Some of our church family recently spent the morning considering what God says about sex.
We were encouraged to keep thinking and talking about we heard. Yet life gets busy and sex can be an awkward topic to raise. How can we keep growing in this area over these days and weeks?
Hebrews 10:19–25 helps us.
‘Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’
1. Talk to God
‘Draw near’: start with prayer. Hebrews 10:19–22 reminds us of the confidence we have in approaching our Father in prayer. Jesus has died, our sins are forgiven, the way is open and access to God is assured.
Talk to God about sex. Talk to him about his good ways; thank him for their beauty. Bring your sin to him—it's no surprise to him. Ask him for forgiveness as he's the one who can forgive. Come to him for strength to change—he's the one who has the power. First, do business with the Lord in prayer.
2. Trust in God’s promises
‘Hold fast’: cling to truth. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to stick close to the hope we have in Jesus. The hope of forgiveness, hope of future rest and hope of a homeland where we live in perfect intimacy with God, where sin and brokenness are no more. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us that ‘he who promised is faithful’. These promises don’t depend on us, but on your God who is faithful.
Cling to God’s promises about sex. Read his promises in the Bible; they are good! Memorise them, as they will help you fight sin and delight in God’s good ways. Turn them over in your mind, as they will help you think about things that are right and true—even when they don’t feel right and true. Then look to God’s promises.
3. Encourage others
‘Stir one another up’: help others grow. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us that we are in this together. We should consider how we can meet and interact with other Christians so that we can encourage them towards love and good works. Especially since our glorious future is so near. It's worth helping others keep going!
Think how to help others with truth. Plan to meet Christian family (old friends or new) to encourage them. As conversations about sex come up help them grow towards love and good works. Point them to the Father for forgiveness and strength, as only he can provide both. Remind them of his promises which are true and faithful—and much better than our wisdom.