Not in Polite Company: One is a Lonely Number- 1 Corinthians 6.1-11

The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6.9-10

“Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond.” UM Social Principles (161.G)

SEX IS GOOD!

Some things Christians sometimes forget about…

Ø There are several other sins that will keep us from heaven (greed, idolatry, drunkenness, etc.)

o Why do we get so hung up on sex sins?

o Why does gay marriage seem more important than war, starvation and poverty?

Ø All pleasure comes from God and is created by him.

Ø God’s will us for us to have pleasure.

Ø Sin begins when…

1. We seek pleasure at times when God forbids.
1. God invented sex for us in marriage.
2. This means that if you are not married, you should not be having sex.
3. If you are married, you should only be having sex with your spouse.
2. We seek pleasure in ways that God forbids.
1. God’s plan is for men and women to be together.
2. This precludes homosexuality, bestiality, pedophilia, etc.
3. We seek pleasure in degrees that God forbids.
1. Our goal should not be to avoid what God forbids, but to seek out what God blesses.
2. As we look for more, we diminish the blessing of the gift itself.

All sins, even promiscuity, can be forgiven by God.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1.9

If everyone would live by God’s rules

1. We would eliminate HIV/AIDS and stds in one generation.
2. We would reduce or eliminate abortion.
3. We would decrease infant mortality, premature births, unwanted pregnancies and more.
4. We would probably reduce divorce rates and have happier marriages.

Take Away Point-

God’s gifts to people, including sex, are great. I need to enjoy all of these gifts within the guidelines that God sets out for me in his word. I need to live for “fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness.”