Today, I want to address the topic of marriage as a means to give glory to God and enjoy Him forever.  For some of you, you thought that I was going to speak upon the topic of marriage in the same sermon as suffering.  Ha. Ha.  I am not.  In particular, I want to address one of the major joys in the marriage relationship which God created, sex.  Now already, some people interests are curious and others are a little nervous.  So before I go any further, let me lay down some ground rules and expectations for this sermon.

 From my reading of Scripture, I believe…

1.  That God created sex and that it is okay to say God and sex in the same sentence without feeling guilty.

2.  God created sex for enjoyment between one man and one woman in the context of marriage.

3.  That it is extremely necessary to discuss issues surrounding sex in the context of the church.  In fact, if churches shared healthy teaching about sex, maybe marriages would be healthier, fewer children would be born out of wedlock, and STD’s would decline.

 Let me calm your fears, by saying….

1.  I will discuss this important topic of Christian sexuality in a respectful, humble and honest way.  I will not go into graphic details.  In fact, the more explicit passages in the Bible, I will merely refer you to for future reference.

2.  This sermon should have something to say for everyone.  From the young person who has a lot of questions to the older person who still has lots of questions.

 Main Idea for today:  You have God’s permission to enjoy sex within your marriage.  He invented sex; He thought it up to begin with.  You can learn to enjoy it, and husbands, you can develop a thrilling, happy marriage with “the wife of your youth.” (Proverbs 5:18)  (Ed Wheat, M.D. and Gaye Wheat in Intended for Pleasure, p. 14).

Hebrews 13:4 (NIV) ⁴ Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

 That’s what God’s Word says, but here’s what people in the world says..

“Sex shall set us free.”

 Here’s a list that I made up of the consequences of buying the lie from the devil that sex shall set you free.  Or in other words, hedonism that has no focus on honoring Christ.  This lifestyle is the type of hedonism that is contrary to the Bible and gives no glory to God.  Here’s the consequences (World’s view of sex):

·        Sexually Transmitted diseases

·        Broken relationships

·        Depression

·        Feelings of being used

·        Abuse

·        Financial hardships

·        Babies born out of wedlock

·        Divorce

·        Abortion

 Sounds like freedom to me doesn’t it.  That is a bold face lie from the devil. 

 Here’s a list of benefits when you buy into the truth of God in regard to a Biblical view of sex.  Here’s what happens when you are giving glory to Him by enjoying Him.  Remember, sex is good.  It is not evil.  In fact, after the creation of man and woman, God said his creation is “Very Good!” (Genesis 1:31).  God created sex to be a special and enjoyable bond between a man and a woman in the context of marriage.  Here are the benefits according to God’s view of sex:

·        Love

·        Acceptance

·        Excitement

·        Security

·        Trust

·        No regrets

·        Safe sex (no fear STD’s)

·        Faithfulness

·        Satisfaction

·        Children

·        God is glorified

·        Enjoyment

  While I would like to spend time on all of these benefits of God’s view of sex, for today, I’d like to look at the last two of them with you:  God is glorified and Our enjoyment.

 When we follow God’s plan for sexual intimacy in marriage, God is glorified and we receive enjoyment.

A.     We are being obedient:  One of the first commands that God gave Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28).

B.     We are a witness to the world.  When you honor your marriage vows, and are faithful to one another, the world takes note.

C.     We model faithfulness for the church.  The older men and women are to be examples for the younger men and women.  When we see people enjoying their marriage and not dreading it, God’s church is encouraged.  We need examples of people who have remained faithful for life.

 However, we are not perfect people and we do not live in a perfect world.  The devil tries to distract us and cloud our thinking.  He does not want us to glorify God.  He has put stumbling block before us.  Two stumbling blocks are…1) the wandering eye and 2) the lustful eye.

 A.  The Wandering Eye

            The wandering eye usually occurs when one or more needs is not being met in the marriage relationship.  The needs range from:  sexual fulfillment, communication, money matters, feeling of being under appreciated or neglected…

            When you catch yourself looking for fulfillment in someone other than your spouse, you need to seek out a Christian friend IMMEDIATELY and talk to your spouse. 

B.  The Lustful Eye

            Job 31:1-12 (Making a covenant with your eyes).

            When we acknowledge these struggles and commit to loving our spouse, we glorify God and receive joy from the marriage relationship.

 Other Scriptures to note:  1 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5, Proverbs 5, Song of Songs

 Application:  So what can I do?

1—If you are single, set your eyes on God’s plan.  Don’t be deluded or deceived by TV, movies, music or friends.  True love waits, respects, and is truly satisfying and exciting in the context of marriage.  God will be glorified when you honor marriage and keep the marriage bed pure.

2—To those of you who have a past that you would like to forget.  Ask God once and for all and He will forgive you.  Ask Him to erase the painful memories and experiences from you mind.  Remember, God loves you.

3—If you are married, enjoy your spouse.  Sex is to be enjoyable.  Remember God invented.  It is very good.  Communicate and remain faithful.  The greatest gift you can give your children is a healthy marriage.