robert wendt@robertkwendt || lead pastor Well. This is awkward. Or is it? Sex. One of the most popular questions I have been asked since serving in the church is, "What does the Bible say about sex?" A prominant follow-up question is, "Why am I supposed to wait until marriage?" The reality is often that we have come to know ideas about God's view on sex, but we haven't really dug in to hear His words in Scripture on the topic. So here are a few things we must know about God's view on sex: #1 — we are sexual beingsSex was designed by God in the first place. In fact, he designed the feelings and emotions that come with it. He designed how we are made and the ways our bodies interact. God designed sex. He also made us to be sexual beings. In Genesis 1, the very first book of the Bible, God blessed Adam and Eve and told them to go have sex (see Genesis 1:26-28). It was by design and His plan that they were called to procreate and to multiply in number. Jimmy Evans, in his book The Figleaf Conspiracy, says, "As long as we walk this earth, we will be sexual beings."* When we understand that God created us to have sex, it no longer becomes taboo—but instead can be viewed as a good thing. When we understand that God created us to have sex, it no longer becomes taboo—but can be viewed as a good thing. || tweet this || #2 — sex is for pleasureWhat? Is that title real? Is that really something that churches can say?? ABSOLUTELY. The Bible is full of references to how sex is something to be enjoyed. Take Proverbs 5:18-19 for example: "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love" (ESV). The Bible is often labeled as a dry and boring book by people who have never read it. However, when we open it up and begin to see what it actually contains, we realize that it is far from dry and boring. In fact, it is real, honest, and authentic. We can learn from it and be encouraged. Sex, according to the Bible, is far from a bad thing, but is good. It is something we are to enjoy. Society tells us the same thing. Take this article from Vanity Fair for example. Apps, such as Tinder and other social connecting sites, have become more of a way to find people to hook up with with rather than actually date to develop a committed relationship with. From the shows and movies we watch to the billboards we drive by, sex is portrayed as a means of enjoyment. While sex does come with pleasure, there's so much more to it. God has a bigger design than just a thrill. In fact, it's when we chase the "god of pleasure" we fall victim to it. You will never be fulfilled enough; there will always be more to chase! This is why God designed sex for so much more. You will never be fulfilled enough; there will always be more to chase! This is why God designed sex for so much more. || tweet this || #3 — sex is powerfulWhat if I told you that God has empowered you with a very important tool? In fact, He has given you the ability to do something that is miraculous. He has given you the power to create! Sex is for pleasure, but it is also for creating babies. Genesis 1:28 says, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth..." God wants us to produce children, and he's given us the ability to do so! While we have many means to prevent this, there's really no such thing as "safe sex." In fact, sex is so powerful that there's not a single preventative measure that comes with a 100% guarantee. Every time a man and woman have sex, there is the possibility of creating life. That is an incredible thing we have been entrusted with by God! God has given us the ability to do something miraculous. He has given us the power to create life. || tweet this || #4 — sex is unifyingGenesis 2:24 tells us, "Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (ESV). Sex unites a couple. It makes two one. It brings a special connection between two individuals. It's a bond that should not be broken. We have been told that everything should be based on how we feel, our emotions. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have had conversations with couples thinking about or going through divorce simply because "the feelings are no longer there." We have been trained to seek pleasure, and when that pleasure runs out to go and chase it elsewhere. That is just not God's design. One of the reasons sex is designed for marriage is because it is designed to be a lifelong commitment. There is no such thing as a committed relationship without the commitment of marriage. And when that commitment takes place, it is then two people working together to figure out the details, not each seeking their own desires. If sex is powerful enough to create life—if it truly bonds two people together—if it comes through a committed marriage relationship...then how can we justify having sex outside of marriage other than for chasing pure pleasure? I hope this causes you to think. I hope it leads to discussion. I hope you can discover how sex is good and how God's design is best. Sex is good. God's design is best. || tweet this || discussion questions- When you hear the word 'sex,' what is the first thought that comes to mind?
- Why do you think sex is so prevalent in media/society? - Why do you think God entrusted us with the power to create life? - What are the blessings that come with this power? What are the consequences? - What is one question you would like to have answered during this series? (feel free to comment below) - - - - - * Jimmy Evans, The Figleaf Conspiracy: Revealing Sexuality as It Was Meant to Be, p. 25.
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