WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.220 This morning we're returning to the topic of marriage for a sermon. 00:00:03.960 --> 00:00:08.320 My first sermon in this series was last month on the 21st, so if you missed that then you can 00:00:08.320 --> 00:00:11.859 ! go on the church website and you can find it there. 00:00:12.480 --> 00:00:19.559 We talked just briefly, we talked about how God is the one who made marriage and how marriage is not just a piece of paper. 00:00:20.460 --> 00:00:22.960 It's not just a government institution. 00:00:23.900 --> 00:00:30.300 We talked about how God himself designed this special relationship between the first man and woman. 00:00:31.420 --> 00:00:35.460 It says in Genesis that God brought the woman to the man. 00:00:35.960 --> 00:00:47.439 And it was God who said, for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh. 00:00:47.439 --> 00:00:53.019 And we looked a little bit at Jesus' words on the subject in Matthew 19. 00:00:53.539 --> 00:00:56.839 He said, they are no longer two but one flesh. 00:00:57.259 --> 00:01:01.000 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. 00:01:03.140 --> 00:01:04.400 God made marriage. 00:01:04.979 --> 00:01:10.560 We talked about how God is the one who actually joins two people together in a way that we don't understand. 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:12.359 It's a special relationship. 00:01:12.819 --> 00:01:14.420 A holy and sacred thing. 00:01:14.420 --> 00:01:18.420 It's a good and beautiful gift of God to us. 00:01:19.359 --> 00:01:25.079 But I also mentioned last time that this gift of marriage has been deeply affected by the fall of man. 00:01:26.099 --> 00:01:29.180 We're not going to actually read that story of how man fell. 00:01:29.579 --> 00:01:31.719 You can find it in Genesis chapter 3. 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:35.820 The devil tempts man to disobey God. 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:38.060 And man gives in. 00:01:38.060 --> 00:01:46.240 And suddenly the perfect harmony and love that we enjoyed with each other is spoiled by sin. 00:01:47.579 --> 00:01:52.579 And it wasn't just that we lost our perfect track record or our good standing with God. 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:54.719 It was even deeper than that. 00:01:55.700 --> 00:01:59.099 We became sinners with a sinful nature. 00:01:59.099 --> 00:02:05.179 With a tendency to desire and to do what is wrong. 00:02:05.839 --> 00:02:06.939 What is immoral. 00:02:07.899 --> 00:02:13.000 Good desires were replaced with selfish lusts and cravings. 00:02:13.539 --> 00:02:20.659 Our perfect care and concern for one another was replaced with a selfishness and a me first mentality. 00:02:20.659 --> 00:02:27.300 We see the effects of sin on marriage the moment after Adam and Eve disobeyed God. 00:02:28.340 --> 00:02:29.419 What does Adam do? 00:02:30.219 --> 00:02:34.620 When God confronts him rather than taking responsibility for his own sinful action. 00:02:34.740 --> 00:02:36.800 He blames his wife. 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:43.240 Chapter after chapter of the Bible helps us see the devastation. 00:02:43.240 --> 00:02:47.800 The consequences of sin for the human race. 00:02:48.600 --> 00:02:49.480 Bloodshed. 00:02:50.320 --> 00:02:50.840 Death. 00:02:52.260 --> 00:02:52.879 Jealousy. 00:02:53.700 --> 00:02:54.200 Deception. 00:02:55.280 --> 00:02:55.620 War. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:02:57.960 And the list goes on. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:00.420 Our sin affects everything. 00:03:01.200 --> 00:03:02.100 Every relationship. 00:03:02.960 --> 00:03:03.860 Every action. 00:03:04.500 --> 00:03:05.180 Every thought. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:06.760 Every desire. 00:03:08.260 --> 00:03:10.860 Including our marriage relationship. 00:03:10.860 --> 00:03:12.200 And our sexuality. 00:03:13.240 --> 00:03:16.879 What was made to be a good and beautiful gift for mankind. 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:20.640 Could no longer be received and enjoyed as intended. 00:03:22.040 --> 00:03:26.219 Unless both a man and woman humbly seek God together. 00:03:27.360 --> 00:03:32.820 And we see the effects of sin on marriage all throughout the Bible. 00:03:33.280 --> 00:03:37.680 We see it in the first chapters between Abraham and his wife Sarah. 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:41.080 Rather than trust God's promise. 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:46.040 Sarah puts her servant Hagar into her husband's arms. 00:03:46.340 --> 00:03:48.200 To get the son that she desires. 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:50.200 And what does it lead to? 00:03:51.280 --> 00:03:51.960 Tears. 00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:53.260 Fighting. 00:03:54.260 --> 00:03:54.879 Jealousy. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:03:56.379 Misery. 00:03:56.379 --> 00:04:00.299 Because God made marriage to be one man. 00:04:00.699 --> 00:04:03.460 And one woman exclusively. 00:04:04.519 --> 00:04:07.299 And whenever that design is violated with another. 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:10.799 There can be nothing but problems and pain. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:14.120 Well that was Sarah. 00:04:15.180 --> 00:04:19.939 We also see that Abraham himself didn't do much better on two occasions. 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:23.180 He also failed to trust the promise of God. 