You’ve probably noticed that all around us, discussions about sex are often skewed and misinformed, with social media, movies, and other platforms bombarding us with messages that contradict biblical teachings. Ignoring this topic in church leaves a void that secular narratives quickly fill, which is why we’ve spent the last two weeks talking about to how align our thinking on sex with God’s thinking as laid out in Scripture.
Many pastors shy away from preaching about sex and money, yet these are areas where our culture is most confused. By addressing these topics head-on, the church can provide clarity and guidance rooted in Scripture.
We’ve been journeying through the book of 1 Corinthians, and in chapter six we find the apostle Paul addressing the Corinthians, who lived in a culture that promoted sexual freedom without boundaries. The prevalent slogan, “Everything is permissible for me,” reflects a mindset that Paul challenged by emphasizing that not everything is beneficial.
Paul confronted the Greek notion that the body and spirit were to be thought of separate entities. They’re not separate! They are intimately intertwined, which is why Paul argued that what we do with our bodies affects our spirits. This holistic view underscores for us still today the importance of honoring God with our entire being—body, soul, and spirit.
Sexual immorality is not just a physical act; sin in this regard carries profound spiritual implications. This is why Paul urged believers to flee from sexual immorality. I know we’re called to be patient throughout Scripture, but in this situation, different counsel applies. We are to waste no time in running away from any situation that could leave us sinning sexually against ourselves, against another person, and ultimately against God.
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Jesus’ teachings on sex and marriage are clear and consistent. He emphasizes that sex is designed for a man and a woman within the covenant of marriage. Incidentally, that’s the only situation in which sex is to occur.
Why? Because such a commitment is the only way to foster intimacy and spiritual growth, aligning with God’s design.
Whenever I encounter this chapter in Scripture, I think of this truth: When we cheapen sex, we cheapen our souls. It really is true. The enemy seeks to devalue the sacred act of sex, but understanding its true purpose helps us honor it appropriately.
That understanding has to include this truth: our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This means that God dwells within us, making our physical actions deeply significant. We are not our own; we were bought at a price—the life of Jesus Christ.
Understanding that we are temples of the Holy Spirit should motivate us to pursue holiness, making choices that honor God and reflect our identity as his children. So, let me ask you to consider a few things:
- Do you truly understand how valuable you are to God? You were bought with a high price. You were expensive to him! Yet he gladly paid for you.
- Are you committed to glorifying God with your sexuality? What shifts in thinking or behavior might be necessary for you to get more serious about this commitment?
- Are you actively fleeing any form of sexual immorality? Remember, this isdefined as any sexual act that occurs outside of the bonds of marriage.
This week, I hope you’ll commit to honoring God with your body. Reflect on your actions and decisions, ensuring they align with your identity as a child of God.
I love you!
I’m for you.
Pastor Brady
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