Read 1 Corinthians, chapters 5-7
This Week’s Topic: Sex
“Now getting down to the questions you asked in your letter to me. First, Is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly—but only within a certain context. It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder." 1 Corinthians 7:1-2(MSG)
Reflect
It is interesting to note that when Jesus was asked (Matthew 19 for ex.) questions about marriage and divorce he immediately repeated the passage from Genesis 2 where God through Moses established a context for sex “in a world of sexual disorder”.
In what ways do you see marriage as the context within which sexual oneness should be contained?
Look up Genesis 1:27 and then read Genesis 2:24. When considered together, do these verses tell you something about the why of ensuring that the practice of sex is reserved for the marital union of a man and woman?
In light of this week’s scriptures, are you able to see a way that sexual intercourse between two unmarried people (same sex or opposite sex), practiced lovingly, with commitment, and selflessness, can be a practice approved by God?
Prayer
“Please lead me to clarity on your purposes for sexual practices. Help me to eradicate any condemnation (1 Cor.5:10, 12) of others, rather to simply want your best for all people. Amen”
I am certainly blessed to be part of a church who's leaders follow the Bible and not the denomination!
ReplyDeleteGen 2;24 is a beautiful passage and wonderful statement of why marriage is a sacrament. I get a somewhat different reading of the I Corinthians passage from the NSV version.
ReplyDeleteI remain deeply concerned about a church that has chosen to define it's view of sin primarily in terms of sexual practices. The PCUSA may have instigated the problem, but there's a real danger in overreacting and self-justifying. It's very easy to become a Pharisee and feel blessed.