Historical Posts
Our Kids and Sex
Decisions regarding sex are the number one problem facing teenagers today. Our children are bombarded with sex at the movies, in advertising, and on television. Few are equipped to deal with the pressures they face. Parents have a tremendous responsibility to prepare their children for the temptations they are sure to encounter. What do we need to teach them?
First, we need to teach them that sex was created by God, and is reserved exclusively for marriage (Hebrews 13:4). All sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Second, we must educate them regarding the dangers of promiscuity. Sexually transmitted diseases have reached epidemic proportions! And, there is the ever present danger of AIDS. Illicit sexual activity can be deadly!
Third, we should tell them of the shock, shame and sadness that come through pregnancy outside of marriage. One time is all it takes. Make them aware of the consequences of their actions. Talk about the responsibilities of parenthood.
Fourth, warn them of the long term psychological difficulties that follow abortion, or in giving up a child to adoption. Certainly adoption is preferred to murdering the unborn baby, but both are traumatic. A little self-control can spare one a lifetime of guilt and regret.
Fifth, teach them the difference between love and sex. A young man who really loves a young lady will not make demands. (Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for an excellent definition of what love really entails).
Finally, as parents, we must keep the lines of communication open. Our kids need to know how special they are to us and to God. Let them know that they are loved. Offer them a secure foundation upon which they can build their lives. Be there for them, and trust them to do what is right.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Matter of Interpretation
It is rather commonplace for those who come in conflict with the scriptures to go on the offensive. They usually charge that the Bible is outdated or irrelevant in their case. Further, they argue that those who oppose their view have a warped interpretation of the word of God. Then they proceed to show that commonly held beliefs are based on a misinterpretation of the Bible. Their interpretation is more in line with the teachings of Jesus, and therefore, we must not be judgmental. This is precisely what the homosexual community does.
The Bible is very clear on this matter. The Old Testament is explicit. “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22). The New Testament is equally clear. “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 nor thieves nor greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).
Someone will usually respond, “But Jesus didn’t say anything about homosexuality!” Some have even sought to portray Him as a homosexual.
But Jesus never sanctioned sexual immorality of any kind.
- Not adultery!
- Not fornication!
- Not homosexuality!
What should our message be?
When the adulterous woman was brought to Jesus he had compassion on her. He did not, however, sanction her sin. He sent her away with these words, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus loved and forgave her, but He still demanded change. She was told to cease her sinful ways. The message is the same for homosexuals. There is forgiveness in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).
No, Jesus would not, and we do not sanction hate crimes against homosexuals, or anyone else. Christians must treat others with love and kindness, but we cannot and will not approve of that which God has clearly condemned. Homosexuality is sin. Homosexuals, like adulterers and fornicators, must repent and live chaste lives.
It is the sin and not the sinner which is detestable.
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Moral Issue: Sex – 1 Corinthians 6:18 – audio
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Moral Issues: Gambling - Sex - Tobacco Use
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:18
Introduction
1. As we begin addressing specific moral issues confronting the Christian, perhaps a proper starting place is with the issue of sexual immorality:
a. A moral issue faced by every Christian
b. One about which the Bible has much to say – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. The admonition to flee sexual immorality is needed just as much today:
a. Sexual immorality is rampant in our culture
b. Morality is being loosely defined (and redefined), encouraging many to engage in sinful behavior
Body
I. THE DEFINITION OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY
A. THE BASIC CONCEPT
1. The Greek word translated sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV), fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV), is porneia
2. “Used generally to refer to any sexual sin” – The Complete Word Study Dictionary
3. Thus it includes any form of “illicit sexual intercourse – adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals, etc.” – Thayer
B. THE PROBLEM THEN AND NOW:
1. Porneia became synonymous with life in the 1st century, reflected by:
a. Their attitude toward adultery: “We keep mistresses for pleasure, concubines for day-to-day needs of the body, but we have wives in order to produce children legitimately and to have a trustworthy guardian of our homes” – Demosthenes
b. Their attitude toward divorce: “Roman women were married to be divorced and were divorced to be married. Some of them distinguished the years, not by the names of the consuls, but by the names of their husbands.” – Seneca
c. Their attitude toward family: “Caligula lived in incest with his sister Drusilla, and the lust of Nero did not even spare his mother Agrippina.” – Suetonius
d. Their attitude toward homosexuality:
1) “It were better not to need marriage, but to follow Plato and Socrates and to be content with the love of boys.” – Lucian
2) “Of the first fifteen emperors, Claudius was the only one whose taste in love was entirely correct.” – Gibbons
2. God’s disdain for sexual immorality is seen in the fact:
a. There are seven lists of evil in the writings of Paul
b. Porneia is listed in five of them, and is the first in each of them – 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5
