READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Today we live in a hyper-sexualized culture — heavily influenced by the west which is obsessed with sex. Parents are concerned that our children are exposed to sex at an increasingly younger age. Many of us struggle with the perversions of sex, such as lust and masturbation. Unfortunately, many of us are shameful and silent about it. Some others may no longer believe that the gospel can redeem us from our sexual struggles, or are ignorant of the rich insights that God has about sex. This silence prevents us from understanding sexual holiness and brokenness and its impact on our faith. The Christian writers Albert Mohler, Timothy and Kathy Keller and Sam Allberry provide some answers.
Why Does God Care About Who I Sleep With?
- Sex is God’s idea for building a family (child-making). Sex is God’s gift. God is for and not against sex. God created us with sexual organs and wants sex to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage. God instructed Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. “If human life is sacred to God, then the process by which new human life is produced is also going to be sacred”. (Sam Allberry) God cares who we sleep with because he cares who we are building our families with and how we are building our families.
- Sex is God’s idea for enjoying intimacy (love-making). The Song of Solomon celebrates sexual passion. God not only allows sex in marriage; he strongly commands it. Sexual intimacy in marriage is pleasing to God. (1 Cor 7, Prov 5: 19) The physical union of sex is a vital part of the marriage bond — an expression of our devotion to one another. For Paul, sex is not just satisfying a physical need; it is a sacred act where two become one flesh. Sex should be treated with reverence. Our spouses are not sexual objects for our pleasure. God’s design is for sex to be a loving act of giving ourselves to our beloved.
- Sex is a holy union. (promise-keeping) Protecting sexual holiness is our act of worship. Sex is the literal process by which two become one flesh; a rejoining of the flesh that was separated at creation, with a rib from Adam to create a woman. Sex is the highest form of unity between a man and woman in marriage – an act of life long self-giving. It is a marriage covenant renewal service which maintains and deepens the marriage union. (Timothy Keller) Sex is a holy act of love and a deep union of our souls.
- God cares about our sexual brokenness. There is unholy sexual intimacy that we should avoid completely. Sex outside marriage causes enormous pain and destruction. Unholy sexual intimacy happens when we engage in sexual intimacy outside marriage impulsively, prematurely and wilfully. Sexual sin is caused by our thoughts, attitudes and actions. We could also be sexual victims. Every human being struggles with sexual thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are contrary to love and in conflict with the holiness of God. We must deal with the issue of sexual brokenness in our community.
- Sexual holiness needs to be restored among us. God expects us to live with sexual holiness. Our sexual sins in the past have been sanctified, justified and washed by the blood of Jesus, so that we can now glorify God with our bodies. Our discipleship involves the restoration of sexual holiness. We are to flee from sexual temptation, reserve sex for marriage and can also honour God by cultivating emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual intimacy with others. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
God has redeemed us and our bodies are a sacred space. Any sexual assault or misuse is a violation of God’s sacred space. God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. When we obey and honour God, our bodies become more hospitable to the Holy Spirit to dwell in and to influence us. May we glorify God with our bodies and find kindred souls who help spur us to keep walking in holiness.
(Sermon notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s Recall, Reflect, Consider and Commit!
1. Recall the main points from the sermon that challenge your current cultural understanding of sex and relationships.
- How did those points resonate with your own beliefs and values?
2. Reflect on 1 Corinthians 5 and 6 and how it has prompted you to re-evaluate your personal beliefs and attitudes towards sex and relationships in light of God’s design.
3. Consider how you can apply biblical principles on God’s design for sex and relationships, to your own life and interactions with others.
4. Commit to taking steps in aligning your actions and choices with God’s design for sex and relationships, and plan to implement those changes in your life.
- Consider sharing with someone who would be able to journey and pray along with you in keeping you accountable and in drawing near to God.
