Text: Heb. 13:4; I Cor. 7:1-13
In these days virginity is laughed at by many & couples are living together before marriage--but God says marriage is honorable & the bed undefiled. Sex is not shameful; only perversion or the wrong use of sex is shameful.
Gen. 1:31, God's creation...was very good; it included the sexual part of Adam & Eve. Sin brings shame.
Everything evil is basically something that is good but is used in the wrong way. Sex outside of marriage is sinful & shameful.
The Bible gives guidance for a satisfying sexual relationship in marriage.
SEVEN STATEMENTS BY GOD CONCERNING THE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP IN MARRIAGE:
1. ONLY TO BE EXPERIENCED WITHIN THE BONDS OF MARRIAGE, vs. 1-2
Outside of marriage--is to be "hands off."
In the O.T. God's laws required the death penalty for all sexual perversion, all misuse of sex: (Lev. 18,20) - adulterer, carnal knowledge (nudity), incest, premarital sex, extra marital sex, homosexual acts (Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:26-27), sexual acts with animals.
Why? Because it destroys families & individuals, & when they think they have freedom to do what they want it simply brings slavery.
1 Cor. 6:9-11, were homosexuals, but now as Christians, washed & cleansed.
2. UNSELFISH CONSIDERATION OF YOUR MARRIAGE PARTNER, vs. 3
The number one problem in marriage relationships today is selfishness.
1 Peter 3:4, a submissive spirit, a quietness.
1 Peter 3:7, husband dwell with wives in knowledge (common sense), unselfish consideration of a husband & wife--should have for one another in all things, including sex.
3. RECOGNIZE YOUR BODY BELONGS TO EACH OTHER, NOT TO YOURSELVES, vs. 4
You have sexual desires that are not for your own pleasure, but for the pleasure of the marriage partner (in a sweetness & completeness).
4. MUTUAL AGREEMENT SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING SEXUAL ACTIVITY BETWEEN A HUSBAND & WIFE, vs. 5
Main cause of distress in marriages is communication in openness & love. Know what your partner's wants & desires are.
Important to have:
a. Cleanliness - take a bath, good breath ("draw near, having your body washed with pure water").
b. Weight control, proper rest & time.
c. Gentleness, courteous
d. Imaginative, sensitivity, understanding, patience, avoid vulgarity.
5. PROTECT ONE ANOTHER FROM TEMPTATION, vs. 5
Prov. 31:11, husband safely trusts in her so he has no need of spoil.
6. DIVORCE IS FORBIDDEN EXCEPT ON BIBLICAL GROUNDS, & EVEN THEN IT IS NOT COMMANDED, BUT ONLY ALLOWED IN EXTREME CASES, vs. 10-15
Does not speak of separation, but if they do separate, they should remain married that they may be reconciled.
7. GOD RECOGNIZES A MARRIAGE ONCE THE CONTRACT IS MADE & IS CONSUMMATED.
But be not unequally yoked together.
Four guidelines to keep sex sweet & satisfying in your marriage:
a. Pure conscience, 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 6:18-20
b. Pure body, 6:18-20
c. Pure mind, Mt. 5:27-28; Rom. 12:l-2; 2 Cor. 10:2-5
(See cassette tape: "Renewing of the Mind" by Dick Sipley.)
d. Pure heart: a heart of love that gives instead of seeking to take, Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:18;
4:9-11
Be the first to react on this!