Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

It is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Corinthians 7:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Because Christians are counter-cultural on sexual matters, you might be tempted to believe the lie so many people tell, namely, that Christians are uptight when it comes to sex. Maybe you’ve heard people suggest that we are a bunch of backward, sexually-repressed prudes? In yesterday’s reading at the end of 1 Corinthians 6, we heard Paul’s strong words: "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." Given statements like this, no wonder some think Christians have a negative attitude toward sex.

But in chapter 7 it becomes clear that Paul has more to say on the subject. As chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians teaches, sex is not bad, but it belongs in the proper context and that context is marriage.

Then as now, people had all kinds of practical questions when it came to living out the Christian faith. Should I get married? Is divorce okay? Should I get remarried? So, Paul gives counsel in this chapter and it is measured and reasonable. Throughout, he honors marriage as a good gift from God that allows the only God-pleasing context for sex. He is not a prude but he knows how powerful the sex drive is and the kind of unintended and painful consequences that come about from unrestrained sex. That is what he is trying to save people from. And that is what we should always keep in mind when we consider God’s laws.

God’s goal is not to repress us and deprive us of pleasure, rather, His desire is for us to live good and faithful lives. To have loving and godly families that create safe homes for children to grow and thrive. In short, God’s laws are meant to spare us the awful consequences of sin and instead bless us and the coming generations.

Of course, no matter how hard we try, as long as we are in this flesh, sin is always present along with its painful consequences. Only one man could live a life in the flesh without sin, and this He did to bless you forever so that when this life is over, you will live in a new resurrected flesh without any shame, sorrow, guilt, or tears. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord if You are not the builder, Then the house is built in vain, For a home without Your presence Shall without true love remain. Yet when You within a marriage Come and dwell with grace divine, There You will the empty vessels, Changing water into wine. ("Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing" LSB 860, st.2)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch