Coping In A Sex Crazed Society

“Coping In A Sex-Crazed Society”

Mike Harris

April 11, 1999

Intro: We starting a new series today—and over the next 3 weeks-- we’re going to be looking at 3 very important areas of our lives.

Sex…. Money…. and Relationships….

Now—there’s not a day that goes by -- that you and I don’t think about these areas of our lives…

When any one of these 3 areas --- out of kilter… usually impacts every other area of our lives

AND THE TRUTH IS…

--most of us – if not all of us-- struggle in these areas…

we struggle to find the answers…

we struggle to find good role models…

we struggle to get control of these areas…

And any one of these areas has the potential -- if mis-managed…. If mis-handled…. If mis-guided….. any one of these areas has the potential of destroying our lives…. Or at least really messing things up…

Good news--- God has a lot to say about all 3 of these areas….

(did you know that?) A lot to say about … sex…. Money… relationships…

--because He understands how important these areas are…

So—over the course of the next 3 weeks-- going to look at each of these areas…

Specifically – we’re going to look at some strategies that God provides….values – principles--- that we can apply to each of these areas---

SO THAT---- we can experience wellness – not just in these areas—but in the entirety of our lives--- that’s what God wants for us…

--he wants us to be happy--- he wants us to be fulfilled …. He wants us to experience life to the max…. and he also shows us how…. (that’s key!)

So—let’s just dive right into this first area….. area of SEX…

Now—I think first of all – we need to begin with a Foundation…

Begin with Some basic understanding – about what God teaches us concerning this area…. And I think some of this might pleasantly surprise some you…

(look at the top of your message card…)

You’ll see some statements…. These are key things God wants us to understand about sex…

[Forming a Foundation:]

(1) God created us as sexual beings.

He understands everything we go through in regard to this area…

--because he has created us this way…. He’s wired us up this way…

God has created SEX… What a great God…. J

He’s created us to be sexual beings…. So he understands…

(2nd thing we need to understand foundationally….)

(2) Everything God created is good!

In the book of Genesis—God looked at everything he created—and he said—“It is good!”

And SEX… regardless of what you’ve been taught… or regardless of what you’ve experienced…. Is GOOD!…. It’s good by God’s design….

Let me just say this…. Everything God has created – is meant to be good for us…. (including sex)…. BUT-- everything God has created also has the potential--- to be bad for us…

(this leads me to the 3rd foundational statement…)

(3) God has designed safe & healthy boundaries.

For everything God has created—he had also given us boundaries…

---and when we stay within those boundaries---- it is always good!

Now this is where God gets the bad wrap… “big mean ol’ dad…” – “always wanting to squash all our fun…” “what we can do—what we can’t do”

Truth is-- we all need boundaries…

Ex. If you’re a parent-- you place certain boundaries around your children..

Why? --Not to take away their fun and happiness--- but to ensure that they remain safe and happy…

Illust: I don’t even remember this—but when I was very young-- mom & Dad said—“don’t touch the stove”-- but having the adventurous spirit that I have—and realizing that they were just trying to take away all my fun and happiness…. I reached up and placed my hand squarely on a red hot burner...

Now—I disregarded the boundary that my mom & dad placed around me—and what happened…. I GOT BURNED.

And that’s what happens when we step outside of the boundaries that God places around us as well…

Now-- what are the boundaries that God has placed around us in regard to SEX?

Here it is: Sex is to be enjoyed within the context of a monogomous male & female marriage relationship. (repeat)

That’s the biblical boundary… that’s God’s standard…

Now—here’s the problem…. We don’t like someone else setting the boundaries… We want to be the boss—we want to be the one who sets the boundaries around our lives—we don’t want any one else (incl. God) telling us what the boundaries ought to be in our lives… Because ultimately we think we know what’s best for us…

Take for example Niki (17)

“I don’t think teenagers should be taught that sex is wrong before marriage. I think it should be based on individual morals. The most important thing for teens to be taught is how to protect themselves and to be warned of the consequences. But in the end, it’s our decision.”