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JesusDriving and sex are surprisingly similar. People drive as a method to get from place to place, and for recreation; it performs a function and can be fun. Meanwhile, sex is the God-given method of baby-making and is a form of fun too. The government, which made the roads, also set rules of the roads for good reasons. Speed limits, traffic signs and lane markers help ensure that roads are used safely for their intended purpose. Similarly, God created sex within the framework of his law. Within the sanctified union of marriage, between one husband and one wife, is the opportunity to safely and fully enjoy it with His blessing. You can speed, race through red lights and drive on the wrong side of the road. However, if you do, you break the law and also invite disaster. Likewise, unmarried people, more than two people, and people of the same gender can engage in sex; it also can be sold and forced. Yet these actions violate divine directive, the effects of which range from detrimental to devastating.
of sex. God’s relational principles of love, respect, patience, commitment and sacrifice are not mainstream mantras. Attention-getting, hedonism and personal freedom are the ideologies of the rebellion. “Sexy” is stylish; modesty is passé. Promiscuity is fashionable; purity is prudish. Perversions are promoted. The world has taken sex out of context. “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” (Ephesians 4:19) progressively younger age groups are targeted. Yet profiteers peddle only those products that the public purchases. It is a thriving industry, because “sex sells”-to all demographics. Consumer demand spurs supply. As both increase, they push the limits of acceptability further than ever before. Thus, these industries influence society, but no more than they reflect it. JesusThe world tells women, and even girls, to use sex appeal to their advantage. Rather than a gift they save for their future husbands, sex becomes a way to attract, impress or hold on to boyfriends. They may easily surrender their bodies to men who speak smoothly or promise something more. They may wait for a long-standing relationship but still not wait for marriage. These want love but don’t know how to find it. Others just seek indulgence without a relationship at all. “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22) JesusThe world needs godly women. Husbands need their gracious perspective and support; children need their tender nurturing. Younger women need a pure example to follow. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) JesusMen and boys are convinced that conquering females proves manhood. They prey on vulnerable ladies, using clever coercion to lead them astray. They play a numbers game, intent on “scoring”. Their bravado hides insecurity. These are attracted by what they can get-not what they can give. Others don’t share that mindset but still make the same mistake. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28) JesusReal men work hard and love their wives and families. They model Christ to the world. An honorable man is willing to wait and, in this, assures his future wife that she can entrust herself to his care. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” (Psalms 119:9)
marriage couples-one husband and one wife. It is more than a physical act; it is an expression of deep and abiding love and commitment. It is an exercise in giving and sharing as both people present themselves to serve the needs of each other. Sexual intimacy within a marriage is a holy union which brings husband and wife closer together. It reaffirms and strengthens their bond emotionally, spiritually and biochemically. This is God’s plan. gratifying use of another person. Outside of marriage, sex still creates a bond. Under those circumstances, the bond often becomes bondage so that a person stays in an unhealthy relationship. The powerful feelings and chemicals released during sex create a dependence on the other person, who may not feel the same way or may even use that dependence for control. Some who are caught in this trap will swear that it is “real love”, whereas there would be little attraction if sex were not a factor. Continued sexual immorality makes a person callous to sex, and it loses its special value in their eyes. Memories and fantasies can follow them into marriage, if they marry, and may be an obstacle later. Sometimes sex becomes the goal rather than a loving relationship, committed in marriage and consummated by sex. Sex alone does not satisfy the soul, any satiation is superficial, short-lived and sure to cause problems. JesusSexually transmitted diseases, addiction, ruined marriages, undesired pregnancies and unwanted babies are all common results of this sin. Other consequences like spiritual separation, emotional bankruptcy, hardheartedness, shame and regret are intangible but no less real. This grieves our Creator. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God...” (1Thessalonians 4:3-5) JesusPaul warned us to run from sexual sin and that it is especially defiling. “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” (1Corinthians 6:18) Consider Joseph’s reaction when his master’s wife tried to seduce him. “She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12) He easily could have sinned with her. Instead he responded quickly and effectively in righteousness. It may seem undignified to run out into the street naked. Normally, that would be true. However, in these circumstances it was the honorable alternative. JesusPeter instructs people involved in sexual sin to stop. “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” (1Peter 4:3) Titus tells us why and how. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12) JesusThe Bible expressly condemns sexual immorality. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders...” (Romans 6:9) It also reminds believers (and informs not-yet-believers) that some of us were involved in these things at one time, but now we are new in Christ. “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1Corinthians 6:11) JesusBelow we address specific practices; most of the scriptures quoted apply to both men and women. These are common topics today, most of which are considered acceptable by the majority. Sex crimes and abominations like incest and bestiality are explicitly forbidden in scripture (Leviticus 18:6,23 and Deuteronomy 22:25-27) but will not be discussed here. I encourage you to seek qualified Christian help if you are struggling with any sexual sin. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.” (1Thessalonians 4:3-4) THE WORD OF GOD PROHIBITS: Pornography