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:25.939 And tried to take matters into his own hands. 00:04:26.720 --> 00:04:29.220 To save his own skin in foreign territories. 00:04:29.900 --> 00:04:31.860 He said his wife was his sister. 00:04:32.460 --> 00:04:35.439 Which led to her being taken from him twice. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:40.100 We see the effects of sin a little bit later. 00:04:41.100 --> 00:04:43.719 On marriage with Abraham's grandsons. 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:46.620 Esau married two Canaanite women. 00:04:47.219 --> 00:04:49.160 Who were not worshippers of the Lord. 00:04:49.980 --> 00:04:53.120 And who lived according to the wicked practices of the Canaanites. 00:04:53.159 --> 00:04:55.600 And it caused major tension in the family. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:04:58.100 And made life bitter for his parents. 00:04:59.740 --> 00:05:04.040 Jacob also had some stuff going on with his marriages. 00:05:04.040 --> 00:05:05.800 He was a deceiver. 00:05:07.340 --> 00:05:10.840 And his deceptive ways came back on his own head. 00:05:11.500 --> 00:05:13.040 When his uncle tricked him. 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:15.400 Into marrying both of his daughters. 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:18.360 And Jacob loved Rachel. 00:05:18.740 --> 00:05:19.740 More than Leah. 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:23.100 And we read of the anguish of soul. 00:05:24.060 --> 00:05:24.920 And the pain. 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:26.640 Of those two sisters. 00:05:27.300 --> 00:05:29.060 Who had to share the same husband. 00:05:29.340 --> 00:05:32.100 And they were inflamed with jealousy and rivalry. 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:33.800 Towards each other. 00:05:34.040 --> 00:05:39.220 We also read of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:42.040 And the men there. 00:05:42.200 --> 00:05:44.080 Who exchanged natural relations. 00:05:44.420 --> 00:05:45.700 For unnatural ones. 00:05:45.800 --> 00:05:48.379 And burned with lust towards one another. 00:05:49.379 --> 00:05:51.840 We read about how they treated women. 00:05:51.840 --> 00:05:54.060 As objects to be used. 00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:55.320 And abused. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:58.140 They even tried to molest travelers. 00:05:58.439 --> 00:05:58.900 And visitors. 00:05:59.340 --> 00:06:00.379 Who were passing through. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:03.219 We also see. 00:06:03.420 --> 00:06:04.699 A little bit later in the story. 00:06:04.800 --> 00:06:06.120 The tragic effects of sin. 00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:07.759 Overtake the family of Jacob. 00:06:08.259 --> 00:06:10.399 When one of the men from the town of Shechem. 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:12.300 Takes and rapes. 00:06:12.540 --> 00:06:13.360 Jacob's daughter. 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:14.240 Dinah. 00:06:15.139 --> 00:06:16.600 We see it again with Judah. 00:06:16.719 --> 00:06:17.420 A little bit later. 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:18.719 The son of Jacob. 00:06:18.719 --> 00:06:20.480 As he sleeps with a prostitute. 00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:23.520 Who happens to be his own daughter-in-law. 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:25.319 And gets caught. 00:06:25.660 --> 00:06:26.580 And exposed. 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:29.060 We see it with Pharaoh. 00:06:29.359 --> 00:06:31.000 The king of Egypt's own wife. 00:06:31.379 --> 00:06:33.599 As she lusts after Joseph in Egypt. 00:06:34.300 --> 00:06:36.579 And then falsely accuses him of assault. 00:06:37.240 --> 00:06:39.579 Which lands Joseph in jail for years. 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:43.819 And all of this is just from the very first book of the Bible. 00:06:43.819 --> 00:06:48.040 We haven't even got to the time of the judges. 00:06:48.939 --> 00:06:51.159 We haven't even got to the time of the kings. 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:52.060 To David. 00:06:52.579 --> 00:06:53.319 And Bathsheba. 00:06:53.959 --> 00:06:58.139 And many more mentions and examples. 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:00.360 Of the devastation of sin. 00:07:01.019 --> 00:07:02.180 On human relationships. 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:02.920 On marriage. 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:03.779 On sexuality. 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:08.079 When the people of Israel come out of Egypt. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:09.639 And camp at Mount Sinai. 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:11.480 God gives them his law. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:14.379 And some of those laws pertain to marriage. 00:07:15.080 --> 00:07:18.120 They point people back to what marriage was intended to be. 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:22.220 Two of the Ten Commandments speak of the marriage relationship. 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:25.080 You shall not commit adultery. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:28.700 And you shall not covet your neighbor's wife. 00:07:30.300 --> 00:07:33.120 These things wouldn't even need to be said. 00:07:33.460 --> 00:07:35.420 If they hadn't become the norm. 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:37.180 In the world at the time. 00:07:38.140 --> 00:07:39.700 Men and women were getting married. 