn’t get pregnant, God always knows, and you are always “caught”
The heart of the adulterer is also set only on themselves. Their beliefs and desires are about fulfilling their perceived needs and having their selfish wants met. It is all about them.
They proclaim they are not in love anymore and throw out the window the covenant they made before God. There is little to no thoughts of the One Another’s of Scripture, and how to live for their spouse; life is centered on what can you do for me?
Often the adulterous heart is confused and stormy. They are seeking peace and comfort in another person and they may find it temporarily but it is not long lasting because unless the heart changes, these same thoughts, beliefs and desires will come back again.
Are you seeing the pattern here? All these hearts we looked at are run by the god of Self.
The sexually immoral person is an idolater.
Each of us struggles with the horrendous sin of idolatry on a daily basis. As Galatians 5 tells us, idolatry is a desire of our sinful nature. It is reflected in our choices; our words, our use of time, what or who we spend our money on, and where.
There is no coincidence that Gal 5:19 has sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure at the head of the list of Gal. 5:19. The 3 are thoughts, beliefs, and desires that spring out of idolatry.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group. Galatians 5:19-20 (NLT, emphasis mine)
Idolatry is not only bowing down to statues, it is anything that means more to you than God does. It is manifested when getting what you want has become more important than what God desires for you. Simply put anything that you are loving, desiring, or serving more than God is an idol of the heart.