is pornography. Basically, the intentional act of being photographed, filmed or otherwise viewed wholly or partially naked or engaged in lewd acts is a form of prostitution-selling one’s self. Viewing it is likened by God to sexual immorality. mind for unhealthy thinking and paves the path to other sexual immorality. JesusPornography used to be confined to x-rated movies and magazines; now it flourishes on the internet. Additionally, store shelves and check-out lanes feature less extreme, but still obscene, assorted magazines and fantasy novels. Partial nudity poses on store signs and posters, product displays and packaging. Buses and billboards, television and theatres all offer provocative images and messages. Many people around us present themselves accordingly. Indecent exposure is a constant; Christlikeness calls for consistent conduct in every case. Jesus“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Jesus“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.” (Job 31:1) Jesus“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes…” (Psalm 101:3) Jesus“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.” (Psalms 119:37) Jesus“Do not lust after her beauty in your heart…” (Proverbs 6:25) Jesus“…Having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin…” (2Peter 3:14) Masturbation JesusMasturbation is self-sex; some call it self-abuse. It is not an expression of love; it isolates, shames and fosters fantasy. It accomplishes no godly purpose-only serving the lust of the flesh. Sex is not made for a man or woman to rehearse alone. Several Bible passages listed in this essay apply in principle to this topic as well. To avoid redundancy, they are not relisted here. Jesus“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) Premarital Sex JesusVoluntary sexual intercourse before marriage is called fornication. Some people rationalize that one activity or another is not “actually” sex. The Bible does not split hairs. Sexual intimacy, in any form, is sex. In fact, Paul presents the standard of conduct with members of the opposite gender. “[Treat] older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” (1Timothy 5:2) Appropriate behavior between unmarried couples is chaste, like familial interaction. “If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to...” (1Corinthians 7:36) Even the intent or plan to marry does not license premarital sex. Jesus“Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” (1Corinthians 7:1-2) Some people are given the gift of celibacy; Paul commends them. Then he reminds the rest that sexual activity is immorality until they marry and except within their marriages. Jesus“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness…of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19) Jesus“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints…For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person…has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Ephesians 5:3,5) Jesus“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.” (Colossians 3:5-7) Adultery JesusAdultery is sexual relations between a married person and another person other than his or her spouse. Marriage is a covenant relationship between one man and one woman before God. In its highest form, it also symbolizes the love between Christ and the church. The married person who forfeits this covenant, and the outsider who interferes, sins against God and man. Jesus“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) Jesus“Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her.” (Leviticus 18:20) Jesus“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mathew 19:5-6) Jesus“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4) Prostitution JesusSelling one’s body for sexual pleasure is prostitution. Many women are caught in prostitution because of drug addiction or held my threat of violence. Even children, helpless victims, are sold into sexual slavery to pay off parents’ debts. Being used as a disposable object for disgusting purposes is humiliating for the willing and torturous for the unwilling. Using a person in this way pours contempt on the sacredness of sex and the value of each human being to God. Jesus“You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord detests them both.” (Deuteronomy 23:18) Jesus“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! (1Corinthians 6:15) Homosexuality JesusA common assertion about homosexuality is that some people are born this way-that they have no choice. Outside of scripture this claim is impossible to disprove. I do not argue that the attraction, for those tempted, is easy to overcome. (Nor is drug addiction an easy battle, but denial of the problem only leads to further bondage.) However, the Bible says homosexuality is sin, and sin is always a choice. Moreover, victory over this sin, as with any other, is available in Christ for those who want it.
thief though. The enemy tries each of us looking for open doors. Stealing was an early weakness of mine and one way he gained entry into my heart. It was part of my lifestyle for years and part of my thinking, but God didn’t make me that way. Each time I stole, I chose to steal. My tendency toward it did not excuse me from guilt. I had to set the sin at Jesus’ feet, surrendering my wicked will and welcoming His perfect will, to be changed. Homosexuality is treated differently, as if it were harmless. In reality it is an affront to God, and a trap. People who either don’t know or don’t believe God’s word commonly ignore the issue or preach tolerance. Furthermore, this sin has permeated popular culture and found a proponent in political correctness. Its trivialization, normalization and glamorization perpetuate the problem. Offenders stay subdued, convinced of innocence, while defenders enable them and all who will follow. The people stuck in this sin need liberation, not facilitation. Jesus“So God created man in his own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply…” (Genesis 1:27-28) Jesus“Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” (Leviticus 18:22) Jesus“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” (Romans 1:26-27) Jesus“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves…will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1Corinthians 6:9) THE WORD OF GOD PRESCRIBES: Self-control Jesus“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.” (Titus 2:6) Jesus“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) Jesus“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:12) Jesus“Do not offer the parts of your body to sin...” (Romans 6:13) Purity Jesus“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Jesus“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Ephesians 5:3) Jesus“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (1Thessalonians 4:7) Reverence Jesus“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1Corinthians 6:19-20) Love Jesus“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) Jesus“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10) Jesus“[Love] does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own…” (1Corinthians 13:5) Jesus“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1Timothy 1:5) JesusSexual sin is a worldwide epidemic. For some it is a lifestyle; for others it is an addiction. Be encouraged; it is not hopeless. Christ can redeem the sexually immoral person and relationship. JesusChristians are called to conduct ourselves in all holiness, rejecting this and every form of sin. Yet righteousness without love is self-righteousness. Christ loved and died for us when we hated Him; so we love others where they are-remembering that none of us are sinless. We are not persuaded by the world’s calls for tolerance and compromise. But we are servants, not judges. Our purpose is to minister in truth with the love of Christ that others may come to a saving knowledge and faith in Him. Jesus“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?" (2Corinthians 13:5) We are called to offers our bodies for God’s service, not for others’ pleasures (except a spouse) or to please our own lusts. Regarding sexual immorality, don’t do it, promote, promise it or pretend it. If you are a professing Christian but not leading the way in sexual purity according to God’s inspired word, then either you are grieving the Spirit or unsaved. And if you are professing but unsaved and furthering false doctrine, beware. “Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (2Peter 2:2-3) Additional scripture for review: Leviticus 18:6,23/19:29/21:13 Numbers 15:39 Deuteronomy 22:14/25-27 Ezekiel 23 Proverbs 6:20-35/7 Mark 7:21-23 Romans 2:8/6:13 1Corinthians 10:8 2Corinthians 12:21 Galatians 5:19-21 Colossians 3:5-10 Titus 1:8 Hebrews 12:16 |
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