I just recently finished a class on human sexuality. We had many discussions on what the biblical view of sexuality consists of, especially for the single person. There are many Scriptural concepts I would use to develop God’s sexual economy. I would start with reality that God created us male and female in His own image. Both sexes are valuable, unique and equal in God’s eyes. This is from Genesis 1 and 2. Scripture emphasizes the process of striving for sexual purity. I would want to focus on meeting Christ in a personal way and striving to obey his commands. John 15 covers these concepts pretty well. I would point to the reality of Christian sexual expression: chastity and heterosexual marriage. For chastity, 1 Corinthians 7 lays out an excellent picture of marriage and chastity. The book of the Song of Solomon would be helpful in exploring lovemaking in marriage. Proverbs 5:15-20 shares some great insights into the exclusivity of marriage between a man and a woman, as well as Hebrews 13:4. Ephesians 5 teaches on the sanctity of marriage being a picture of Christ and the church. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 teaches that there must not be a hint of sexual immorality among believers in Christ.
Sexual wholeness in God’s economy comes from a heart that is oriented towards Christ. It is only through grace that we are saved from sexual sin. All other expressions apart from God’s grace are futile in this effort. Sexual wholeness demands a focused priority on the Trinity, and following after the commands of the Lord. In today’s culture, sexual chastity seems to be an “unfair” expression for singles. Some think that sex only in the confines of heterosexual marriage is too exclusive. What the world does not realize is that God is good; His commands are upright. This sexually pure lifestyle is not meant to hinder our freedom; it is meant to preserve our freedom. Personally, sexual sin has been a confusing and sometimes devastating struggle for me. I was the person who bought the lie that sexual expression is not sacred. The Bible teaches that sex is sacred, and sexual wholeness comes through obedience and grace. What is the single person supposed to do with their sexual urges and surges? Dr. Douglas Rosenau, in his book Soul Virgins, talks about redirecting sexual urges towards fellowship with others, agape love in community, and exercise. Also, it is important for the single person to reframe his mind to remember the purpose of sexuality: it is a drive to create intimate relationships with God and others. Rosenau points out that sexual desire and the ache should drive us to intimate relationships with friends, a future mate and God---this ache is a need for completion and not just horny release. God calls us to good stewardship of our sexuality.
A sexually whole person is someone who has been declared righteous by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. Through this new identity, they seek to live out God’s commands and strive to live in sexual purity. For the single person, this would consist of holy chastity. They would recall that God’s design for sexual expression is expressed in the covenant bonds of heterosexual marriage. Though counter to American culture, this is God’s prescription for sexual wholeness. For the married person, this would consist of faithfully meeting your spouse’s need through wholesome and passionate lovemaking. Sex is a gift to be shared together, not a demand.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
2 comments:
Sex is a topic most people are interested in, but few beleivers talk about. It seems as though many pastors ignore the topic all together. Way to tackle this topic and thanks for the theological overview. How can we as spiritual leaders approach the topic of sex to a culture that does not see anything wrong with premarital sex?
I'm not married but have a boyfriend that I have been with for 5 years. This post was really helpful to me! Thank you! Being sexually pure before marriage is a daily struggle.
Post a Comment