00:07:39.699 --> 00:07:41.699 They were making that covenant with each other. 00:07:42.819 --> 00:07:44.599 And then they were breaking that covenant. 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:47.439 By getting together with other men and women. 00:07:49.019 --> 00:07:50.459 Asides from the one that they'd. 00:07:50.599 --> 00:07:52.279 Pledged themselves to exclusively. 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:54.300 They were looking at the neighbor. 00:07:54.920 --> 00:07:56.639 And their families. 00:07:57.079 --> 00:07:57.740 Their husbands. 00:07:57.899 --> 00:07:58.480 Their wives. 00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:01.039 And desiring to be with someone. 00:08:01.180 --> 00:08:03.839 Other than the one that they had been joined to by God. 00:08:03.839 --> 00:08:09.339 Also given around the time that the Ten Commandments were. 00:08:09.419 --> 00:08:10.659 Were the rest of the law. 00:08:11.179 --> 00:08:14.199 One piece of that is Leviticus 19.29. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:18.859 God says do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute. 00:08:20.739 --> 00:08:24.379 We might wonder why a law like this even needs to be given. 00:08:24.379 --> 00:08:26.379 How sad. 00:08:26.379 --> 00:08:26.680 How sad. 00:08:27.500 --> 00:08:30.259 That fathers would sell their own daughters. 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:31.560 To other men. 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:32.639 For the night. 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:36.220 The effects of sin on us. 00:08:36.539 --> 00:08:38.379 Gave rise to all kinds of sexual perversion. 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:42.500 Deviations from the good design of God. 00:08:43.820 --> 00:08:46.679 Attempts to gratify the cravings. 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:48.360 Of our sinful nature. 00:08:48.360 --> 00:08:51.860 Nearly a whole chapter in Leviticus. 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:53.659 Is dedicated to instruction. 00:08:53.940 --> 00:08:55.720 About forbidden sexual relations. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:59.399 And we'll just read a few verses from Leviticus 18. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:02.840 The Lord said to Moses. 00:09:03.180 --> 00:09:05.259 Speak to the Israelites and say to them. 00:09:06.060 --> 00:09:07.800 I am the Lord your God. 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:11.860 You must not do as they do in Egypt. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:12.980 Where you used to live. 00:09:13.820 --> 00:09:16.980 And you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan. 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:19.000 Where I'm bringing you. 00:09:19.940 --> 00:09:21.800 Do not follow their practices. 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:24.639 You must obey my laws. 00:09:24.920 --> 00:09:27.240 And be careful to follow my decrees. 00:09:27.820 --> 00:09:29.600 I am the Lord your God. 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:32.519 Keep my decrees and laws. 00:09:32.759 --> 00:09:35.460 For the person who obeys them will live by them. 00:09:36.200 --> 00:09:37.039 I am the Lord. 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:41.700 No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:43.340 I am the Lord. 00:09:44.180 --> 00:09:45.820 Do not dishonor your father. 00:09:45.820 --> 00:09:48.520 By having sexual relations with your mother. 00:09:49.540 --> 00:09:50.379 She is your mother. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:53.379 Do not have relations with her. 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:57.120 Do not have sexual relations with your father's wife. 00:09:57.920 --> 00:09:59.600 That would dishonor your father. 00:10:00.280 --> 00:10:02.780 Do not have sexual relations with your sister. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:04.920 Either your father's daughter. 00:10:05.500 --> 00:10:06.980 Or your mother's daughter. 00:10:07.640 --> 00:10:10.800 Whether she was born in the same home. 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:11.940 Or elsewhere. 00:10:11.940 --> 00:10:16.160 Do not have sexual relations with your son's daughter. 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:18.060 Or your daughter's daughter. 00:10:19.300 --> 00:10:20.700 That would dishonor you. 00:10:22.120 --> 00:10:26.000 And the list actually just keeps on going here. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:28.120 Most of the chapter. 00:10:28.660 --> 00:10:30.460 Listing off different family relationships. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:32.720 And again we might wonder. 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:35.280 Did they really need to be commanded by God. 00:10:35.340 --> 00:10:38.379 Not to have sexual relations with their own parents. 00:10:38.740 --> 00:10:40.379 With their own grandchildren. 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:42.420 With their step siblings. 00:10:42.680 --> 00:10:43.540 And with their aunts. 00:10:43.660 --> 00:10:45.320 With both a mother and her daughter. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:47.100 With the neighbor's wife. 00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:49.040 But these things were the norm. 00:10:49.300 --> 00:10:50.100 In Egypt. 00:10:50.800 --> 00:10:51.860 And in Canaan. 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:55.019 The effects of sin were so deep. 00:10:55.539 --> 00:10:57.500 That what God had designed for marriage. 00:10:57.639 --> 00:10:58.720 Had been utterly corrupted. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:01.360 When we get to the bottom of the list. 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:02.240 It says this. 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:03.639 Verse 23. 00:11:04.519 --> 00:11:07.060 Do not have sexual relations with an animal. 00:11:07.700 --> 00:11:09.259 And defile yourself with it. 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:12.680 A woman must not present herself to an animal. 00:11:12.800 --> 00:11:14.480 To have sexual relations with it. 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:15.820 That is a perversion. 00:11:16.460 --> 00:11:19.340 Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways. 00:11:19.340 --> 00:11:21.500 Because this is how the nations. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:23.480 That I'm going to drive out before you. 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:24.639 Became defiled. 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:27.160 Even the land was defiled. 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:29.660 So I punished it for its sin. 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:32.480 And the land vomited out its inhabitants. 00:11:33.320 --> 00:11:36.060 But you must keep my decrees and my laws. 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:37.560 The native born. 00:11:38.019 --> 00:11:39.759 And the foreigners residing among you. 00:11:39.899 --> 00:11:42.220 Must not do any of these detestable things. 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:44.320 For all these things were done. 00:11:44.460 --> 00:11:46.540 By the people who lived in the land before you. 00:11:47.100 --> 00:11:49.220 And the land became defiled. 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:51.399 And if you defile the land. 00:11:51.600 --> 00:11:52.840 It will vomit you out. 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:55.040 As it vomited out the nations. 00:11:55.680 --> 00:11:57.019 That were before you. 00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:00.980 The effects of sin upon us are so great. 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:05.200 That women were seeking after intimate relations. 00:12:05.940 --> 00:12:06.800 With animals. 00:12:08.560 --> 00:12:11.600 Men were seeking after relations with other men. 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:13.860 And women with other women. 00:12:14.940 --> 00:12:16.680 Contrary to our very nature. 00:12:17.420 --> 00:12:18.600 Contrary to our very physiology. 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:23.379 What is God doing here? 00:12:24.600 --> 00:12:28.840 Not only is he naming the sexual sins of the people of this time. 00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:31.680 But he is calling his people back. 00:12:32.180 --> 00:12:35.759 To the way that marriage and sexual relations were meant to be. 00:12:36.540 --> 00:12:38.860 Back to a man and a woman. 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:41.320 Joined together by God for life. 00:12:41.680 --> 00:12:43.240 To the exclusion of all others. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:44.779 Back to the holiness. 00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:47.460 And the sacredness of marriage. 00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:52.139 Instead of the selfish pursuit of sexual pleasure by any means. 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:55.819 Because of sin. 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:58.679 We have become like animals. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:00.399 When it comes to sex. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:03.360 Chasing cravings. 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:05.000 Lusts. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.480 Passions. 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:07.699 Pleasures. 00:13:08.399 --> 00:13:11.159 Without regard for true love. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:12.919 And loyalty. 00:13:12.919 --> 00:13:16.500 And we might look back at all that and think. 00:13:16.979 --> 00:13:19.360 Well we're much better in the world today. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.919 We don't do any of those things. 00:13:21.839 --> 00:13:22.799 And thanks be to God. 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:24.399 There has been some significant. 00:13:24.679 --> 00:13:27.379 And lasting cultural change in parts of the world. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:29.079 At different times. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:31.299 But if we peel back the covers. 00:13:31.299 --> 00:13:33.539 I think we find that our world is just the same. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.759 In many ways. 00:13:35.479 --> 00:13:38.000 With much of these things going on in secret. 00:13:38.959 --> 00:13:39.939 In the dark. 00:13:40.979 --> 00:13:41.719 At night. 00:13:43.599 --> 00:13:44.779 Drunkenness and carousing. 00:13:45.199 --> 00:13:46.120 Hasn't gone away. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:47.899 Orgies. 00:13:48.339 --> 00:13:49.259 Haven't gone away. 00:13:50.359 --> 00:13:52.539 Sexual perversion of all these kinds. 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:53.859 Haven't gone away. 00:13:55.139 --> 00:13:56.259 As a society. 00:13:56.479 --> 00:13:59.099 We feign shock at some of these things. 00:13:59.159 --> 00:13:59.899 During the day. 