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| Contemporary Thought on Sexuality |
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Introduction
The major categories of this book will cover the Christian life, the Church and the ministry. The longest portion of this book will be on the Christian life as we examine what it means to be a Christian. In this section we will discuss biblical sexuality, spiritual warfare, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and spiritual formation. The Christian Life section will open by discussing one of the most debated issues- both inside and outside the Church- sexuality. In this section we will begin by first discussing contemporary opinions inside the Church on sexuality. Chapter Two will be directed towards a biblical sexuality where we will discuss the importance of marriage between one man and one woman. In Chapter Three we will discuss ministering the Gospel to a sexually infatuated culture. Chapter Four will wrap up the discussion by recommending ministries that are solid as well as books that are helpful on marriage, sexuality, and that help to deal with sexual sin.
My goal in discussing sexuality is to do away with the myths, fallacy, and heresy surrounding the issue of sexuality. The hope in discussing this is that married couples will grow to be one as the Lord requires, single men will grow in purity and holiness, and young women will learn what biblical sexuality is. Due to the nature of this issue, and after much prayer regarding this issue, I have decided to share a portion of my testimony with you. The issue of sexuality is deeply personal since eight years ago I was set free from sexual sin. At that time I was addicted to pornography. I said I was a “Christian” but was one in name only. While I grew up in the Church, I can say that I was living ignorantly of truths I knew in my head but had not allowed to pierce my heart. Those doctrines included the righteousness of God, the wrath of God, the atonement, and the grace of God. Sexual sin is an issue which is deeply personal for me since I struggled with it for many years, and finally overcame it by God’s grace. The other reason sexuality is important to me is two-fold. First, as a pastor, I deal with people everyday who are confused about the role of sexuality, and finally I have become convinced that the Church and the world are to much alike on this issue.
The issue of sexual sin is a tough issue because of the culture that we live in, but it is also not a tough issue because the Scriptures as we shall see today speak loudly to the issue of sex being between one man and one woman. In this chapter, I will discuss contemporary opinions regarding sexual sin within the Church, the statistics regarding sexual sin, evaluate what the Bible has to say on sex, and finish by discussing how people trapped in the bondage of addiction must proceed.
Sexuality is a topic that is touchy to many in the Church today. Many treat the subject of sexuality as a dirty thing- trying to handle it as little as possible, and it’s time that Christians stood firm in what the Bible teaches regarding sexuality in an increasing sexualized world rather than speak about it in hushed tones or even ignoring this issue completely. The Bible is clear that sex is to only be within the confines of a marriage between one man and one women (Genesis 2:24). This means that all the forms of sex (homosexual, trans-sexual, lesbianism, etc) are “works of the flesh”, and demonstrate the depravity of man. Paul makes this point in Romans 1:18-32 where he argues that God’s wrath is upon this unrighteousness. Paul first establishes his point upon the fact of the Creation which he uses as a backdrop to explain how God can be seen in the work of His creation (vs.18-20). He then establishes that since this is so those who practice unrighteousness do not honor him as the Creator which according to Paul is the epitome of foolishness since they proclaim to be knowledgeable, but show through their mouths that they do not know what they are talking about. They have exchanged the truth for a lie by worshipping the creation instead of the Creator who created Creation (vs.21-23). As a result of this dismissal of God- the Creator- and the created order, God gave them over to their desires; male for male, female for females (vs26-27). This passage is also clear that God gave them over to a “debased mind” which means they were given over to whatever they wanted whenever they wanted. Such people are filled with envy, murder, deceit, and every work of the flesh.