3. Does it require much insight to see that porneia is rampant in our time as well?
a. Pre-marital sex has become rampant among many, including teenagers
b. Adultery is considered inevitable, even acceptable by many
c. Divorce has been made easy through “no-fault” laws
d. Families have been torn asunder by incest, adultery, and divorce
e. Homosexuality has become an “acceptable alternative lifestyle”
4. Porneia is thus a general term for sexual immorality; i.e., sexual behavior that rightly belongs only to husbands and wives – Hebrews 13:4
II. THE DEVASTATION OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY
A. DESTROYS THE BODY
1. Through bacterial STDs (e.g., Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea)
2. Through viral STDs (e.g., genital herpes, Hepatitis B, AIDS), which are incurable
3. Many people have learned the hard way, what Solomon warned his son – Proverbs 5:11-12
B. DEMOLISHES THE HOME
1. Marriages intended for life are broken, often beyond repair – Matthew 19:4-6
2. Children are devastated, with emotional effects lasting into adulthood
C. DESOLATES THE SOUL
1. It will be hard to forgive oneself, there will be self-recrimination – Proverbs 5:12-13
2. Your soul will be deprived of good friends, whose trust you violated – Proverbs 6:30-35
3. If unrepented and unforgiven, there is no hope – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:4
III. THE DETERRENCE OF SEXUALITY IMMORALITY
A. FORM PROPER DISCERNMENT
1. Remember God’s will for you
a. Joseph understood that sexual immorality was a sin against God – Genesis 39:9
b. Paul taught that abstinence was God’s will – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
2. Remember God’s will for your body
a. To control your body in holiness and honor (ESV) – 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8
b. To glorify God in your body, as a temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
c. To present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy to God – Romans 12:1-2
3. Remember the consequences
a. Self-recrimination – Proverbs 5:12-13
b. Lost friendships – Proverbs 6:30-35
c. Judgment against the impenitent – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4
d. David’s sin with Bathsheba serves as an object lesson – 2 Samuel 11-12
B. FLEE EVERY OPPORTUNITY
1. Remember Joseph’s example! – Genesis 39:10-12
2. Remember the wisdom of Solomon! – Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:23-35; 7:1-27
3. Remember Paul’s admonitions!
a. Flee youthful lusts, pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace – 2 Timothy 2:22
b. Make no provision for the lusts of the flesh – Romans 13:13-14
C. FIND A SUITABLE SPOUSE
1. Paul counsels marriage between man and woman to counter sexual immorality – 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
2. Sexual conduct within the framework of marriage is appropriate – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Hebrews 13:4
3. Singleness is good, if one has self-control; otherwise, marriage the only option – 1 Corinthians 7:6-9
D. FORGE AHEAD WITH STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. United with Christ in baptism, consider yourself dead to sin – Romans 6:2-15
2. By the Spirit, put to death the sinful deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13
a. The Spirit is God’s instrumental agent by He strengthens the Christian – Ephesians 3:16,20
b. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives includes self-control – Galatians 5:16-25
3. In Christ, we can do all that God desires of us – Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 6:10-13
4. Utilize the tools of prayer and the Word of God – Ephesians 3:16; 6:17
Conclusion
1. To prevent the devastating effects of sexual immorality, we need to remember:
a. God’s will for us: “abstain from sexual immorality” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
b. Paul’s admonition: “flee sexual immorality” – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. Sexual immorality is too serious to take lightly
a. It can destroy your body, home, and soul
b. Forgiveness is possible, but physical consequences of sin (STDs) often remain
3. To flee sexual immorality, we need to have:
a. The strength of Joseph
b. The wisdom of Solomon
c. The penitence of David (when necessary)
4. Let these words of Paul encourage us to abstain from sexual immorality, and to repent if need be – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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