Sex In The City - Or - Sex In The Scriptures Series

It’s common for a great deal of guilt to accompany masturbation, and this is usually out of all proportion to its seriousness. Again Nikki Gumbel quotes a pastor who describes it as, “like biting our nails – something many do as part of growing up. It’s not a good idea, but it should not be taken too seriously unless it becomes excessive” (Gumbel p54-55).

CONCLUSION

We need to acknowledge the deep guilt often associated with masturbation and any other sin we may have committed within the realm of sexuality for that matter. The downward slide to guilt can lead us further into sin so we need to be aware of it and we need to deal with it.

When it comes to our sexuality, as in all other areas of our lives, God can be trusted. Though that room in our lives which has sexuality on the door may be way out of order, even out of control, we can trust that God will empower us to live the kind of life he wants us to lead.

And though we have all strayed sexually – whether in thought, word, or deed – we can also trust that God’s forgiveness is readily available to all who ask for it. Though sexual misconduct can leave an especially stubborn stain of shame, our heavenly Father can scrub us clean when we humbly turn to him and admit our wrongdoing.

As Christians powerful scriptures such as Romans 8 should encourage us,

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life [sets us] free from the law of sin and death.

Jesus’ provision of the Holy Spirit means that it is possible to be cleansed and forgiven and to finally break free from these kinds of strongholds in our lives.

After he slept with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, King David prayed in desperation, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” God revels in answering these kinds of prayers because they bring us back to him. When you come to him with a heartfelt request like that, he will forgive you – we will be externally restored in our relationship to him. And he will cleanse you, releasing you over time from any shame. What an awesome and loving God - in this God, and in him alone is where we will find our ecstatic pleasure.

SOURCES:

•Choices By Stacey and Paula Rinehart.

•How to help your child say NO to sexual pressure By Josh McDowell.

•Searching Issues By Nicky Gumbel

•God’s Outrageous Claims By Lee Strobel

•Issues Facing Christians Today By John Stott