The people Paul describes in Romans 1:26-32 people willfully refuse to bow their knee and heart to the Creator who established marriage between one man and one woman. Many people say I can be a “Christian” and homosexual but Paul makes it abundantly clear (despite what many Christians are saying today) that to violate the institution of marriage between one man and one woman is wrong; violates His Word and dishonors God. These people are called “fools” because they worship the creation rather than the Creator. The fact is that many Christians do bash people who are gay and so on, which is not right. When Jesus dealt with people who opposed Him He rebuked the content that they were professing but did not judge the person (Jesus will judge people when He returns). During His ministry Jesus dealt with the message that people and people groups were saying against Him which He used as an opportunity to clarify His mission to seek and save the lost, and to demonstrate that He alone had the authority to forgive both the sin and the sinner. This means bashing homosexuals or people struggling with addictions is not only harmful, but violates how Jesus ministered to people who dismissed the example of Christ.
The death of Christ was not just for one person or people group but for the whole world. Jesus died for the “whole world” in the sense that He knew before the foundation of the world those who would be appointed to salvation (Ephesians 1). Rather than placing salvation as something man does- election actually places salvation on the basis of God’s sovereignty. Salvation is completely the work of God from beginning to end which means when people truly comes to Christ they will humble themselves before Him who is the Lord our Righteousness whose sacrifice on the Cross satisfied the wrath of God forever. It is through Him alone that man can be saved as Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 so that man cannot boast of what Christ has done. The grace of God calls prisoners of sin to become slaves to the righteousness of God. As the captive comes to Jesus who alone can set the captive free- they are freed to live a life for the glory of God instead of a worldly life which dishonors God and robs Him of glory.
Contemporary examples regarding the issue of sexual sin
As a result of the highly charged sexual culture that Christians live in today it is therefore vital that we discuss the issue of sexuality inside the Church, and then look as some statistics on this subject. Much has been written on the Emergent Village and how they want to have a conversation. The Emergent discussion began as a discussion to address issues where Christianity has failed and how to re-think Christianity in order to make disciples of all the nations. First, while there may be much wrong with “the church” as many have collectively associated the many groups of people that gather together in buildings labeled with Christian titles, the Church which Jesus paid for is blameless (Ephesians 5:26-28). The people that make up the Church referenced in Ephesians 5 are sinners saved by grace, and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit. The quotes and analysis that follow will demonstrate that the Emergent Village dismisses the moral revelation of God’s Word in favor for a discussion with no biblical basis.
Brian McLaren is a leader in the Emergent Village and when asked regarding homosexuality and gay marriage has said, “You know what, the thing that breaks my heart is that there's no way I can answer it without hurting someone on either side." (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1022583-10,00.html.) "Frankly, many of us don't know what we should think about homosexuality. We've heard all sides but no position has yet won our confidence so that we can say "it seems good to the Holy Spirit and us." That alienates us from both the liberals and conservatives who seem to know exactly what we should think. Even if we are convinced that all homosexual behavior is always sinful, we still want to treat gay and lesbian people with more dignity, gentleness, and respect than our colleagues do. If we think that there may actually be a legitimate context for some homosexual relationships, we know that the biblical arguments are nuanced and multilayered, and the pastoral ramifications are staggeringly complex. We aren't sure if or where lines are to be drawn, nor do we know how to enforce with fairness whatever lines are drawn." (http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2006/01/brian_mclaren_o.html.).
When asked directly about this issue from a hurting person regarding whether homosexuality is right or wrong, Brian does not give a response but explains this issue away (http://www.brianmclaren.net/archives/faq/why-is-there-so.html). It is not only Brian but the whole Emergent Village discussion that is wrong. People from the Emergent Village often want you to “not judge them” but Jesus will judge people by their words since the words that come out of their mouths reveals their hearts (Luke 6:45). Furthermore Scripture makes it clear that teachers will face a stricter judgment in James chapter 3, verse 1.
