Measure of a Man: Moral Purity 4

Great Advice from Getz on Moral Purity and avoiding sexual sin and addiction.


1. Communicate with your spouse and/or accountability partner. All of us need someone to keep us honest. It is almost imperative to have an accountability partner of the same sex to help ask the tough questions and keep us honest. Most sexual sin thrives in secret. There must be openness if we are to defeat sexual temptation and addiction.
2. Know yourself and avoid sexually stimulating circumstances.
3. Read Scripture and keep your eyes and mind on godly things.
4. Get professional help if necessary.

The Measure of a Man: Moral Purity 3

Gets (41) writes, "Men should fortify themselves through regular study of the Word of God and prayer. Nothing dulls a desire for communication with God and the study of His Word as much as indiscriminate exposure to illegitimate sexual stimuli."

Are you finding it difficult to read the Bible or hear God's voice? Getz suggests that each of us check our desires. Desiring God can be sidetracked by a desire for self-pleasure.

"And nothing is so effective in combating temptation and lust as an effective prayer life and Bible study program. Thus Paul wrote, 'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things' (Phil 4:8)." (Getz, 41)

Get out of the ditch and into the Scripture!

The Measure of Man: Moral Purity 2

How do you know when you have gone to far sexually? How many looks is too many? What movies are OK, and which ones are not? What Internet images are OK with God, and which ones are no-nos?

If you have the answers to these, then you are smarter than I. Part of me wants to say that it is up to the individual to determine what he or she can tolerate.

Then I ask myself, "Why am I tolerating anything?" What is the benefit of pushing the envelope on issues that can only lead to sin and the breaking of vows to God, my family, and my church? Do I have to be such an adrenaline junky that I cannot think clearly and safely about sexual temptation and sin?

Getz says, "A man who deliberately enjoys and pursues an illegitimate sexual relationship with a woman in his mind has, in God's sight, already committed an immoral act. This kind of fantasy world is off limits for a man who desires to follow God fully." (p. 36)

Explicit pornography is easy to define, and the enjoyment of it is illegitimate and immoral. However, the road to pornography is paved with suggestive materials that are not explicit. Skimpy bikinis, underwear ads, Victoria's Secrets modeling shows, acceptably rated movies, "artistic" pictures--all of these are culturally accepted presentations of sexuality that allow for the kind of fantasy that is off limits for the man of God and destructive to himself, his spouse, and his church.

How far are you down that slippery road? Turn around now before there is no return.

First Corinthians 7:15-40

So, does this passage justify divorce? If so, for what reasons?

Also, does this passage justify slavery? (v.20-22) What is the key truth Paul is presenting here?

I find Paul's comments on marriage humorous. He certainly has no desire to be married, and wants all other believers to avoid the responsibilities of marriage, if one can do so without sin. Two observations. 1) Again, Paul is concerned about the end of time, so he views marriages and families as a luxury (i.e., for sexual purity) and not a necessity for the preparation of the church for the coming of Christ's kingdom. 2) In discussing marital issues, Paul gives his own advice, and does not present his message as a prophetic word from God (v.25). So, he gives his best opinion, but does not judge anyone concerning marriage or singleness.

So, note Paul's passion for the Gospel, for sexual purity, and for a right relationship with God. I think these are the driving forces behind his comments here. It also forces the questions: what would I give up to serve God? What am I already committed to in this life that I can use for God's glory? Am I serving God to the best of my ability in the life that he has given me? Remember, Paul is not calling for these people to make drastic changes in their walk of life. He is calling on them to live the Gospel right where they currently are. In Paul's mind, this is where God has placed them, and they need to shine!

First Corinthians 7:1-14

Paul continues to address issues of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church. Apparently he has received some questions from Corinth (7:1) and now is answering them.

The first issue surrounds marriage, and whether a Christian man should marry. Personally, I am glad I am married and really enjoy my wife and family. I think Paul's perspective is different. First of all, he is completely married to the Gospel. So, he has no use for sexual activity at all. A very noble gesture. Yet, I readily admit that I fall among the "weak" who need to be married in order to fulfill the proper mode of sexual purity. Paul, though, feels no such passion. He is thinking only about the cross. Now, if I could channel some of my random energies and bodily passions into spiritual pursuits, what could God do through me then? Paul covered two continents on foot and by boat, started a multitude on churches, and preached the Gospel in Asia Minor, Rome, and possibly Spain. WOW!

Secondly, he is speaking to a group of people who have a very different perspective on physical pleasure, and he is attempting to re-channel their thinking away from selfish pleasure to selfless pleasure. Thus, sex is about pleasing your partner, not pleasing yourself. It is also about fulfilling you God given duties, not pleasing yourself. However, being ever so practical, if you are going to burn with lust, God has provided a way to handle it--take advantage of it!

Part of marital problems occur when couple intimacy breaks down and the sexual bond is not available when needed. Communication and intimacy are essential to a good sex life. They also require a more selfless approach to the relationship. Are you ready to sacrifice your personal pride and desires for a better sex life? That's the Christian way: self-sacrifice leads to greater reward and personal fulfillment.

Tell me: what do you think of Paul's divorce comments? And what about a believing spouse staying with an unbeliever to sanctify the marriage and the children? What does he mean?

First Corinthians 6:12-20

Honor God with your body, especially in regards to sexual temptation and activity.

This truth relates directly to Paul's comment that we are justified in the Lord (6:11) and cleansed by him. Since he has cleansed us and freed us, we must show thanksgiving and repsect by not further polluting the body and soul that he has purchased. Furthermore, since the Spirit indwells us, we must strive for personal purity. As Paul notes, "Do we unite our God with a prostitue?" The answer is "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Yet, how many times do allow ourselves the freedom to do whatever we want, and thus bringing shame on the name of the one who died for our sins? Our society is much like that of Corinth in terms of sexual freedom and expression, and Paul is calling those who claim the Lordship of Christ to stand frim in their commitment to him and to their families. We are not free to do whatever we want, we are free to serve Christ!