DESIRE GODLINESS NOT COVETOUSNESS – 9 JUL 08
Ref: BIBLE (KJV), JAMES, WORLDINESS, Into thy word (Website)
Sermon text: (1 TIM 6:6)
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1. AIM: To share with brethren from God’s Word on the desire for godliness and not covetousness.
2. INTRODUCTION
a. All the while we have heard of the 5 Cs of Singapore, but recently or yesterday I found this. Other than the usual 5 there are 3 more. They are:8 Cs of Singapore in wikipedia. Cash, car, credit card, condo, country club, certificate, career and coffin. The last one was interesting. All the other materials are worth nothing when we are dead. What is gain when we are dead?
Lets Look at what Paul has to say about gain? In 1 Tim 6:6, Paul was warning Timothy of false teachers and their wrong motives to gain wealth, credit and commendation instead of serving God. Paul rebuked them and mention that respecting and serving God with content with what God provided us with (enuff to carry him thru) is a great gain to last thru beyond this world (death) to heaven.
a. What is godliness? The greek word is eusbeia, which means: reverence and respect to God. reverence and respect to God is to have deep respect, admiration for God’s greatness and majesty.
b. What is contentment? The greek word is autarkeia which means to be satisfied with what we have.
What is gain? The greek word is porismos which denotes a providing , a means to gain.
WORLD CHANGES…
Man blinded by the vanity of the World. In the World, Satan’s temptations often come in at the eye, which is blinded to the things the eye should actually see, and dazzled with the vanities it should be turned from. Paul wrote to Christians in Eph about the vanity of the world in (Eph 4:17-19). The thoughts of man are also vanity. (Ps 94:11). The first sin began in the eye, Gen 3:6. Lets look at the world with God’s wisdom. (1 John 2 : 15 – 17). Are we getting too comfortable with the good status of living? Are christians also falling in love with these changes since we have a job and safe, secure environment?
COVETOUSNESS IS OF THE WORLD. IT IS ONE OF THE CAUSE THAT LEADS TO SELF – DESTRUCTION OF CHRISTIANS.
a. With reference to (Luke 12:15), This covetousness (pleonaixas – to have) It is the wrongful and sinful desire to lust after the things of the world which are not ours . i.e worldy wealth, physical pleasures. or greedy desire, is the consequence of a pretended religion.
b. Causes one to forget self and God. (Luke 12:19)
c. Covetous is Sin. (Exo 20:17; Eph 5: 3)
d. It is idolatry. (Col 3: 5). It makes things our god.
e. It is Adultery. (James 4: 4). It is similar to forsaking of him to whom we should be devoted/ faithful to.
f. It originates from the heart. All evil things originates from Man. (Mark 7 :21 – 23). We must set our hearts on commandments of God rather than covetousness. – (Psa 119:35-36). (Rom 7:23)
g. Covetousness expresses itself in one of four ways: (1) the way we go about trying to gain things, (2) the way we go about trying to keep things, - Theses can be through our speeches, actions – (2 Peter 2:3). (3) a failure on our part in wanting to share things, and (4) a sinful and wrong desire for things even if such cannot be gained.
h. Persons knew to do good and in not doing it they have sinned. (James 4:17)
i. Bible eg: foolish farmer: (LUKE 12:14 -31) Covetous cost this man his soul. “for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mat 16:26). The rich farmer left all that ha had worked for behind. He had no treasures laid up in heaven. A person must be rich toward God to go to heaven.
j. Bible eg: David and Bathsheba. (2 Sam 11:11)
m. Led to hostility with God. (Rom 11:22, James 4:4)
n. Leads to hell where Satan dwells. (James 1:13-15).
BUT GOD IS STILL THE SAME: GODLINESS WILL NEVER CHANGE – CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER CHANGE. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE CLEAR ABOUT WHO WE ARE AND WHAT IS OUR MISSION?SO HOW THEN CAN CHRISTIANS OVERCOME COVETOUSNESS? – BY STRIVING TOWARDS GODLINESS
We must remember that all things belong to God and that He is just letting us use them for a little while. “ The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that that dwell therin”. (Psa 24:1).
We must remember this earth is not our home. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which against the soul? (1 Pet 2:11)
We must remember that we are not going to take any material things with us when we die. “ and said, naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). 1 Tim 6:7.
