We are currently going through 1 Corinthians and when I saw this topic on the schedule for last week, I have to admit I was looking forward to it. Not all churches talk about sex and I was interested to see how this topic would be handled.
The thing about sex in particular is that it is discussed so much outside of the church, whether it be in our schools, in the media, on the TV or in our magazines. Unfortunately most of the time, the truth is not spoken,
which is why I feel the church has a huge responsibility to talk about it. After all it is God's design.
While some of Sunday's message was not new to me, I was blessed and God spoke to me.
which is why I feel the church has a huge responsibility to talk about it. After all it is God's design.
While some of Sunday's message was not new to me, I was blessed and God spoke to me.
Singleness
He started by going back to basics: what is God's mind on the topic?
In Genesis 2:18-24 we read that it was God who decided that it was not good for a man to be alone and that he would create a suitable helper for him This tells us that the desire to have a partner is not new but was God's idea and in His kindness He will provide a partner who will be suitable for us. He will not bring someone into your life to cause you pain as the person you marry will affect your destiny. You only need to look at Samson to know that this is true.
On this point I find it interesting that some men do not fully understand the implications of what this means. God has created a woman for you, who will be your helper. I find it sad when I see men who shut their wives out of their lives, never consult them, trying to do things on their own and wonder why they don't succeed. Men, let us help you...that is our role!
On this point I find it interesting that some men do not fully understand the implications of what this means. God has created a woman for you, who will be your helper. I find it sad when I see men who shut their wives out of their lives, never consult them, trying to do things on their own and wonder why they don't succeed. Men, let us help you...that is our role!
Another key thing to note is that after God created Eve, He brought her to Adam (v22). He did the introduction. The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord (Proverbs 19:6). God will orchestrate our relationships if we let Him. This does not mean that you sit back and do nothing either. The least that is expected of a believer, is to ask God to lead and allow Him to take control. As a single person, start praying for your prospective spouse that God would keep them, protect them etc.
Darkness and light cannot walk together. This means that one should not enter into a relationship with someone who is not a follower of Jesus. Where you have light and darkness walking together, after a while darkness will begin to take over the light. Without light you cannot see your way and will eventually fall into a 'ditch'. Bottom line, just don't go there.
One of the great things about being single is that you are able to give yourself fully to God without any distractions. 1 Corinthians 7:32-34
Marriage
Where marriage is concerned the words covenant and contract were discussed and compared. Marriage is not a contract but a covenant. A contract has conditions, is limited by time and continuance is dependent on the performance of the other person. The marriage covenant on the other hand is a sacred life long bond which illustrates the love relationship Christ has for the church. It is instituted by God and for God (Matthew 19:6).
Sex
Finally on sex, the importance of abstaining from sex outside marriage was emphasised. However for anyone who has made a mistake in the past or is currently living in disobedience to God's word, its not too late to repent and turn to God. He is gracious, He will forgive and will help you out of that situation.
What are your views on the subjects of singleness, marriage and sex?
