Sexuality is powerful and the nature of sexual intimacy is progressive. Sex is a deeply intimate act with one’s own body and another. The longer a couple lets each other be physically affectionate, the harder it becomes to resist temptation to proceed further. Once again I chose a difficult topic to discuss in my blog. I struggled with the amount of information and trying to organize it in a way that made sense. It took awhile to get the right words down in a way that was truthful and yet encouraging to those who may struggle with sexual sin. I wasn’t sure I would even write this one, let alone post it; however, I feel it is too important not to and my prayer that readers will have their eyes opened and turn to Jesus for guidance and forgiveness. What is sexual immorality? What is the high cost of sexual sin? Is there redemption if you are in sexual sin?
Wherever we look, sex is everywhere. It is in our media. It is in our music, our television and movies. It is online. Sexual content has never been more accessible and available to us at the click of a button. Sexual immorality is any sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman. Any sexual contact including adultery and premarital and extramarital sex. Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage should be honored and the marriage bed kept pure. Biblically, sex is more than just the physical act, it is a connection of two souls. Two shall become one (Genesis 2:24). Any sex outside of a husband and wife is dishonorable in God’s eyes. When can a couple be considered married? The Bible isn’t clear about the exact requirements. Although traditions were developed that marriage is created through a religious ceremony. In modern terms, it is the legal documentation and a ceremony of some kind. Another question that may be on most Christian couples minds: can there be sexual immorality within marriage? There are some Christian leaders who would teach the prohibition of certain sexual acts and positions. However, I believe each couple should bring their questions before God and seek His guidance. If there is any doubt in their minds, then it should be prohibited for them.
There are people who believe there is nothing wrong with sleeping with whomever you want, whenever you want. The higher your body count the better. However, there is a high cost to sexual sin. Sex is everywhere. It would be difficult to go about our day and not see it, think about it or be exposed to it. 1 Corinthians 6:12 tells us that just because things are lawful doesn’t mean it is helpful. Alcohol and tobacco are legal but are harmful to your bodies. In the same way, just because sex outside marriage isn’t illegal, doesn’t mean it doesn’t harm us in some way (Proverbs 7:22-23). Sexual sin is a sin against the self. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” It always hurts someone with a broken trust and deep emotional wounds that are difficult to repair. It can physically harm our bodies through diseases and infections. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, in 2021 the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia were at an all time high in the US (more than 2.5 million). These infections can lead to other health issues including pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV, certain cancers and infertility. Therefore, the high cost of sexual sin isn’t just spiritual. It is emotional. It is physical. And it can be even socially.
Is there redemption? Yes, there is. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists the sins that we can commit that we cannot inherit the kingdom of God, including sexual immorality, adulterers, prostitutes and homosexual offenders. However, he continues in verse 11, “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.” When we come to Jesus in repentance, those sins can be wiped away and we can be made clean and whole again. 1 John 1:9 tells us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we admit our sins, we acknowledge that our acts were sinful and we need to turn from it and rely on Him to overcome it. It takes a great deal of humility to admit we are wrong and need help. There are ways to overcome sexual sin. First, remember your true identity as an adopted child of God (Romans 8:14-17) and focus on Him. Second, never let your guard down. 1 Peter 4:8 says “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” Third, when you are tempted - RUN (1 Corinthians 6:18).
In conclusion, the Bible is clear about sex. From the beginning, God designed and intended sex to be between a man and a woman who entered the covenant of marriage. Jesus would confirm this design when he condemned divorce. The proper context for sexual activity is within a marriage and all conduct outside of marriage is prohibited. Sexuality is powerful and an intimacy that is clearly meant to be expressed between a man and a woman who are fully committed to each other in marriage. Sexual sin harms ourselves as well as others with a wide range of possible consequences in all areas of life. However, you can be forgiven and leave sexual immorality behind to find new purpose, meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It is not an easy path, but there is hope. I pray this information is helpful and those who are in sexual sin that you find the strength to turn away from it and turn toward Jesus.
First Instinct is the first book in the Northstar
series by Suzie O’Connell. It is the story of Nick Hammond and his best friend,
Beth Carlyle. Nick and Beth had been best friends since childhood as their
families have neighboring ranches. Nick saves Beth from an attack from Beth’s
boyfriend, Trey. The two become entangled in a series of harassments and accusations
as Nick tries to help Beth heal from her attack as well as shield her from
further guilt and shame. When Trey accused Nick of assault, Beth must come to a
difficult decision, does she tell the truth behind Nick’s attack on Trey? Can
she find the strength and courage to speak up despite the ramifications from
the community? Or will she be intimidated into silence?