We must remember that a pursuit of the wrong things will cost us our souls. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and,lose his own soul? Or hat shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mat 16:26).to consider is this what I want or God wants? Do everything in the name of our lord Jesus Christ. Verse: God knows what we need but we must be dependent (verse) on him. Heb 13: 5 – let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee not forsake thee. Mat 6:33; Eph 5:25 and Acts 20:28.
We must be content with what we have. Change attitude - be thankful, be content and share (Acts 4:32,Gal 6:7-10). We must remember that God want us to share what we do have with others. (Eph 4:28). Encourage & Love our brethren – to be precahers; lay down our lives – 1 John 3:16. Control our tongue and not to judge. James 4: 11- 12.
Remember to seek true and lasting treasures. (Col 3;1-2)
Be single minded and Pray:pray to God that would turn our eyes away from beholding vanity. to be good stewards of the gifts, talents and blessings from God. So that we can use iot for God’s work and glory and give an account for them when he is back. Account – 2 Cor 5: 10-11. Luke 16:10 -12, 1 Cor 4:2, Mat 25: 14-30
Belief in Jesus (1 John 5:4) and Fight the good fight of faith to lay hold on eternal life. (1 Tim 6:12)
In conclusion, we shake our heads at Judas Iscariot and think for 30 pieces of silver he sold out our Lord and his own soul. The question is what is your price? What is mine? We must be strong enough to resist satan’s offer and change the situation to our Lord’s favour.
Our Lord was tempted in Mathew 4:1-11. He controlled His desires, and we must control ours. Lets be content with God’s blessings and fight the good fight of faith to lay hold on eternal life.
John 20:29 - Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
THINK SPIRITUALLY AND ACT IMMEDIATELY - FLEE SEXUAL IMMORALITY – 6 AUG 08
Ref: BIBLE (KJV), JAMES, WORLDINESS, Into thy word (Website)
Sermon text: (ROM 8:6)
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
AIM: To share with brethren from God’s Word on the need to be spiritual minded and act immediately to overcome sexual immorality.
INTRODUCTION
During the last topic on covetousness, (pleonaixas – to have) It is the wrongful and sinful desire to lust after the things of the world which are not ours . i.e worldy wealth, physical pleasures. We also talked about physical pleasures. I also mentioned that we should think about the things that are happening around us, even in Singapore. I.e. the casino, crazy horses, gay right issues in Singapore. Ranging from attires to sitcoms that our children are exposed on TV. Movies such has desperate housewives, las vegas etc have started to have wrong influence to christians.
I am afraid, that those things which the bible, God’s word speaks out againsts, many are now saying you can overlook. A new, more permissive society is taking shape. We as God’s children [the called out of the world (1 Pet 2:9), set apart for service to God. (1 Cor 1:2), must fight the new permissiveness with our dying breath. Paul infact, commands it, He says in Romans 12:1,2 “I bessech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, thay ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. That new mind is to be patterned after the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5).
Php 2:5 (G1063) Let this mind beG5426 G5124 inG1722 you,G5213 whichG3739 was alsoG2532 inG1722 ChristG5547 Jesus:G2424
As we look at the mind of Christ, he had always asked spiritual questions. Spiritual questions are questions that are filled with wisdom from the word of God and exercises our spiritual senses. For example, some of this questions that changed the world.
“...Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Matt 8:26 – Jesus questions his disciples, when they were afraid of the tempest and the ship was covered with waves. But they forgot that Jesus was with them.
“ For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mat 16:26 – jesus questions his disciples on what profited them ? The temporal gain of the world and the eternal lost of their soul. Which weighs more?
So where are our spiritual questions that exercise our spiritual senses and can change us and the world?
In Rom 8:6, Paul spoke and in verses 6
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
3. DEFINITION
a. What is carnally minded? The greek word is “sarx”, which means: flesh. As such, carnally minded is to follow the inclinations of the flesh, or the corrupt of our nature, leads us to condemnation and death. Works of the flesh (Gal 5:19);
According to dictionary, carnal is bodily aspects rather than rational and spiritual. It is sensual (which suggests erocticism) and is fleshly (desiring physical appearance and characterisitics)
Today, when we talk about the sin of sexual immorality, we speak about that which is sin, we speak of that which is shameful, we speak of that which is wicked and nowhere in the Bible does it ever come close to being as righteousness.
BEING CARNALLY MINDED LEADS TO SEXUAL IMMMORALITY.
