You are on page 1of 20

sanctified

sexuality

American Sexuality
Our cultures concept of sex and sexuality is dictated by self expression and the individuals concept of a liberated identity 1. Sexuality is a choice based on personal preference. 2. Choices related to sexuality disregard any external factors that would impede on the freedom of self expression. 3. Sex is reduced to a physical act and social encounter between consenting people.

Sexual Realism: Sex as natural appetite The desire for sex is an inevitable biological drive that should be dealt with responsibly while avoiding excess. Tim Keller

Sexual Platonism: Sex as animal passion Humanity is comprised of the spiritual and the physical. The physical is the lower, animal like, aspect of humanity while the spiritual elements are more civilized an noble. Sex is seen as an animal-like act necessary for the higher good of reproduction and building the family name. Tim Keller

Sexual Romanticism: Sex as repressed creativity Culture suppresses and sties the innate goodness and creativity of humanity. Sexual instincts need to be liberated from the culture. Tim Keller

Church Fathers
In Eden, it would have been possible to beget offspring without foul lust. The sexual organs would have been stimulated into necessary activity by will-power alone, just as the will controls other organs. So, the two sexes could have come together for impregnation and conception by an act of will, rather than by lustful cravings. Saint Augustine, 354 430

Church Fathers
If a man marries in order to have children, he ought not to have a sexual desire for his wife. He ought to produce children by a reverent, disciplined act of will. Clement of Alexandria150215

Church Fathers
Do you imagine that we approve of any sexual intercourse except for the procreation of children? He who is too ardent a lover of his own wife is an adulterer. St. Jerome 347 420

The Starting Point


If we believe that God wants to restore our sexuality to what He intended we have to go back to before the beginning. To understand Gods original intentions for sex we actually have to start with God Himself . . . His nature and His nurture.

Nature of God How God relates to Himself Nurture of God How He relates to humanity.

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three person; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious ofces in the work of creation, providence and redemption. Bethlehem Baptist Church We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three personsFather, Son, and Holy Spiritco-eternal in being, coeternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections. Mars Hill Church

There is one God: innite, eternal, almighty and perfect in holiness, truth and love. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three Persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-existent, coequal and co-eternal. The Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, yet each is truly Deity. One God Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the foundation of Christian faith and life. The Village Church

SAME ESSENCE
FATHER

Philippians 1:2

GOD
IS
Acts 5:3-4
SPIRIT

IS
IS
SON

Titus 2:13

DISTINCT PERSONS
FATHER

Sending of the Spirit (John 3:16; 14:26; Acts 2:33) Jesus Baptism (Mark 1:10-11) Role of the Spirit (John 16:13-15) Father/Son Dialogue
SPIRIT SON

IS NOT

IS NOT

IS NOT

THE TRINITY
FATHER

IS NOT

IS

IS NOT

GOD
IS
SPIRIT

IS
SON

IS NOT

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 JOHN 4:16

The Father. the Son, and the Spirit are each centering on the others, adoring and serving them. And because the Father, Son. and Spirit are giving glorifying love to one another. God is innitely, profoundly happy. Think about this: If you nd somebody you adore, someone for whom you would do anything, and you discover that this person feels the same way about you, does that feel good? It's sublime! That's what God has been enjoying for all eternity.

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are pouring love and joy and adoration into the other, each one serving the other. They are innitely seeking one another's glory, and so God is innitely happy. Instead of self-centeredness, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are characterized in their essence by mutually self-giving, love. Tim Keller

Sow What ?
The communal nature of God is the basis for developing a biblical view of sex. Unfortunately, this is rarely considered as the starting point. 1. For those of us who are married discuss this with your spouse. When you think about marital sex from this point forward purpose to see it as a reection of the incredible communal love that happens within the Trinity and realize its signicance in providing that same experience for you and your spouse.

Sow What ?
2. For those of us who are not married refuse to think about sex apart from its spiritual signicance. Reect on how sacred sex is as it was intended by God to reect his nature. Purpose to honor sex as you consider how it provides the privilege of reecting God and enjoying what is shared within the Trinity.

You might also like