Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon 

Preaching Text: Proverbs 5:1-14, 21-23

Solomon is instructing his son to avoid sexual immorality. The fool in verse 12 comes to his end of days exhaustedly declaring, “how I hated discipline.” He knew right from wrong but chose the easy path that leads to ruin. Bodily desires are strong, but God expects us to learn discipline. God’s way is clear. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Either marriage with complete faithfulness to your spouse or else total abstinence.” This runs contrary to our instincts, so we reject it. Our appetites are warped. The devil tempts us. We are fed false propaganda. We think abstinence is impossible. But, this proverb shows us the harmful effects of disregarding God’s intention for sex and pursuing a forbidden person (see v. 9-11). 

God gave sex to fulfill marriage and symbolize Christ’s love for the Church.

The Apostle Paul quotes the first marriage from Genesis 2:24, “therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh.” Paul goes on to say this is a profound mystery referring to Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:30-32). Not only can sex in marriage lead to children, mutual joy, holiness, and building society, it also demonstrates the complete giving of self for the other that Jesus gave on the cross. Sex is far more than merely bodily, but it also is not so great as to satisfy our need. Only the love of God in Christ can provide ultimate fulfillment. 

Taking It Home: To grow in self-discipline with any area, use Dallas Willard’s V.I.M. method. Get a VISION for the right way. Make the INTENTION to change.  Then put in place the MEANS within your power to help you (such as contacting LivingWithoutLust.Com to find a support group). Ask God for what “means” you should employ where you lack discipline.