In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, where Georges Melki shares insights on how holiness in sexuality isn’t about rigid rules or escaping desire, but about living with undivided devotion to God—whether in marriage, singleness, or struggle—by receiving sex as a gift and embodying grace in a hypersexualized world.

• Jesus didn’t give laws—he addressed people’s real-life struggles and offered principles to guide them through life.

Paul reframes sexuality in many ways:

• In this passage, Paul challenges the idea that holiness is only individual. It’s also communal.

• By calling spouses to yield their bodies to each other, Paul makes a radical, countercultural statement of equality in a time when men held power.
• Paul offers a positive view of sex—not just for procreation but as a meaningful part of life and relationship.
• He describes sex as good, but not ultimate. It’s one of three powerful gifts (money, sex, power) that can either bless or corrupt, depending on how they’re used.
• Cultural messages either demonize sex as impure and unholy or idolize sex as the ultimate expression of freedom.

• There’s value in fasting from sex for spiritual growth. Even within marriage, sex can distract from full devotion to God—so the core principle remains: in all things, pursue undivided devotion to God.

• In today’s hypersexualized world, struggling with sexual thoughts doesn’t mean you lack the gift of celibacy—it simply means it’s hard to resist what’s constantly around us.

• We often want quick answers. If married to an unbeliever, we might think divorce is the solution—but Paul points to be more gracious. Mature holiness means knowing Jesus sanctifies us daily, and we shine His light within our relationships. We don’t leave to be more holy—we become holy where we are.

• Our calling is sanctification. Don’t try to change yourself—it turns that struggle into an idol. Let God do the work. He’ll free captives, restore what’s broken, and bring you the relationships meant for you.

• At the end of his life, Jesus didn’t resist his suffering. He was treated like a slave, beaten like an abused woman, abandoned like a divorcée. He didn’t change his fate—God brought resurrection.

Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.

Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.

Speaker: Georges Melki

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 7: 1-24

Date: March 9th, 2025

Sermon Series: Glorify God