Beginning of Sin. James 1:13-15 (read– Man is drawn away by his own lust). But, What is sexual immorality?
A. The concept of "sexual immorality" is vague 1. Difficulty comes from trying to convey a Greek word that is not easily rendered in English 2. Greek: porneia ("pornography") 3. There is no word in English that properly conveys the meaning of porneia 4. Old meaning: fornication; such now refers almost exclusively to pre-marital sex 5. "Sexual immorality" popular, but could be misleading: porneia does not refer to every kind of sexual sin (lust et al goes under aselgeia, lasciviousness – inclined to lustfullness, arousing sexual desire, indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust. I.e. seduction, sexual harassment, suggestive speaking, eroctic dancing, immoral attire, flirting, explict music).6. Best understanding: sexually deviant behavior-- actual sexual conduct that goes against the sexual norm
B. How can we define "sexually deviant behavior"? 1. The Greek term, in general, refers to conduct like fornication, adultery, pedophilia, incest, homosexuality, and bestiality 2. What is acceptable behaviour?. But to truly establish what is deviant behavior, we must understand what acceptable behavior is 3. Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, 9, Hebrews 13:4 4. The sexual norm is sex between a man and woman whom God has joined together 5. We can see, therefore, that all other sexual conduct beyond this relationship is illicit sexual intercourse, that is, porneia or sexual immorality
C. Aspects of porneia / sexual immorality 1. Sexually deviant behavior can take on many forms 2. Deviant behavior contrary to nature: bestiality, homosexuality 3. Deviant behavior transgressing marital commitment: adultery 4. Deviant behavior transgressing proper relationship boundaries: pedophilia, incest, bigamy, polygamy (having more than one spouse at one time), polyandry (having more than one husband at one time), rape 5. Deviant behavior that reverses God's intentions for a relationship: fornication, sexual play
Lets pay attention to Jesus in Mt 5:27 -30.
The traditional interpretation
The oral traditions of the scribes and Pharisee certainly repeated the written commandment found in the Law – Mt 5:27
But they evidently stressed that as long as one did not commit the actual act, one was not guilty.
Thereby emphasizing the “letter” of the law, but not appreciating the “spirit” behind the law as well.
b. Jesus taught differentlyone does not have to commit the “act” to be guilty of adultery.
One is just as guilty when one “looks at a woman to lust for her” – Mt 5:28
Note: Not the “looking”per se, but looking “to lust” for her is what is wrong.
The word that's translated "lust" here is epithumeio, “to Lust” means to have strong desire for, to possess and dominate completely.
A person may look a another with admiration for beauty and not be guilty of “lust”.
Imagine how offended the religious leaders were when Jesus told them they had problems with sexual righteousness. You see, physical adultery includes everything that's wrong with lusting in the heart plus more deceit, betrayal, the breaking of a promise, damage to family, deep hurt to a spouse. Jesus' point is if you think you're sexually perfect and need no repentance because you've avoided committing physical adultery, think again. It runs deeper.
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Maybe you're tempted to try to escape from your spouse by fantasizing about somebody else. Maybe you're keenly aware that we live in a society that idolizes sexual attractiveness, so you find yourself too attached to the need to appear sexually desirable. Or perhaps you're jealous of someone who is more attractive than you, or you find yourself flirting inappropriately to prove your attractiveness.
Maybe you have difficulty with pornography. Maybe you're a businessperson, and when you travel and you're alone in hotel rooms, you watch adult movies. Maybe you've had an affair. Maybe you struggle with some form of sexual addiction. Maybe you struggle with homosexual feelings. All the above mentioned are wrong in the eyes of God.
WHY SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES?
Sexual Immorality is Sin and is condemned by God. Sexual impurity on the part of those who are not married is a griveous sin and is severely and clearly condemned by Jehovah.
a. Those who walk after the Spirit do no”fulfil the lust of the flesh;”. (Gal5:16-21).
b. Because it is enmity against God – Rom 8:7..
c. In fact, Paul says those who practice sexual relations outside of the marriage bond “shall not inherit the kingdom of God”(1 Cor6:9).
d. Peter urged, “beloved, I bessech you as stranger and pilgrims , abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”(1 Pet 2:11).
e. The aged apostle commanded Timothy, “flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the lord out of a pure heart”(2 Tim 2:22).