When people are coming to Brian for advice (he’s a Pastor) you are teaching not having a conversation. Therefore the Emergent Village is dismissive towards its criticism and once again dismisses the example of Christ, because Christ when confronted with critics used them to clarify the reason He came to deal with man’s sin. Brian is not the only one in the Emergent Village who is “fuzzy” on the topic of sexual sin. Jenell Williams Paris at the Emergent Church Summer Institute taught a class with the course description as: “Offering description: Many denominations and individual congregations are in active conflict over the issue of homosexuality. How might we create fresh ways to move beyond the liberal — conservative impasse? I will present themes and questions from queer theory that perhaps could inform Christian theology and church practice. Our session will mostly involve group discussion based on our local contexts and experiences, focused toward ways we can make a better future regarding sexuality, sexual orientation, and homosexuality in our faith communities. I expect that participants will be of diverse theologies and practices regarding sexuality. I will encourage an ethos of hospitality in which all voices are welcomed and respected. The most important outcome of the session will be to cultivate friendships and a relational web of people in emerging churches who care about theology and practice regarding sexual identity. I am a member of Solomon’s Porch. I am also an associate professor of anthropology at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. Sex and gender is one of my research and writing interests.”
Furthermore, one of the key leaders in the Emerging Church is Spencer Burke supports homosexuality, and says, “ “Want to earn a place on the Colorado Springs…er, I mean, Hollywood black list? Admit your uncertainty about homosexuality as a biblically condemned sin….Given a less than stellar track record, is it really so heretical to think that the evangelical church may be wrong about homosexuality as well?”” (http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=81765)
Scriptures teaching on sex outside of marriage
Some people are going to charge me with being uncharitable, judgmental, and absolutely incorrect on this issue. Already we have established from Romans 1 that to worship the creation rather than Creator means you are going to give yourself to a debased mind, and that marriage is between one man and one woman. Leviticus 18:1-30 provides the prohibition against pagan practices. The statutes from chapter 18 aim to lead the people to holiness. Though the term holy or holiness is not mentioned in chapter 18, avoiding such conduct as practiced in Egypt and particularly in Canaan is the minimal requirements for the people to be announced holy according to the Laws of God. In reading the laws, it is important to see both their original context and their underlying and abiding principles. From the latter viewpoint, the laws in this chapter can be seen as commanding the people to avoid any action that ignores the order that God created in his creation. In this sense, the prohibited acts in this chapter are reprehensive (non-exhaustive) examples.
One of the main contentions of the gay community is that the Bible never teaches on the issue of homosexuality. While the “word” homosexual may not be explicitly used in the Bible- neither is the Trinity or other theological words that theologians use. That does not mean that they are anymore or less “biblical”. The principle is more important than the “word” used. Romans 1 clearly teaches against any form of relationship other than a man and a woman in marriage using their marriage as a platform for procreation (Genesis 2). Leviticus 18:22 clearly prohibits any form of homosexuality. In the larger picture, such activity is utterly at odds with the creation ideal (Genesis 2:23-24). Some respond to this argument by saying, “That’s not what it is teaching”, which is ridiculous since it is clear what Romans 1, and Leviticus 18:22 teaches. The problem is that man’s mind is darkened to the reality and depth of sin which means he/she is spiritually blind.
1st Corinthians 6:12-20 describes sexual immorality and the Body’s Resurrection. Some of the Corinthian Christians were using prostitutes, theorizing that bodily appetites were matters of indifference for Christians just as they apparently were for everyone else. Paul reminds them that the bodies of Christians are one with the resurrected Christ and, in risen form, the Christian’s body will be eternal. What they do with them now is important.
