(Sexual) Immorality Occurs In The Heart

Yesterday, I sent you all an email announcing the upcoming Christmas party on 12/13 at 6pm. Look for that email yesterday for details.  I failed to mention perhaps the most important part: It’s going to be an ugly sweater party. So when I say “dress appropriately,” I mean to say, “Ensure your student comes wearing the most ridiculous (but appropriate) ugly sweater possible.” We are hoping for a great turnout. It’s gonna be a fun evening.

Sunday evening, I continued teaching through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We learned from Jesus’ words warning about lust that immorality isn’t external merely but actually occurs in the heart. To get to the heart of sin, especially sins like adulterous lust, Jesus takes aim at the heart. In the gospel, God provides not only forgiveness but also changes us from the heart. Similarly, sins must be fought from the heart.

You can find the video of the sermon on YouTube. The discussion guide may be helpful for you to interact with your student. Regardless, as we address the topic of purity of heart and lust head-on, your involvement and discussion with your student are of paramount importance. Last week’s Q&A addressed the topics of crushes, dating, and having a faith shown by works. This week we addressed that sexual immorality is not a matter of externals only but internal purity (Matthew 5:27-28). Next week, we will be talking about taking extreme measures in line with the extreme consequences of the fight against sin (Matthew 5:29-30).

I have labored to keep the conversations and teaching at age-appropriate levels and without unnecessary specificity, acknowledging the wide difference in ages, exposure, and temptations among the students. We have sought to be even more specific and targeted in discussion groups. And I’m very grateful for how many students have spoken one-on-one with me or their discussion group leaders. But nobody can be as targeted or knowledgeable in this as you with your child. It would be helpful to review and specifically discuss these topics with your child. My goal—our goal—is to come alongside you and help you in this.

If you have any questions or concerns or want to discuss anything, please reach out via email or text/phone.

Your servant for God’s glory,
-Jacob Hantla,