Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
3 Facts about Sex
We live in a society that seems saturated in sex. Movies, books, commercials, songs, YouTube videos and more seem to face us at every turn with sensuality and sexuality. As this is being written, the trailer for a film based on a popular pornographic novel series has been released. The books sold millions upon millions of copies and were read by many women who claim the name of Christ. Many who claim the name of Jesus live with boyfriends or girlfriends outside of marriage. Teens explore sexuality based on what has been learned in movies and videos.
Fact #1: Sex Used Wrongly Destroys
Rampant consensual behaviors do not even take into account situations for forcible sexual encounters like rape or incest. In rape and incest, sex is used as a weapon to harm a weaker person. In all cases, sex has the power to destroy. Sometimes the destruction is overt, while other times it is insidious. But, used wrongly, it always has the power to destroy.
Fact #2: Sexual Purity in Marriage is only Between a Man and a Woman
Paul warned the followers of Jesus, “Know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolator, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.”1 Sexual immorality is an offense to God. Sexual purity is known only in the realm of marriage between a man and a woman.
In American society today, homosexual relationships are deemed to be as normal as heterosexual relationships. We are told loving relationships are available between any two people who love each other–man with man or woman with woman. This may be popular in our society, but it simply does not square with scripture.
Scripture, however, indicates God’s wrath will fall on those who live in disobedience, including sexual sins. Paul continues, “Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light–”2
Fact #3: Sexual Conversation should only be Between Spouses
Interestingly, Paul makes sure we know that our language is also involved. Sexual degradation is not merely a physical act between two people. Dirty jokes, off-color comments, improper discussions with someone not a spouse, and flirtatious emails or text messages also hold inherent destructive potential. Sexually charged communication should be between spouses, while off-color comments or jokes have no place in the conversation of the righteous. If we pattern our speech after that of Jesus, His character and holiness will be seen and heard in us.
In Bible Studies for Life, Chip Ingram writes, “God designed sex to provide physical pleasure, for procreation, for relational intimacy, and to be a spiritual object lesson of Christ and the church.”3 The only way for all four of these to be accomplished righteously is through a sexual relationship between a husband and wife.
Within the bounds of heterosexual marriage, sex is blessed and bountiful. That is where it should stay to avoid the destructiveness it can bring.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
President, Southern Baptist Convention
1– Ephesians 5:5 (HCSB)
2– Ephesians 5:6-8 (HCSB)
3– Bible Studies for Life, Ready, Chip Ingram
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Ready to Trust God During Extended Illnesses
Throughout history, some of greatest victories God gives in life have been won in the valley of the shadow of death. It is there that comfort comes from His presence and His shepherding hand. It is during those times of danger and confusion that His love becomes more real to us. There we experience that great contrast between light and darkness as shadows give way to His glory.
Questions in time of suffering
Many Christians struggle with the idea of why God allows His people to suffer. The questions aren’t always accusatory; in fact, they are often honest, probing and heartfelt. The questions can become even more intense when an individual is suffering. As Chip Ingram notes in Bible Studies for Life, “Anyone who struggles with long-term health issues will come to this question sooner or later: If God can heal me, why doesn’t He?”1 Indeed, unanswered questions to the problem of suffering have driven many away from God.
How Paul responded to personal suffering
The Apostle Paul was no stranger to long term suffering. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, he writes about a long term struggle with what he termed, “a thorn in the flesh.” He also phrased it a “messenger of Satan.” Most biblical scholars believe this was some kind of long term physical affliction, possibly poor eyesight (see Galatians 6:11). Regardless of the specific illness, Paul asked God to remove it on three different occasions (2 Corinthians 12:8).
What God revealed to Paul is a lesson of comfort to Christ’s followers through the centuries: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”2 What God wants us to know is the neverending reservoir of grace available to those who wait on Him. God does not abandon us during times of sickness, suffering or disease. On the contrary, He pours out abundant grace on those who ask Him for it.
But Paul didn’t leave it there. His response is insightful and instructive: “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”3 For Paul, possessing Christ’s power was a worthy trade suffering afflictions.
Glory follows suffering
Suffering is not eternal for those who believe. Glory is. Glory follows suffering.
In his letter in Romans 8:18, Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (HCSB). Again, Paul sees a trade worth having. Suffering now cannot be compared to glory that will be revealed in the future. This glory is connected to God’s restoring of all things in eternity. And to be sure, what a glorious time it will be!
Because God’s grace is sufficient in our weakness, and because of the glory He plans to reveal in us, we are able to see beyond the suffering of our temporal bodies. We can rejoice in the grace and perfections of God even when our suffering is intense and ongoing. Why? Because His grace is good enough for our every need.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
President, Southern Baptist Convention
1– Bible Studies for Life, Ready, Chip Ingram
2– 2 Corinthians 12:9, HCSB
3– 2 Corinthians 12: 9, HCSB
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.