3. Defile the man. Sexual sins begins in the heart; it begins with lust (Jam 1:14-15). Our lord stated in Mat 15:18-20: But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blashemies: these are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man (Mark 7:20-23)
4. Defile the body and the nature of sex. 1 Cor 6:18. FleeG5343 fornication.G4202 EveryG3956 sinG265 thatG3739 a manG444 doethG4160 G1437 isG2076 withoutG1622 theG3588 body;G4983 butG1161 he that committeth fornicationG4203 sinnethG264 againstG1519 his ownG2398 body.G4983
5. Defile the marriage -Is suppose to be the union of one husband and wife by God. (Gen 2:24).
6. Cause pain and suffering – physically and spiritually. (Adultery – Job 31:11) – sin of adultery – for this is an heinoue crime: yea it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges. Not only is the one engaged in adultery a criminal, but his guilty of an infamous act. It brings the deepest wound, robs one of honor and virtue, destroys the home, and shames the whole family. It has been termed a form of murder. No wonder Job stated that ït is a fire that consumeth to destruction”(Job 31:12).
5. Spiritual Prostitution. Is also compared to whoredom, being unfaithful to God’s word and commands. God promised that he will be back for us. (John 14:1-3. Rev 22:20-1). But we have to keep his commandments and obey. But with this behaviour, people are not pure and holy for Him. (Eph 5:27 )He bought us with his blood but evil doers have not been faithful to his word. For the lust of the world, christ is forsaked.
6. It is Idolatry. (Col 3:5)
From the sermon text, carnal minded: expression shows that it not only leads to death, or leads to misery, but that it is death itself; there is woe and condemnation in the very act and purpose of being devoted to the corrupt passions.
b. Is death – The greek word is “Thanatos”. Which means death. The penalty of transgression; condemnation and eternal ruin; Note,
SIN & DEATH: (Rom_5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: )
DEATH For evil people: (1 Cor 6:9 – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulteres, nor effminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.)
As such, to avoid sexual immorality, we can be married (1 Cor 7:1-2, 9) but...
MARRIAGE is SACRED AND SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED
Sociologists universally class the deterioration of the home, resulting from divorce and remarriage, as one of the greatest, if not the greatest social problems. And the problem is not an isolated one, in as much as more and more nations are experiencing it. Civilisations of other countries have experienced the same crisis. <> The Roman empire during Christ's day was characterised by divorce which was both easily acquired and frequent. Some counted their age by the number of wives or husbands they had. It was against this background that the new testament was written.
Today, marriage is viewed as simply a legal contract, such as buying property, which may be formed and dissolved at will. <>More and more are choosing a “meaningful relationship”of adults living together, not married. One has but to rememeber that divorce and living together outside of marriage were viewed just a few short years ago as disgraceful as n as charcteristics of reporbates to see how far we have moved down the road to ruin.
a. Marriage was institued by God in the Garden of Eden. (Gen 2:24). God joined a husband and wife, man cannot put asunder. (Mat 19:6)
b. Purpose of marriage.
man needs companionship (Gen 2:18) Martial relationship (MR) was established to fulfill the physical needs of the man and woman. (1 Cor 7:1-5) MR was established to perpertuate the human race. (Gen 1:28)
c. God hates divorce! From the beginning of time, God intended for marriage to be permanent (Mat 19:6). the seventh of the ten commandments was: Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exo 20:14), and the offender was put to death (Lev 20:10). in the NT, the warnings are even stronger. Christ intensifed the regulation when he stated: <<>>He continued: <<>>
d. Marrying within the church.
We have learnt one way to avoid sexual immorality. Is that all?Are there others? Moving on with the sermon text.
c. But to be spiritually minded – in greek is “pneuma” which means to be (with the wisdom that is from above, a principle of grace) and seek God's word and obey.
d. Is life - This is opposed to death in Rom_8:5. It tends to life, and is in fact real life. For to possess and cultivate the graces of the spirit, to be led where he would guide us, is the design of our existence, and is the only path of happiness
What is the spiritual question?
LETS’ REFLECT SPIRITUALLY
Q: So how do we overcome sexual immorality?
