By Beth Jones
To read Part Five, click here.
What About Heterosexuality?
Sexual relations between a man and woman in context of marriage.
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4, NIV)
Now about the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life. But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband also gives authority over his body to his wife. So do not deprive each other of sexual relations. The only exception to this rule would be the agreement of both husband and wife to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time, so they can give themselves more completely to prayer. Afterward they should come together again so that Satan won't be able to tempt them because of their lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5, NLT)
Married couples ... read Song of Solomon for an up close and personal look at the marriage relationship.
God loves everyone, but according to His Word, the only relationship that God sanctions for sexual relations is between one woman and one man within the context of the marriage union. The culture, media and mainstream does not support this view, but if we are seeking God's approval what are some thoughts and resources for finding freedom from sexual sin?
Freedom From Sexual Sin
Sexual issues are often complex. Sometimes when you read the Scriptures you get the idea that God is mean, cruel, unmerciful, a killjoy, rigid, judgmental and harsh. Obviously, we know that is not God's nature or character. God is love—so His instructions to us regarding sexual issues, must come from His heart of love for man. God created us and He is the only One who knows how He wired us. God wants us to enjoy His plan for sex to the fullest. He has wired us for this enjoyment, but anything less than or other than His plan will not result in the benefits He intended. Keep in mind that God's Word comes from His heart of love for His people and our obedience to His Word is for the purpose of blessing, not torture.
We understand that through the process of receiving God's Word, faith, obedience, accountability and the power of the Holy Spirit anyone can be set free from anything. We don't believe in offering cliche or trite solutions, but we do believe that God, His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit will give us supernatural help in every area of life. If you are struggling in any of the areas mentioned in this brochure, we encourage you to seek the spiritual counsel and guidance of your church leaders, professional Christian counselors and of course, the greatest Counselor The Holy Spirit Himself. In our experience in ministry, we have observed three things that often are connected with sexual sin and suggest you prayerfully consider these things.
What do you worship? Often, when it comes to sexual sin the root issue is this: what is the focus of your worship? Are you worshipping another person? Are you idolizing your own sexual needs? The sexual fulfillment you experience with that person?
Is Jesus satisfier of your soul? Often sexual sin is the result of misplaced emotions and soulish attachments. When we look to other people (another person's spouse, a boyfriend/girlfriend, member of the same sex or even a family member) to satisfy our soul, we have opened the door for sin. Jesus is the only One that can actually satisfy our soul and when He does, He leads us into healthy, godly relationships.
Who do you want to please? Sexual relations create bonds, affections and a oneness that is often hard to break. One person may know what is right and godly, but their desire to please their partner prevents them from taking the stand and making the hard choices that must be made to move away from sexual sin and ungodly lifestyles. The only way to be free is to choose to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, alone. Live for an audience of One, even if that means that certain bonds must be broken.
Additional Resources For Freedom From Sexual Bondage
Copyright © 2007 Beth Jones Ministries All rights reserved.