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:01.480 And in public. 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:03.759 But at night. 00:14:04.179 --> 00:14:04.720 And in secret. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.860 These are things people are doing. 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:10.139 Prostitution is considered normal. 00:14:10.779 --> 00:14:12.259 In many places in the world. 00:14:14.439 --> 00:14:16.840 Mistresses and affairs are practically expected. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:18.059 In some cultures today. 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:20.059 Where just a hundred years ago. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.279 They would have been. 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:22.639 Unthinkable. 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:25.399 What they call open marriage. 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:26.980 And swingers. 00:14:27.419 --> 00:14:29.699 Are getting more attention in the media and news. 00:14:29.899 --> 00:14:32.319 And the entertainment industry. 00:14:32.319 --> 00:14:33.579 In our North American culture. 00:14:33.579 --> 00:14:34.600 Is only getting more. 00:14:34.819 --> 00:14:35.419 And more. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:36.559 Perverse. 00:14:37.059 --> 00:14:38.699 Using sexual content. 00:14:38.860 --> 00:14:39.980 To get people's attention. 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.779 And to sell. 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:44.600 The pornography industry alone. 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:46.039 Is evidence. 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:47.899 That our world hasn't changed. 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:50.100 How many men. 00:14:50.299 --> 00:14:51.579 In North America today. 00:14:51.740 --> 00:14:52.620 Have simply traded. 00:14:52.779 --> 00:14:54.240 One kind of prostitution. 00:14:54.240 --> 00:14:55.860 For another. 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:55.919 For another. 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:58.779 How many women. 00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:00.060 Are now selling themselves. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.500 Directly online. 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:03.440 To make fast money. 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:06.779 And all through the times. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:08.019 In which the Bible was written. 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.279 God has been consistent. 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:09.820 And clear. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:10.519 From Genesis. 00:15:10.919 --> 00:15:11.779 To Revelation. 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:13.740 This is not good. 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:15.720 This is not. 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:17.080 What he made marriage to be. 00:15:17.159 --> 00:15:17.720 This is not. 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:18.460 What he intended. 00:15:18.980 --> 00:15:20.100 For our sexuality. 00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:22.279 This is the corruption. 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:22.860 Of sin. 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:24.379 Spoiling. 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:25.800 One of the special gifts. 00:15:25.800 --> 00:15:26.320 Of God. 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:28.980 And for those. 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:29.620 Who embrace. 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:30.800 Sexual perversion. 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:32.540 Or immorality. 00:15:32.540 --> 00:15:33.180 Of one kind. 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:33.600 Or another. 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:34.860 It's not bringing. 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:35.480 The real. 00:15:35.659 --> 00:15:36.620 And deep happiness. 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:38.180 And pleasure. 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.680 That God made. 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.720 To be had in marriage. 00:15:41.460 --> 00:15:42.279 People say. 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:43.060 That they're happy. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:45.420 Participating. 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:45.960 In these. 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:47.080 Kinds of things. 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:47.940 That we've talked about. 00:15:48.060 --> 00:15:48.740 But they aren't. 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:51.019 Practically every week. 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:52.120 Someone who's been working. 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:53.159 In the sex industry. 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:54.840 Wakes up to the reality. 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:55.919 That they've sold. 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:56.740 Their body. 00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:57.480 And soul. 00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:58.700 For nothing. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.379 And that they. 00:16:00.519 --> 00:16:01.139 Now feel. 00:16:01.139 --> 00:16:01.639 Dead. 00:16:02.580 --> 00:16:03.019 Empty. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.220 And worthless. 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:05.180 Because of it. 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.419 People say. 00:16:07.560 --> 00:16:08.120 They're happy. 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:09.720 Doing these things. 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:11.139 But they aren't. 00:16:12.039 --> 00:16:12.600 There may be. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:13.820 Some fleeting pleasures. 00:16:14.340 --> 00:16:15.019 At times. 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.259 These things. 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:16.960 Are integrated. 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:18.320 With hormone release. 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:19.020 In our bodies. 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:20.320 There may be. 00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:21.540 Some emotional attachment. 00:16:22.660 --> 00:16:23.780 But there is also. 00:16:23.780 --> 00:16:24.580 That gnawing. 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:25.300 Emptiness. 00:16:25.300 --> 00:16:26.300 And deadness. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:27.460 That eats us alive. 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:30.100 And if we continue. 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:30.660 On with it. 00:16:30.780 --> 00:16:31.140 It's because. 00:16:31.260 --> 00:16:32.020 We've lost hope. 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:34.080 Because maybe. 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:34.620 We feel. 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:35.260 It's the best. 00:16:35.340 --> 00:16:35.879 That we can get. 00:16:35.940 --> 00:16:36.540 In this life. 00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:38.800 Or maybe. 00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:39.660 We're just trying to. 00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:40.860 Continue to scratch. 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:41.640 That itch. 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:42.920 Get that little bit. 00:16:42.920 --> 00:16:43.660 Of distraction. 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:44.880 That will get us. 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:45.740 Through another day. 00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:47.100 Without having to. 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:47.659 Really think. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:48.899 About the deeper problems. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:50.580 In our lives. 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:52.360 And in our souls. 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:56.100 Many in our world today. 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:57.399 Try. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.460 Marriage. 00:16:58.920 --> 00:16:59.960 Thinking it to be good. 00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:02.519 A lifelong love. 00:17:03.040 --> 00:17:04.259 Till death do us part. 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:06.500 But because of sin. 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.519 In our hearts. 00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:09.839 Many marriages are failing. 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:12.599 Many are ending in divorce. 00:17:12.599 --> 00:17:16.579 Jesus spoke about this. 00:17:17.419 --> 00:17:18.240 There was a time. 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:18.959 When the Pharisees. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:19.559 Came along. 00:17:19.639 --> 00:17:20.559 Which we looked at. 00:17:20.659 --> 00:17:22.039 A bit last time. 00:17:22.459 --> 00:17:23.379 And they asked him. 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:24.179 About divorce. 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:25.859 They wanted to know. 00:17:26.619 --> 00:17:27.719 Is it lawful. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.699 According to the law. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:29.259 That God. 00:17:29.679 --> 00:17:30.419 Gave to Moses. 00:17:30.419 --> 00:17:31.319 Is it lawful. 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:31.799 For a man. 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.859 To divorce his wife. 00:17:32.959 --> 00:17:33.859 For any and any. 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:35.299 Any and every reason. 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:37.740 Even the question. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.180 Shows. 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:40.159 How sin. 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:41.599 Has so deeply affected. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:42.759 Our understanding. 00:17:43.159 --> 00:17:43.779 Of marriage. 00:17:43.879 --> 00:17:44.039 Like. 00:17:44.119 --> 00:17:45.759 Do you think that she only exists. 00:17:45.879 --> 00:17:47.339 Or that marriage only exists. 00:17:47.339 --> 00:17:48.399 For your pleasure. 00:17:49.659 --> 00:17:50.599 For your. 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:51.740 Purposes. 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.420 Jesus. 