LET’S REMEMEBER & ACT IMMEDIATELY – KEEP OURSELVES PURE
1. Keep God standards and stand up for Christ.
a. Keep God's standards. First Thessalonians 4:3 says, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." This means sexual relationship will be reserved for the permanent commitment of marriage. God intended sex to be for a husband and wife who have committed themselves to each other permanently, because only in the context of a permanent commitment can permanent intimacy be safely expressed. When there's physical intimacy without a permanent commitment, somebody's going to get hurt.
b. Make this commitment. before you get into situations where you're going to be tempted to break it, because if you wait until then, you've waited too long. You're not going to make it. The pressure to go the other way on God's standards is so intense in our society that if you have not decided ahead of time, it's not going to happen.
c. Flee fornication and subude your members – abstain from all signs of evil and away from the world (1 Cor 6: 18) and mortify your members (Col 3:5).
d. Stand strong & be consistent. against divorce, re-marriage and all other sexual vices. The strong posture should continue to be reflected at home, work, church, at the pulpit. (Phil 4:1-9)
This day we must fight the great fight against sexual immorality that faces the church. God’s way must always be stood for ; in fact, the inspired writers of the NT emphasized this many times and in many places. Paul said in ephesians 6:10, My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. In eph 6:14, he says, “stand therefore…”
2. Avoid conformity instead be an example.
a. Dont conform. (Rom 12:2) the church exists in the world but must not be of the world (Jon 17:15). Safety prevails as long as the ship is in the water, but when the water gets into the ship there is danger. The same principle applies with referne to the church and the world. the church is in the world to influence the world for good (mat 5:13-16), but when the world gets into the church that influence is counteracted and the church is in great danger. Having been called out of the world, the church must maintain that separate position.
b. Be an example for the world ( 2 Cor 3:2). We are the epistle.
c. Serve only one master. One cannot, infact it is absolutely impossible for a person to live in fleshly lust and in sexual immorality and at the same time live for Christ. A choice must be made: Which master shall I serve? Josh 24:15.
3. Communication and understanding between husband and wife. Make a commitment to maximize your marriage.
a. Be made one flesh. (Gen 2:24). She needs for the two of you to be bonded, not just physically but emotionally. She craves an intimate, gentle, cherishing oneness of soul and spirit if there's going to be sexual connection. It may be that the husband simply requires geographical proximity. He's a much simpler creature. As long as you're in the same space time continuum, he's all set.
b. Communication. Learn to talk with each other. This is part of your duty to maximize your marriage. The Bible says you're called to be one flesh. And when you sign on for marriage, you're making a promise that you're going to move toward that goal as best you can
4. Learn and grow – Talk to your children about their sexuality and about God's plan for them. Deuteronomy 6:6 7 says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children." The commandments referred to here are the Ten Commandments, which include the very one about sexuality that Jesus alluded to in the Sermon on the Mount.
a. Conversation with Children. God's design is that sex education happen in the family. This doesn't mean you just have one talk about the facts of life and get it over with. This involves an ongoing conversation about children's bodies, physical changes they're going through, dating, marriages, how they feel about people of the other sex, responding to questions. It involves different kinds of conversations at each stage of development.
b. If sexual orientation happened badly for you, if you didn't have information or you were misguided or conversations were destructive, then commit to hand off to the next generation something better than you received.
In Conclusion, if we continue to think spiritually and act; if we will resolve to keep God's standard and stand up for Christ when it comes to sexual behavior; maximize our marriages as best we can; and if we will equip our children to honor and follow God, than we show our respect for God's plan for marriage and family to overcome sexuality immorality.
Sermon text: (ROM 8:6)
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
AIM: To share with brethren from God’s Word on the need to be spiritual minded and act immediately to overcome sexual immorality.
INTRODUCTION
During the last topic on covetousness, (pleonaixas – to have) It is the wrongful and sinful desire to lust after the things of the world which are not ours . i.e worldy wealth, physical pleasures. We also talked about physical pleasures. I also mentioned that we should think about the things that are happening around us, even in Singapore. I.e. the casino, crazy horses, gay right issues in Singapore. Ranging from attires to sitcoms that our children are exposed on TV. Movies such has desperate housewives, las vegas etc have started to have wrong influence to christians.
I am afraid, that those things which the bible, God’s word speaks out againsts, many are now saying you can overlook. A new, more permissive society is taking shape. We as God’s children [the called out of the world (1 Pet 2:9), set apart for service to God. (1 Cor 1:2), must fight the new permissiveness with our dying breath. Paul infact, commands it, He says in Romans 12:1,2 “I bessech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, thay ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. That new mind is to be patterned after the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5).
