Christian Ethics, Free Course, Lesson 6

LESSON SlX: SEXUALITY (PART 2)

In our last session we looked at some of the modern destructive ideas about sexuality. In this session we shall look at some specific issues and present the Biblical view of sexuality.

B. SEXUALITY – THE UNBIBLICAL PERVERSION

The Biblical understanding of deviance and perversion is this: behaviour which is contrary to the revealed will of God.

So it’s not a question of whether behaviour is inherited or learned, common or rare, socially accepted or not, but whether it is consistent with what God teaches as right for us and therefore good for us in His Holy Word!

We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-8). Read Hosea 4:1-3 for a fair description of what has happened in our land as a result of the destructive ideas that we looked at in our last session.

This has resulted in various perversions of sexuality:

(i) HOMOSEXUALITY – sex with someone of the same gender. Lev. 18:22.

Homosexual practice is a sign of a God-forsaken society.

Read Rom 1:21-27. Why did God give them over to these things? See v21, 23.

Heterosexuality (man and woman in a ‘one flesh‘ committed relationship for life), is part of God’s gift to humanity. The whole process of procreation and the command to ‘be fruitful and increase in number’ can only mean heterosexual relationships. See Mt. 19:4-5.

Thus it is quite wrong to say that homosexuality is something natural, like having red hair or being left handed.

However, we must be careful to make a distinction between homosexual orientation where sexual attraction and preference is directed towards the some sex, and homosexual intercourse which comes obviously into the area of responsible choice. We cannot and must not blame people for what they are, especially when they are victims of biological upset or emotional lag.

We must resist and indeed repent of a judgemental attitude that treats every homosexual person with revulsion as if they are automatically degenerate and perverted. So while we cannot blame people for what they are, we can blame them for what they do. We are simply not at liberty to affirm homosexual relationships as an equal alternative to heterosexual relationships, for the Bible is very clear that homosexual acts are unnatural and sinful. (See Gen. 19:4-8: Lev. 18:22; 20 v13; Judges 19:22-24; Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:10). So-called ‘Christian homosexuality’ is not a biblical option.

(ii) PORNOGRAPHY

Sin distorts, turns love into lust and brings guilt and shame. Although nakedness is not evil, it is inappropriate in a fallen world which requires modesty. Nakedness is only appropriate between two people for whom love has been restored whole in a committed relationship of marriage. This is why pornography is so wrong; it is against everything a biblical Christian would understand about God’s view on sex.

We need to develop a truly biblical view of sexuality and human relationships that will enable us to grow into maturity. We are not to be ashamed of our sexuality but we are to be in control of it.

(iii) MASTURBATION:

In spite of strong statements voiced by the church through the centuries, nowhere does Scripture condemn masturbation as such. Nor is there any suggestion that it makes one blind, senile or spotty! However, it is an inadequate use of the sexual gift – sex turned in on itself. If regular, it suggests a lack of self-control (one aspect of the Spirit’s fruit – Gal. 5:22-23), and may become a real bondage. If accompanied by lustful fantasies, (as it usually is) it is a cause of sin.

(iv) OTHER AREAS:

The perversions (and consequences!) of our God-given sexuality are so numerous that it is impossible to touch on them all within the limits of this study. However, some areas for private research are the following: FORNICATION – sex before marriage (1 Cor. 7:2.)

ADULTERY sex with someone other than your spouse (Ex.20:14) INCEST sex with a near relative (Lev. 18:6)

PROSTITUTION sex for hire (Prov. 23:26-28

BESTIALITY sex with an animal (Ex. 22:19)

CHILD ABUSE – sexual abuse of children; plus abortion (Ps. 106:37-40)

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES –

E.g. Syphilis; gonorrhoea; genital warts and herpes; non-specific urethritis; cervical cancer; AIDS (See Prov. 5:11; Rom. 1:27; Prov. 6:32-33)

C. SEXUALITY – THE BIBLICAL POSITION:

Unashamed sexuality existed before sin distorted and deceived. Adam and Eve were whole together, complementary, one flesh, naked and unashamed. And to all this God wants to restore us in Christ.

The Fall did not create eroticism, it perverted it.

So many Christians are afraid of their own sexuality believing the error that sex is in itself something dirty and sinful. But this is not so – certainly sexual sin IS sin and is rightly condemned, but no more so than many other sins. In fact the worst sins according to the Bible are ‘pride’ and especially ‘unbelief’ because that is the only unforgivable sin.

Sex is God’s idea, part of His good creation, given for pleasure as well as procreation; for partnership as well as parenthood; but only in the context of a loving, faithful and permanent commitment within heterosexual marriage.

If you are single, then Paul has positive advice in 1 Cor. 7:32-35 as to what to do with sexual energy – serve the Lord with all your strength! It is perfectly possible to live a sexually pure life while single without frustration or regret.

This needs to be promoted in our churches as a positive option. Let it be known that virginity is not an adolescent complaint. Chastity is honourable. Marriage is beautiful. Thus can we show the world the way back to true and fulfilled sexuality that is pleasing to God and a blessing to us.

QUESTIONS:

1. Ponder how you feel about homosexuality and how, as Christians, we should respond to homosexuals, particularly in the light of the AIDS crisis.

2. What personal and practical steps could we take as a church to combat pornography?

3. Read 1 Thess. 4:1-8. What principles does it teach for us to live holy lives?

4. How can we, as a church, be a positive help and encouragement to single people in the area of sexuality?

PERSONAL WORK:

1. If you are married, discuss with your partner the quality of your sexual life.

2. If you are single, examine your lifestyle to see if you are finding fulfilment in serving the Lord.

3. If you have problems or have sinned sexually, remember ALL sexual sin can be forgiven. Repentance and confession brings release from both actual and felt guilt.

Read Psalm. 51. It is David’s repentance after he had sinned sexually. God heard his prayer. Make it yours.

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