Sexual Morality
We live in a sexually saturated world. Nearly 20,000 scenes on TV each year suggest sexual activity. Michigan State researchers found that soap operas average two sex acts per program. 94% of the couples are not married. Each year 1.1 million girls between 15-19 become pregnant.
Because we live in a sexually saturated world, we, as Christians, need an appropriate view of sex. Some might prefer that I not preach this sermon. The elders have read and approved this sermon. What we’re going to say is from Scripture. I must preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). We need to know what the Bible says on this subject.
What does the Bible have to say about sex?
God Created Sex
The Bible teaches that God created sex. Scripture affirms that God made man male and female (Gen 1:27). God is the One who is responsible for the differences between men and women. God is the One who put sexual desires in his creation. After God created Adam and Eve, he told them, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28). Included in the command to multiply is the command for Adam and Eve to have sex. Children result from the sexual union.
That God created sex shows that sex is something healthy and not shameful. There is nothing shameful about sex. When God looked upon his creation, he saw that everything was indeed very good (Gen 1:31).
The Song of Solomon reveals just how wonderful a sexual union can be. Through the years, many have attempted to understand this book to be a symbolic account of Christ and the church. However, the book is so blatantly sexual that we are compelled to understand this book as depicting a sexual union between a man and his wife. If you don’t believe me, take the time to read the book this afternoon. How can we view sex as dirty or immoral if God inspired Solomon to write so beautifully about sex?
God’s Rules for Sex
Since God created sex, God has the right to tell us how we should behave toward sex.
Pre-marital sex is wrong. The Bible condemns fornication.
- 1 Corinthians 6:18. Our bodies do not belong to us; they belong to God (1 Cor 6:19). Therefore, we need to heed what God says about sexuality.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
- The sexually immoral will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Rev 21:8).
Just what is fornication? Fornication refers to the unlawful sex of an unmarried individual. Sex belongs in marriage, and anything that takes sex out of marriage is wrong.
Teens, stay away from sex. Some of Solomon’s strongest words to his son deal with sexual purity (Prov 5:1-6). Teens often want to know, “How far can we go?” Solomon says that if we play with fire, we will get burned (Prov 6:27-29).
Adultery is wrong.
The Bible condemns adultery. Adultery will keep one from inheriting eternal life (1 Cor 6:9). Hebrews 13:4.
Adultery is distinguished from fornication, for adultery involves married individuals.
Adultery is so wrong that it is the only exception for divorce (Matt 19:9).
Adultery is so serious that under the Mosaic Law those caught committing adultery were executed (Lev 20:10).
Adultery can be as much about the heart as the body. Jesus said that we can commit adultery with our hearts (Matt 5:37-30). We need to stay away from pornography. Pornography comes from two Greek words—porne (prostitute) and graphe (writing). Pornography is the depiction in words or pictures intended to arouse sexual feelings. We need to be careful about the things with which we fill our minds—Philippians 4:8.
Homosexuality is wrong.
The Bible condemns homosexuality. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of homosexuality (Gen 19:4-5). Romans 1:26-27. Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9).
Many claim that they were born homosexuals. They claim that they cannot help but practice homosexuality. Since God condemns homosexuality, this practice must be able to be controlled.
Conclusion
We are to strive for sexual purity.
If you have been sexually impure, Jesus’ blood can make you pure again. Do you need Jesus’ blood?
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Main Street church of Christ in Pikeville, Kentucky.