Php 2:5 (G1063) Let this mind beG5426 G5124 inG1722 you,G5213 whichG3739 was alsoG2532 inG1722 ChristG5547 Jesus:G2424
As we look at the mind of Christ, he had always asked spiritual questions. Spiritual questions are questions that are filled with wisdom from the word of God and exercises our spiritual senses. For example, some of this questions that changed the world.
“...Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Matt 8:26 – Jesus questions his disciples, when they were afraid of the tempest and the ship was covered with waves. But they forgot that Jesus was with them.
“ For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mat 16:26 – jesus questions his disciples on what profited them ? The temporal gain of the world and the eternal lost of their soul. Which weighs more?
So where are our spiritual questions that exercise our spiritual senses and can change us and the world?
In Rom 8:6, Paul spoke and in verses 6
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
3. DEFINITION
a. What is carnally minded? The greek word is “sarx”, which means: flesh. As such, carnally minded is to follow the inclinations of the flesh, or the corrupt of our nature, leads us to condemnation and death. Works of the flesh (Gal 5:19);
According to dictionary, carnal is bodily aspects rather than rational and spiritual. It is sensual (which suggests erocticism) and is fleshly (desiring physical appearance and characterisitics)
Today, when we talk about the sin of sexual immorality, we speak about that which is sin, we speak of that which is shameful, we speak of that which is wicked and nowhere in the Bible does it ever come close to being as righteousness.
BEING CARNALLY MINDED LEADS TO SEXUAL IMMMORALITY.
Beginning of Sin. James 1:13-15 (read– Man is drawn away by his own lust). But, What is sexual immorality?
A. The concept of "sexual immorality" is vague 1. Difficulty comes from trying to convey a Greek word that is not easily rendered in English 2. Greek: porneia ("pornography") 3. There is no word in English that properly conveys the meaning of porneia 4. Old meaning: fornication; such now refers almost exclusively to pre-marital sex 5. "Sexual immorality" popular, but could be misleading: porneia does not refer to every kind of sexual sin (lust et al goes under aselgeia, lasciviousness – inclined to lustfullness, arousing sexual desire, indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust. I.e. seduction, sexual harassment, suggestive speaking, eroctic dancing, immoral attire, flirting, explict music).6. Best understanding: sexually deviant behavior-- actual sexual conduct that goes against the sexual norm
B. How can we define "sexually deviant behavior"? 1. The Greek term, in general, refers to conduct like fornication, adultery, pedophilia, incest, homosexuality, and bestiality 2. What is acceptable behaviour?. But to truly establish what is deviant behavior, we must understand what acceptable behavior is 3. Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, 9, Hebrews 13:4 4. The sexual norm is sex between a man and woman whom God has joined together 5. We can see, therefore, that all other sexual conduct beyond this relationship is illicit sexual intercourse, that is, porneia or sexual immorality
C. Aspects of porneia / sexual immorality 1. Sexually deviant behavior can take on many forms 2. Deviant behavior contrary to nature: bestiality, homosexuality 3. Deviant behavior transgressing marital commitment: adultery 4. Deviant behavior transgressing proper relationship boundaries: pedophilia, incest, bigamy, polygamy (having more than one spouse at one time), polyandry (having more than one husband at one time), rape 5. Deviant behavior that reverses God's intentions for a relationship: fornication, sexual play
Lets pay attention to Jesus in Mt 5:27 -30.
The traditional interpretation
The oral traditions of the scribes and Pharisee certainly repeated the written commandment found in the Law – Mt 5:27
But they evidently stressed that as long as one did not commit the actual act, one was not guilty.
Thereby emphasizing the “letter” of the law, but not appreciating the “spirit” behind the law as well.
b. Jesus taught differentlyone does not have to commit the “act” to be guilty of adultery.
One is just as guilty when one “looks at a woman to lust for her” – Mt 5:28
Note: Not the “looking”per se, but looking “to lust” for her is what is wrong.
The word that's translated "lust" here is epithumeio, “to Lust” means to have strong desire for, to possess and dominate completely.
A person may look a another with admiration for beauty and not be guilty of “lust”.
Imagine how offended the religious leaders were when Jesus told them they had problems with sexual righteousness. You see, physical adultery includes everything that's wrong with lusting in the heart plus more deceit, betrayal, the breaking of a promise, damage to family, deep hurt to a spouse. Jesus' point is if you think you're sexually perfect and need no repentance because you've avoided committing physical adultery, think again. It runs deeper.
