Sex

This morning's message was about developing a healthy world view on sexuality. It was a tough message to prepare for. Listen here.

Here are some of my notes:

Parents: It’s your responsibility to teach your children about sex.

You have heard the commandment that says, “You must not commit adultery.” But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. You must not covet your neighbor’s spouse. -Matthew 5:27-28

“The more we are filled with thoughts of lust the less we find true romantic love.” -Doug Horton

You must not commit adultery. -Exodus 20:14

Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and another person who is not their spouse.

You must not covet your neighbor’s spouse. -Exodus 20:17

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny. -Unknown

So if your eye - even your good eye - causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand - even your stronger hand - causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. -Matthew 5:29-30

What lust is not:

Appreciation of someone’s beauty

What lust is:

Uncontrolled and consuming sexual passion that is considered and committed in the mind

One of the most common questions I get as a pastor goes something like: “Why would God tell me not to do something if it is a) enjoyable and b) it doesn’t hurt anybody?” My reply always has something to do with the latter and not the former. God loves us and wants to protect us from harm. Often when we lust and cross inappropriate boundaries the victims are the people we love the most. And if that isn’t enough, the most likely victim is ourselves. -CF

As a child we play games and if things don’t go right, we call it a do-over. As adults, it is a gift from God and we simply call it grace. -CF