The quotation mark around “all things are lawful” both here and in 1st Corinthians 10:23 have been supplied to indicate that it is probably a commonly used slogan among the Corinthians. “Food for the stomach” is another Corinthian slogan. The Corinthians have adopted slogans from the culture around them which give them the idea that the body is permitted to have everything that it craves. Paul knows that human desires are stained with sin, which uses these desires to master the person for its own evil purposes (Romans 6:6, 12, 16-22; 7:7-23). Jesus’ resurrection was the only step in the general resurrection of God’s people that will occur at the last day (1st Corinthians 15:20). Jesus’ body and the believer’s body, therefore, are eternal (1st Corinthians 15:42-49), for God will also raise us up (vs.14); the eternal nature of the believer’s body should affect his or her present behavior (1st Corinthians 15:30-34). Already in 1st Corinthians 1:13 Paul has hinted that the church is Christ’s body and that divisions in the church are incompatible with this truth (12:12, 27; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:13-16; 5:23; Col 1:18). Paul explains in 1st Corinthians 6:16-18 that unity with Christ is incompatible with all sin (Romans 6:6) but particularly with sexual sin. Because sexual union has a spiritual component, sexual activity outside marriage is a unique sin both against Christ (1st Cor. 6:15) and one’s own body (v.18; Proverbs 6:26, 32). Within marriage, sexual union is not only allowed but has positive spiritual significance (Gen. 2:24; Eph 5:22-23). Paul also tells the Corinthians to “fee from idolatry” in 1st Corinthians 10:14) Idolatry and sexual immorality were closely connected in Israel’s history (Ex. 32:6; Numbers 25:1-2) as well as in Paul’s thinking about the problems in Corinth (1 Cor. 10:7-8).
The Spirit of the Lord lives within individual Christians (v.17) making each Christian’s body a temple just as the Church, corporately conceived, is also a temple where God’s Spirit dwells (3:16). As with other gifts from God (4:2,7), Christians are to exercise responsible stewardship over their bodies. The image is borrowed from the slave market (7:23; Romans 6:17-18), Christ’s blood being the purchase price (Eph 1:7; 1 Peter 1:9; Rev 5:9). Paul makes it clear in Galatians 5:16-25 that sin is a work of the flesh when he says in vs.17 that, “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit agree against the flesh, or these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” The doing whatever you want to do is exemplified by the common attitude of, “I can live however I want to live because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter”, but Paul makes it clear that this attitude is wrong and doesn’t understand the work of sanctification in the believer’s life. The phrase, “the desires of the flesh” means not only bodily cravings, but all of the ordinary desires of fallen human nature (5:19-21). The only way according to Paul to conquer the flesh is to yield to the Spirit. Walk by the Spirit implies both direction and empowerment, that is, making decisions and choices according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and acting with the spiritual power that the Spirit supplies. To “walk” in Scripture regularly represents the pattern of conduct of all of one’s life. Paul then sets out in verse 19-21 to explain the works of the flesh that oppose the Kingdom of God. These works of the flesh are, “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Works of the flesh means actions flowing out of a fallen human nature and its desires. Apart from the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, these are the actions toward which sinful humans instinctively gravitate. Paul acknowledged that that the Christian life is a struggle in Galatians 5:17- a war between the flesh and the Spirit (Eph. 6:10-18). The first three things on Paul’s list of works of the flesh are sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality. Jesus taught that what comes out of the mouth is a good indication of what is in the person’s heart (Luke 6; Matthew 12:34, Matthew 15:19). In Matthew 15:19 Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” It is absolutely clear then from the evidence of Jesus and Paul that sexual immorality and a whole litany of other sins come from the issue of the heart. This means that in order for a person to change he/she must be born again. Only through regeneration is the heart of stone replaced with a heart set upon the desires of God. A heart set upon gratifying the desires of the flesh does not please God but God hates sin, and whoever makes a practice of sinning shows that they were never born again. Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the divine nature and divine life are given (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5). Regeneration is instanteous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24), when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works will be its proper evidence and fruit (1st Corinthians 6:19, 20; Ephesians 5:17-21; Phil 2:12b; Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Peter 1:4-11). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly confirmed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2nd Corinthians 3:18). Such conformity is climaxed in the believer’s glorification at Christ’s coming (Romans 8:16-17; 2nd Peter 1:4; 1st John 3:2-3).
Statics on the problem of sexual sin
To prove that porn is a problem both in the Church and in society in general consider the following statistics which overwhelmingly show that porn is a sexual immorality and a problem that must be confronted and dealt with. The total porn industry revenue for 2006: $13.3 billion in the United States; $97 billion worldwide (Internet Filter Review). U.S. adult DVD/video rentals in 2005: almost 1 billion (Adult Video News). Hotel viewership for adult films: 55% (cbsnews.com).A 1996 Promise Keepers survey at one of their stadium events revealed that over 50% of the men in attendance were involved with pornography within one week of attending the event. 51% of pastors say cyber-porn is a possible temptation. 37% say it is a current struggle (Christianity Today, Leadership Survey, 12/2001). Over half of evangelical pastors admit viewing pornography last year. Roger Charman of Focus on the Family's Pastoral Ministries reports that approximately 20 percent of the calls received on their Pastoral Care Line are for help with issues such as pornography and compulsive sexual behavior.