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Maybe you're tempted to try to escape from your spouse by fantasizing about somebody else. Maybe you're keenly aware that we live in a society that idolizes sexual attractiveness, so you find yourself too attached to the need to appear sexually desirable. Or perhaps you're jealous of someone who is more attractive than you, or you find yourself flirting inappropriately to prove your attractiveness.
Maybe you have difficulty with pornography. Maybe you're a businessperson, and when you travel and you're alone in hotel rooms, you watch adult movies. Maybe you've had an affair. Maybe you struggle with some form of sexual addiction. Maybe you struggle with homosexual feelings. All the above mentioned are wrong in the eyes of God.
WHY SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES?
Sexual Immorality is Sin and is condemned by God. Sexual impurity on the part of those who are not married is a griveous sin and is severely and clearly condemned by Jehovah.
a. Those who walk after the Spirit do no”fulfil the lust of the flesh;”. (Gal5:16-21).
b. Because it is enmity against God – Rom 8:7..
c. In fact, Paul says those who practice sexual relations outside of the marriage bond “shall not inherit the kingdom of God”(1 Cor6:9).
d. Peter urged, “beloved, I bessech you as stranger and pilgrims , abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”(1 Pet 2:11).
e. The aged apostle commanded Timothy, “flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the lord out of a pure heart”(2 Tim 2:22).
3. Defile the man. Sexual sins begins in the heart; it begins with lust (Jam 1:14-15). Our lord stated in Mat 15:18-20: But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blashemies: these are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man (Mark 7:20-23)
4. Defile the body and the nature of sex. 1 Cor 6:18. FleeG5343 fornication.G4202 EveryG3956 sinG265 thatG3739 a manG444 doethG4160 G1437 isG2076 withoutG1622 theG3588 body;G4983 butG1161 he that committeth fornicationG4203 sinnethG264 againstG1519 his ownG2398 body.G4983
5. Defile the marriage -Is suppose to be the union of one husband and wife by God. (Gen 2:24).
6. Cause pain and suffering – physically and spiritually. (Adultery – Job 31:11) – sin of adultery – for this is an heinoue crime: yea it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges. Not only is the one engaged in adultery a criminal, but his guilty of an infamous act. It brings the deepest wound, robs one of honor and virtue, destroys the home, and shames the whole family. It has been termed a form of murder. No wonder Job stated that ït is a fire that consumeth to destruction”(Job 31:12).
5. Spiritual Prostitution. Is also compared to whoredom, being unfaithful to God’s word and commands. God promised that he will be back for us. (John 14:1-3. Rev 22:20-1). But we have to keep his commandments and obey. But with this behaviour, people are not pure and holy for Him. (Eph 5:27 )He bought us with his blood but evil doers have not been faithful to his word. For the lust of the world, christ is forsaked.
6. It is Idolatry. (Col 3:5)
From the sermon text, carnal minded: expression shows that it not only leads to death, or leads to misery, but that it is death itself; there is woe and condemnation in the very act and purpose of being devoted to the corrupt passions.
b. Is death – The greek word is “Thanatos”. Which means death. The penalty of transgression; condemnation and eternal ruin; Note,
SIN & DEATH: (Rom_5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: )
DEATH For evil people: (1 Cor 6:9 – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulteres, nor effminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.)
As such, to avoid sexual immorality, we can be married (1 Cor 7:1-2, 9) but...
MARRIAGE is SACRED AND SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED
Sociologists universally class the deterioration of the home, resulting from divorce and remarriage, as one of the greatest, if not the greatest social problems. And the problem is not an isolated one, in as much as more and more nations are experiencing it. Civilisations of other countries have experienced the same crisis. <
Today, marriage is viewed as simply a legal contract, such as buying property, which may be formed and dissolved at will. <
a. Marriage was institued by God in the Garden of Eden. (Gen 2:24). God joined a husband and wife, man cannot put asunder. (Mat 19:6)
b. Purpose of marriage.
man needs companionship (Gen 2:18) Martial relationship (MR) was established to fulfill the physical needs of the man and woman. (1 Cor 7:1-5) MR was established to perpertuate the human race. (Gen 1:28)
c. God hates divorce! From the beginning of time, God intended for marriage to be permanent (Mat 19:6). the seventh of the ten commandments was: Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exo 20:14), and the offender was put to death (Lev 20:10). in the NT, the warnings are even stronger. Christ intensifed the regulation when he stated: <<>>He continued: <<>>
d. Marrying within the church.
