A People Set Apart | Men's Devotional预览

The Right Tool for the Job

Sexuality and sexual purity seem to be becoming an increasingly difficult world to navigate.

Fine—there is no “seems.”

Sex, sexuality, and sexual behavior are becoming more and more normalized in the places we frequent. Even among Christians, boundaries are changing for what is appropriate.

Men, we see and feel this battle in most spaces in our lives. At least I do. Like most areas, I’m guessing I’m not all that different here.

The good news is that while we may feel like things are sliding in an immoral direction, they aren’t that different from what they always have been. Some of the specifics might ebb and flow, but the general situation is as old as Lamech (see Genesis 4:19).

The struggle over sexual behavior extends from early in human history right up through the present time. And yes, the church in Corinth was no exception to the battle.

In fact, they may have been setting the pace…in the worst way possible.

Two explicit sexual scenarios were unfolding in the Corinthian church. A man was having sex with his stepmother (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-13), and church members were frequenting prostitutes (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). While there’s some evidence that the latter may have been a cultural norm and acceptable, the former was considered egregious and aberrant even in the permissive and accepting culture of the day.

The way Paul addresses this situation should make us sit up and pay attention. Of course, he condemns the actions and recommends corrective and severe courses for those involved (see 1 Corinthians 5:12-13). But at the end of addressing the issue of having sex with prostitutes, Paul gives instructions about sexual activity that is not simply confined to the realm of “right” and “wrong.”

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Honor God with your bodies.

Paul places sexual activity in the realm of “wisdom.” Because God has purchased your salvation (and your body and soul), make choices that honor Him with your sexual activity.

Men, this is the instruction we need. Sex with prostitutes may not be your issue, but we all still need to use the same wisdom in how we express our sexual appetites.

The bottom-line question is, “Does this honor God?”

May all our actions in mind and body be “Yes!”

Prayer: God, I admit that it would be easier to simply have a list of do/don'ts and right and wrong when it comes to sexuality. Help me to ask tough questions about my own sexual desires and activities and whether or not they bring You honor. Amen.

Reflection: How do your sexual habits reflect a wisdom that honors God? What might need to change in order to honor Him?