WHY I AM CONCERNED ABOUT TODAY'S SEXUAL MORES
August 12, 2007 AM
Sermon Outline
1 COR 7:1,2
INTRO: Among the topics found prominently in virtually every medium of communication is that of "sex". A line advertising the television series "Sex And The City" make the bold statement that who you are is how you are in bed. (I apologize for being so forward with such thoughts, but it is hard to emphasize my concern without being very open.) While we may say to ourselves that this is just a mindless television program, the fact remains that this is a subject and a attitude pervading American society and culture. Interestingly, however, such attitudes have been part of the great societies of the past ... and have contributed to the moral decay and downfall of those societies. My greatest concern, though, is not the downfall of society ... it is for the eternal consequences for the people around me.
- THE RISE OF HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR/RELATIONSHIPS
- The so-called "gay" lobby is receiving incredible media attention
- TV/motion picture productions have numbers of "gay" portrayals
- political/entertainment personalities are "coming out"
- even religious personalities are acknowledging "gay" lifestyle choice
- such exposure over time "desensitizes" us to this sin!
- "orientation" vs. "preference" - "I can't help it" vs. "it's my choice"
- What the Bible says?
- Lev 18:22 - Rom 1:26,27 - 1 Cor 6:9,10
- God does not declare something to be sin that which is genetic
- for example, the color of ones skin, hair - physical defects
- "orientation" attempts to promote genetic homosexuality - if, however, it is genetic, God would not have declared homosexuals excluded from kingdom of God!
- don't be deceived - claims to the contrary, homosexuality is a choice!
- The so-called "gay" lobby is receiving incredible media attention
- THE RISE IN SEXUAL PROMISCUITY
- There is the problem of "changing definitions"
- "I did not have sex with that woman" - so, what was done is o.k.???
- it's "experimentation" - not sin!
- changing definitions has doubtless contributed to open sexual attitudes
- The exposure to TV/motion picture portrayals and values
- prom night - the night for alcohol, DUI, hotel rooms, losing virginity
- living together in lieu of marriage - from one partner to another, etc.
- TV commercials extolling shapely bodies (mostly of women) clad scantily (lingerie & diet ads) - "my husband thinks my new body is....." (sex sells!)
- Peer pressure and temptation
- "casual sex" is accepted behavior ... almost expected behavior
- in the workplace, in the school "every one is doing it" (we're told)
- to insist on sexual purity may make one the "odd" person - and it's not easy to keep being (and being told) the odd person
- There is the problem of "changing definitions"
- WHAT ARE WE TO DO IN SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT?
- First, remember what the scriptures teach us
- 1 Cor 6:9 - fornication, adultery keeps one from kingdom of God
- 1 Cor 7:2,9 - sexual intimacy belongs only in marriage
- Eph 5:3 - illicit sex cannot be part of the life of saints
- First, remember what the scriptures teach us
- 1 Thes 4:3-5 - illicit sex harms sanctification - each must learn self-control in such matters and not be given to passionate lust
- both testaments insist on sexual purity and place sexual intimacy inside of the marriage relationship - outside of it is sin
- Second, we must remember that we are dealing with personal choices
- while it's true sexual pervasiveness is reality, what I. do is my choice
- the pressures of our time are great - but I can still say, "No"
- 2 Pet 1:6 - we are called to be "self controlled" people
- 2 Tim 1:7 - "sound mind" is "discipline" or "self control" - in the matter of sexual purity we can be self controlled - the choice is ours
- we are in an environment which seems to encourage and reward promiscuity - I'd remind ofRom 8:5-8 ... the choice is ours!
CLOSE: There is so much more which could be said. I understand that. But I hope I have said enough to cause all of us to have concerns about today's sexual mores ... and to determine that we are going to remain pure in the face of the ongoing "sexual revolution".
Cecil A. Hutson
12 August 2007