Rev. David Holwick COMMUNION
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
June 2, 1991
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18
GOD'S STANDARDS FOR SEX
I. Dilemma of sexuality.
A. Intense curiosity, joy.
1) Sex is among strongest physical urges.
Nigel Blundell, deputy editor of the London tabloid,
says the three best words in the newspaper business,
in alphabetical order, are "free," "sex" and "win."
He tries to use them in headlines when possible. #378
2) Sex can be glue that holds couples together for a lifetime.
3) Sex can result in the blessing of children.
B. Intense pain, ruin.
1) Broken hearts and loneliness. 1 Thess 4:6
2) Unwanted pregnancy or abortion.
3) Abuse, psychological trauma that lingers for a lifetime.
4) Debilitating or even fatal disease.
II. Sexual standards in the church.
A. In the past they were very strict.
1) Often due more to legalism than Biblical faith.
2) Chastity due to fear, guilt and ignorance.
3) Purity wasn't as popular as old-timers want you to think.
B. Current standards are much looser.
1) Change especially evident among young people.
Survey by Josh McDowell shows 65% of church-attending youth
have had sexual experience by age 18.
43% have had intercourse.
About 10-15 percentage points behind general population.
Fundamental churches were surveyed. #81
2) Steady influence of world. (Presbyterian statement) #1475,
#1509
3) Problem is not that we have found a better ethic, but that
we distort Scripture because we do not like what it says.
John 3:19
III. God's standards for sex.
A. Sexuality is good.
1) Intimate union between man and woman. Genesis 2:24-25
2) Enjoyment as well as procreation. Proverbs 5:18-19
B. Sexuality has boundaries.
1) Between male and female.
2) Within the marriage covenant.
a) (Not all sex in marriage is good.)
b) Sex outside of marriage is consistently labeled
fornication. "Love" is not enough.
c) "A society where covenants can have new clauses added at
the whim of either party to the covenant is a society
doomed to disintegrate." John White
3) A scientific study has found that those societies which
place the most restrictions on sex are the most
advanced and vital. #981
C. Sexuality must be as broad as Christian freedom.
1) Doesn't mean we can do anything we want, but we should
choose to follow God out of love, not cringing fear.
a) "Thou shalt not" is not core of God's teaching.
b) Freedom is at core. 1 Cor 6:12-14
2) The basis of our freedom: Do what you are designed to do.
a) The body is for the Lord, not fornication. 1 Cor 6:13
3) Sex can only be enjoyed in freedom. p. 64
a) Any other use of it leads to bondage.
b) Flee temptation. 1 Cor 6:18, 1 Thess 4:3
IV. Personal sexuality.
A. Christians must know where they stand on matters of sexuality.
1) Don't make up your mind in a moment of passion.
2) Avoid situations that would pressure you.
B. Your relationship with God is intimately bound up with sexuality.
1) God punishes sexual sin. 1 Thess 4:6
2) God calls us to be holy and pure. 1 Thess 4:7
C. Self-control is possible and expected. 1 Thess 4:4
V. Final perspective on sexuality.
A. Sexuality is only one area of obedience among many.
B. Failure can be forgiven.
C. Intimacy can be enhanced among Christians.
