After spending a decade teaching the Bible to junior and senior high classes, sex is one of those topics which was brought to the forefront of discussion. One of my 11th grade courses was based upon Mere Christianity. Since Book 3 is entitled, What Christian’s Believe, students signed up for the chapter they wanted to present to their class. Sexual Morality tended to be the most interesting presentation annually as teenagers wanted to know “how far is too far?”
So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar (monument) on her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Then Israel journeyed on and spread his tent on the other side of the tower of Edar. 22 When Israel dwelt there, Reuben [his eldest son] went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now Jacob’s sons were twelve, Genesis 35:19-22.
Since the Ten Commandments had yet to be introduced at this time in the Bible, Noah and Enoch set the tone for others to follow by habitually walking with God. Apparently, how far is too far didn’t enter into the mind of Reuben. The death of Rachel weighed heavy upon her former servant Bilhah. Caught in a moment of weakness, Reuben’s caring hug planted the thought of sexual immorality. Before the night was over, one thing led to another as adultery was carried out.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. 19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, 20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), 21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:16-21.
The Song of Solomon goes into vivid detail about the role of sex in marriage. However, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality following a scandal within the Church at Corinth. Romans 7:14-18 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-18 highlight what Jesus prayed in Matthew 26:41. “The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Until Christians learn to tame their fleshly desires, sin will continue to reign. Therefore, learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, so tempting thoughts of sexual immorality will be replaced with the mind of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 