I thoroughly enjoyed First Instinct as a sweet story
of protective friendship between Nick and Beth as well as the drama of Beth’s
attack and the aftermath. Nick is the quintessential knight in shining armor as
he comes to Beth’s defense time and time again. However, Beth is not the
typical damsel in distress as she learns to fight back and decides enough’s
enough. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I recommend First
Instinct.
First Instinct is
available in paperback and eBook
Exodus. The story of Moses and the great exit of the
Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The beginning of the law and their identity
as a nation. Moses is one of the most important figures in Judaism and
Christianity. He is seen as a great leader but he wasn’t always this way. He
was the Hebrew infant was supposed to die but his mother had other ideas and
through her actions saved his life. He was found among the reeds by Pharaoh’s
daughter and become a prince of Egypt. As an adult he witnessed the brutal treatment
of his people. After seeing an Egyptian guard beat a Hebrew man, Moses kills
the guard (Exodus 2:11-12). Fearing for his life, Moses would flee to Midian
where he would spend many years there. From Moses’ story, we can see the
uniqueness of an encounter with God, we can learn from his strengths and
weaknesses.
Exodus 3 tells the story of Mosses and his encounter with
God through the burning bush. Moses is in the desert tending to his flock when
he came to Horeb, the mountain of God when he was led to a burning bush but it
not burn up (verses 1-3). As he came closer, he hears a voice calling from
inside the bush. Moses answers God and God tells him that He has heard the
cries of his people and He will send Moses to lead his people out of Egypt (verses
4-10). An extraordinary experience that causes Moses to ask a very valid
question “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of
Egypt?” (verse 11). What could a simple shepherd do against a king? It’s a
question that we were ask ourselves, wouldn’t we? When God calls us, He doesn’t
send us alone, just as He doesn’t send Moses alone. Verse 13 says that God
tells him that He will go with Moses. The 1998 film The Prince of Egypt created this scene very well. You see Moses’
curiosity, his fear and his doubts as he talks with God. By the end of the
encounter, Moses is a changed man with tears streaming down his face.
Moses was a great man and role model in many ways to the
Israelites as to us the readers. He was raised in the Pharaoh’s home, he knew
he would be get an audience with the current Pharaoh to make God’s demand. He
grew up as the grandson of the old Pharaoh (he dies Exodus 2:23). He also lived
as a shepherd in the desert. Midian is an area on the other side of the Sinai
Peninsula. He knew how to survive in the desert. He’s made the journey across
the Sinai desert twice (once when he escaped Egypt and second when he
returned). He was also the lawgiver. God entrusts him with the Ten Commandments
and the other laws (Exodus 19-23) and well as instructions to build the
Tabernacle, God’s place among His people on their journey to the promised land
(Exodus 25-31).
Moses was also a man of flaws too. First, iy is mentioned a
few times that he was “slow of speech and tongue” or “speak with faltering
lips” (Exodus 4:10, 6:12, 6:30). God was still able to use him to help the
Israelites and lead them to the Promised Land. Aaron, Moses’ brother, became
his voice when his own voice faltered. Second, he also reacted with anger at
the disobedience of the Israelites. In the Exodus, Moses throws down the stone
tablets which contain the Ten Commandments when he saw the Israelites
worshiping the golden calf (Exodus 32:19-20). His anger would lead to
disobedience and lead to Moses unable to set foot in the Promised Land, but
that occurs in another book. Either way, Moses’ reactions to situations often
got himself in trouble.
The lesson in Moses’ story can help us in our daily lives.
We are all called to God in a unique manner. We all encounter Him differently too. My experiences with God may not be the same as yours but they will be
powerful to each of us individually. God will use our strengths and even our
weaknesses to fulfill His will and His promises. We may not feel we are able to
fulfill the task that God has given us. However, with God, we can do anything if
we believe and have faith. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend The Prince of Egypt. It is a great
telling of Moses’ story and how God used him to deliver His people from
slavery. While some elements of the story were changed for dramatic purposes,
the essence of the story is there.
