Proclaimer Blog
Sex (and marriage)
Just dusting down some notes and doing some prep for a marriage seminar we're running in Jan. Looks like 2013 is going to be the year of marriage seminars as Mrs R and I are doing one at the EMA as well. Here's some Bible info on sex – what is the purpose of sex? I think this material may originally have been based on something from Driscoll, but it's almost 10 years old, so to be honest, can't remember where exactly we got it from. In no particular order:
- sex is for pleasure. Songs 7.6-8 clearly presents sex as pleasurable. There's no hint of children.
- sex is for reproduction. Genesis 1.28. It's a simple biological fact that sexual intercourse is the way children are conceived (whatever you may tell your toddler!). This has to be read carefully in the light of the trouble some couples have.
- sex is for oneness. Genesis 2.24. Sex expresses marital union in a way that nothing else can. In some cultures, for example, it is acceptable for two male friends to hold hands. But this can only be an expression of friendship. Sex is something more. This reason of course is linked closely to the picture of Christ and the church (almost worthy of a separate point?)
- sex is for comfort. 2 Sam 12.24. After the death of David's illegitimate son, David comforts Bathsheba with sex. This is an often overlooked purpose that many couples who are struggling would do well to heed.
- sex is for holiness. 1 Cor 7.2. God gives sex within marriage as a guard or protection against immorality and Satan (see verse 5).