We have learnt one way to avoid sexual immorality. Is that all?Are there others? Moving on with the sermon text.
c. But to be spiritually minded – in greek is “pneuma” which means to be (with the wisdom that is from above, a principle of grace) and seek God's word and obey.
d. Is life - This is opposed to death in Rom_8:5. It tends to life, and is in fact real life. For to possess and cultivate the graces of the spirit, to be led where he would guide us, is the design of our existence, and is the only path of happiness
What is the spiritual question?
LETS’ REFLECT SPIRITUALLY
Q: So how do we overcome sexual immorality?
LET’S REMEMEBER & ACT IMMEDIATELY – KEEP OURSELVES PURE
1. Keep God standards and stand up for Christ.
a. Keep God's standards. First Thessalonians 4:3 says, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." This means sexual relationship will be reserved for the permanent commitment of marriage. God intended sex to be for a husband and wife who have committed themselves to each other permanently, because only in the context of a permanent commitment can permanent intimacy be safely expressed. When there's physical intimacy without a permanent commitment, somebody's going to get hurt.
b. Make this commitment. before you get into situations where you're going to be tempted to break it, because if you wait until then, you've waited too long. You're not going to make it. The pressure to go the other way on God's standards is so intense in our society that if you have not decided ahead of time, it's not going to happen.
c. Flee fornication and subude your members – abstain from all signs of evil and away from the world (1 Cor 6: 18) and mortify your members (Col 3:5).
d. Stand strong & be consistent. against divorce, re-marriage and all other sexual vices. The strong posture should continue to be reflected at home, work, church, at the pulpit. (Phil 4:1-9)
This day we must fight the great fight against sexual immorality that faces the church. God’s way must always be stood for ; in fact, the inspired writers of the NT emphasized this many times and in many places. Paul said in ephesians 6:10, My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. In eph 6:14, he says, “stand therefore…”
2. Avoid conformity instead be an example.
a. Dont conform. (Rom 12:2) the church exists in the world but must not be of the world (Jon 17:15). Safety prevails as long as the ship is in the water, but when the water gets into the ship there is danger. The same principle applies with referne to the church and the world. the church is in the world to influence the world for good (mat 5:13-16), but when the world gets into the church that influence is counteracted and the church is in great danger. Having been called out of the world, the church must maintain that separate position.
b. Be an example for the world ( 2 Cor 3:2). We are the epistle.
c. Serve only one master. One cannot, infact it is absolutely impossible for a person to live in fleshly lust and in sexual immorality and at the same time live for Christ. A choice must be made: Which master shall I serve? Josh 24:15.
3. Communication and understanding between husband and wife. Make a commitment to maximize your marriage.
a. Be made one flesh. (Gen 2:24). She needs for the two of you to be bonded, not just physically but emotionally. She craves an intimate, gentle, cherishing oneness of soul and spirit if there's going to be sexual connection. It may be that the husband simply requires geographical proximity. He's a much simpler creature. As long as you're in the same space time continuum, he's all set.
b. Communication. Learn to talk with each other. This is part of your duty to maximize your marriage. The Bible says you're called to be one flesh. And when you sign on for marriage, you're making a promise that you're going to move toward that goal as best you can
4. Learn and grow – Talk to your children about their sexuality and about God's plan for them. Deuteronomy 6:6 7 says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children." The commandments referred to here are the Ten Commandments, which include the very one about sexuality that Jesus alluded to in the Sermon on the Mount.
a. Conversation with Children. God's design is that sex education happen in the family. This doesn't mean you just have one talk about the facts of life and get it over with. This involves an ongoing conversation about children's bodies, physical changes they're going through, dating, marriages, how they feel about people of the other sex, responding to questions. It involves different kinds of conversations at each stage of development.
b. If sexual orientation happened badly for you, if you didn't have information or you were misguided or conversations were destructive, then commit to hand off to the next generation something better than you received.
In Conclusion, if we continue to think spiritually and act; if we will resolve to keep God's standard and stand up for Christ when it comes to sexual behavior; maximize our marriages as best we can; and if we will equip our children to honor and follow God, than we show our respect for God's plan for marriage and family to overcome sexuality immorality.
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