In a 2000 Christianity Today survey, 33% of clergy admitted to having visited a sexually explicit Web site. Of those who had visited a porn site, 53% had visited such sites “a few times” in the past year, and 18% visit sexually explicit sites between a couple of times a month and more than once a week. 29% of born again adults in the U.S. feel it is morally acceptable to view movies with explicit sexual behavior (The Barna Group). 57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their congregation (Christians and Sex Leadership Journal Survey, March 2005). In a Kinsey Institute survey, respondents were asked "Why do you use porn?" 72% said they used porn to masturbate/for physical release. 69% said they used it to sexually arouse themselves and/or others. 54% said out of curiosity. And 43% said, "because I can fantasize about things I would not necessarily want in real life." 38% said to distract myself. The number one search term used at search engine sites is the word “sex”. Users searched for “sex” more than other terms such as "games," "travel," "music," "jokes," "cars," "weather," "health" and "jobs" combined. The study also found that "pornography/porno" was the fourth-most searched for subject. Alexa Research Use religion saves section on sexual sin and death by love for statistics.
Conclusion
The Scriptures are clear that marriage is to be between one man and one woman- that the man and wife are to consummate their marriage. Any defiling of the marriage bed by either party is adultery. The Gospel is the solution to man’s deepest need. While the statistics on porn are staggering so is the transformation the Gospel provides. The Gospel is not just something “you believe” it is something that invades every area of life like an army going to battle. As the Gospel grabs hold of your life- its truth will transform you and produce in you the fruits of the Spirit so you can represent Jesus well.
Sexuality is a big topic in today’s society while the Gospel remains on the back burner. The Gospel changes people’s lives so that man and wife can express healthy sexuality towards one another as God intends. The only way for this to occur is when man and wife are born again. This is where God takes man’s heart of stone and makes it brand new. This is completely a work of God as He takes man’s dirty heart and replaces it with new desires, attitudes and beliefs. This happens as one believes in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. By believing in what Jesus has done and confessing it with one’s mouth they are saved. The only way man can change is through being born again as Jesus makes it clear that out of the mouth the heart speaks (Luke 6:45), so man’s problem is that he needs a change of heart.
Marriage is a touchy issue but it needs to be addressed in a culture obsessed with the self. The only way it will be addressed is when Christians stand upon the Gospel and live out the Gospel. Christians do not need be ashamed of the Gospel since it is the power of God for the salvation of humanity. The only way humanity will change is when Christians refuse to compromise. Christians who refuse to live out the moral revelation of God’s Word show they do not understand the work of the Gospel which changes man’s heart.
Man’s heart must change in order for society to change. A man cannot be changed by policies, procedures or laws, but only by being born again can man change. Man’s heart must change in order for the family to change. Society does not begin with government, it begins in the home. The home is the seat of civilization. When a person’s heart is changed by God, he/she can experience God’s grace and proclaim God’s grace to a dying world that looks for the answers in all the wrong places. The Gospel is good news for those addicted to sex, alcohol, drugs, and a litany of other addictions. The Gospel alone offers the solution to man’s deepest problem of sin and the solution in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ offers the only freedom.
In Christ Alone, Pastor Dave
Here is where you can find me online:
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| November 03, 2009 |
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| THis was very bold and courageous of you to share Dave. Thank you for this! |
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| November 03, 2009 |
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| Glad you were well served :) |
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| November 03, 2009 |
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| Biblical truth in the 21st century is a difficult pill to swallow, but we are called to be Holy as the Lord is Holy! |
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