First Presbyterian Church

In the fall we are examining varied subjects to answer the question, "how are Christians to live under the sovereign reign of God?"  Last week we set the table for the rest of the series by examining Jesus' prayer in the gospel of John for clues about how we are to live as people of faith.  We believe that we are to live as "people in the world, not of the world." 

How will this tension-based lifestyle play out in relation to our daily lives, for example, as sexual beings?  As humans we are tempted to move to one extreme or another when dealing with sex.  On one extreme, we say "yes" and believe that sex is good and beautiful and pleasing, and let's celebrate!  But when we are unplugged from God's sovereign reign, "yes" to sex without his help leads to ugliness and hurt.  And therefore, another extreme:  "no."  Some Christians suppress desire and hide from sex.  Many married couples struggle because "no" is easier than yes.

A faithful Christian lifestyle holds "yes" (sex is God's gift) and "no" (we are all broken and in need of God's grace) in healthy tension.  In this sermon we will look at several texts to develop a balanced Christian response to sexuality under the reign of God.

Scripture--Hebrews 13:4, parts of Proverbs 7. 

The Intimate Mystery, by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman

What does it mean to live in this world under the sovereign reign of God?

          On the one hand                       On the other hand

          In the world                              Not of the world

          Living Life                                Living for Him

          Already                                    Not Yet

How will this play out, for example, with human sexuality?

          No--abhor sex

          Yes--adore sex

The tension of Sovereign Faithfulness and Sexuality:

1. Reconnect Sexuality with Faith.

2. Understand that sexual brokenness extends to all.

3. Root Sexuality Not in a set of rules, But in the context of Intimacy.

4. Know how to respond to broken sexuality with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Questions for Reflection, Proverbs 5.

1. Imagine that you are attempting to explain "sex" and human sexuality to an alien being from another planet.  How would you:

a. summarize what sex and sexuality is

b. explain the differences between men and women both physically, and in approach to sex

c. discuss the pitfalls and traps that individuals fall into

2. Read Proverbs 5.

3. Re-read vv. 1-2, and then read Proverbs 7:1-4.  This advice is far more than simply warning someone to stay away from bad girls and/or bad boys.  What clues can you find from these verses that the instruction is meant to be about faith and the transformation of the heart?

4. From vv. 3-6, notice every word or phrase that describes the adulteress (who, by the way, represents not just male-female sin, but all kinds of sexual sin).  How would you summarize this warning to your alien friend from question 1?

5. What good advice about avoiding sexual sin can be found in vv. 7-17?  How might this advice play out in relation to the internet?

6. vv. 15, and 18-19 provide a beautiful picture of sexual intimacy and marriage.  If you were talking to a young couple, what advice could you give that might help them "ever by captivated by her love?"

7. vv. 21-23 remind us that God is watching and will hold us accountable. 

a. How does that accountability play out in this life?

b. How does that accountability play out for the next life?

8. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. 

a. Women:  explain your part in the submissive love of marriage.

b. Men:  explain your part in the submissive love of marriage.

c. Together:  How might a couple move toward that love?