1 Corinthians 7:1-5

                                                                    1 Corinthians 7:1-5

Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

 

Sexual relations have become one of the primary focal points of our culture today.  Unfortunately, this gift of God has been both neglected and abused.  Often, the subject of sex is simply ignored and some would go as far as to prohibit it even within the context of marriage.  Today’s culture defends the notion that any kind of sexual relationships are to be considered normal as long as it is consensual. The Scriptures make it clear that God’s gift of sex is intended to be enjoyed regularly between a man and a woman who have committed themselves to one another in marriage.

 

MARRIAGE SHOULD PREVENT SEXUAL IMMORALITY: Celibacy is a good option for people who desire to focus on ministry.  However, it can also leave a person more vulnerable to immorality.  Paul’s solution to help prevent sexual temptation is marriage.  Since marriage is the only proper context for sexual intimacy, it can help to mitigate temptation.  Marriage will not eliminate sexual temptation or even immorality, but it certainly can help.  Paul clearly defines marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.  Marriage is the normal option for most people though celibacy is also a good option for those who are able to exercise sexual discipline.

 

MARRIAGE SHOULD PROVIDE SEXUAL REGULARITY: Since marriage is the only authorized context for sexual intimacy, Christians raise their children to exercise self-control in the area of sexuality.  Virginity in the standard to which believers are held until marriage.  This prohibition of sexual intimacy until marriage and often be misconstrued into a belief that sex is sinful even in marriage.  This seems to be to legalistic belief that was circulating in Corinth.  Paul refutes this teaching by establishing the requirement of regular sexual relationships within marriage.  When we marry, we relinquish the authority of our bodies to our spouse for the purpose of sexual intimacy.  We should be sexual available to one another regularly according to the desires of our spouse.  The focus on sexual intimacy should always be on the giving of ourselves.

 

MARRIAGE SHOULD PROMOTE SPIRITUL INTIMACY: The exception to regular sexual intimacy is for the purpose of spiritual intimacy.  There are times within marriage when a spiritual priority may arise and the couple may decide together to “fast” from sexual intimacy for a brief period of time.  The goal of this is to provide more focus, time and energy to prayer.  This cannot be a unilateral decision and should not be for a prolonged period of time.  Our priority in marriage should always be holiness before God and intimate worship of God.  It is counterproductive to sacrifice holiness in an effort to promote more intimate worship.  Any interruption to regular sexual intimacy should be brief and then fully reestablished.

 

APPLICATION: Stand firm against sexual temptation by getting married and maintaining regular sexual relationships.  Thank God for the gift of sex and don’t view it as being sinful or carnal within the commitment of marriage.  Be readily available to your spouse for sexual intimacy.  Work together to promote spiritual intimacy within marriage.

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