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:56.400 Jesus responds with this. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:56.839 He says. 00:17:56.920 --> 00:17:57.700 Haven't you read. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:59.099 That at the beginning. 00:17:59.920 --> 00:18:00.559 The creator. 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:01.920 The male and female. 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:02.819 And said. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:03.680 For this reason. 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:04.880 A man. 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:06.660 Will leave his father and mother. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:08.200 And be united to his wife. 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:09.220 And the two. 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:10.480 Will become one flesh. 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:12.779 So they are no longer two. 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:15.120 But one flesh. 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:16.279 Therefore. 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:16.880 What God. 00:18:17.059 --> 00:18:18.079 Has joined together. 00:18:18.700 --> 00:18:18.940 Let. 00:18:19.380 --> 00:18:19.859 No one. 00:18:20.400 --> 00:18:20.920 Separate. 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:24.900 Why then. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.359 They asked. 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.339 Did Moses command. 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:26.880 That a man. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:27.460 Give his wife. 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:28.640 A certificate of divorce. 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:29.640 And send her away. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:31.839 If God really meant. 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:33.000 Marriage should be permanent. 00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:34.500 Why did he give the law later. 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:35.440 Through Moses. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.640 That allowed for divorce. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:41.120 Listen to Jesus answer. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:43.039 Moses permitted you. 00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:44.400 To divorce your wives. 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:46.900 Because your hearts were hard. 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.740 Moses permitted you. 00:18:50.839 --> 00:18:51.400 To divorce your wives. 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:53.800 Because your hearts. 00:18:53.800 --> 00:18:53.820 Because your hearts. 00:18:54.400 --> 00:18:55.280 Were hard. 00:18:57.600 --> 00:18:58.120 Again. 00:18:58.280 --> 00:18:59.500 We're back to the sinfulness. 00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:00.519 Of the human heart. 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:02.420 And the effect. 00:19:02.540 --> 00:19:03.120 That it has. 00:19:04.560 --> 00:19:05.680 On relationships. 00:19:08.060 --> 00:19:09.720 It affected so deeply. 00:19:10.860 --> 00:19:12.500 That there needed to be a way out. 00:19:12.560 --> 00:19:14.080 When one or both in the marriage. 00:19:15.080 --> 00:19:16.380 Made being together. 00:19:16.580 --> 00:19:17.900 Utterly intolerable. 00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:18.220 And unbearable. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.720 For the other. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:19.740 For the other. 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:23.400 In other words. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:23.920 Marriage. 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.860 And sexuality. 00:19:24.860 --> 00:19:25.060 Are broken. 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:26.159 Are broken. 00:19:26.159 --> 00:19:27.960 Because we are broken. 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:28.059 We are broken. 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:30.259 We are broken. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.159 By sin. 00:19:32.159 --> 00:19:33.460 And every marriage. 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.220 Is the union. 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:34.779 Of two. 00:19:35.159 --> 00:19:36.339 Broken sinners. 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:39.099 Which means. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:39.960 That any hope. 00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:40.639 Of enjoying. 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:41.919 The good gift of marriage. 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.319 And the happiness. 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.059 That God made. 00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:44.819 To go with it. 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:46.259 Can only come. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:46.919 By finding. 00:19:46.919 --> 00:19:48.079 The real solution. 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:48.779 To our. 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.139 Sinfulness. 00:19:50.140 --> 00:19:52.360 God's solutions. 00:19:53.280 --> 00:19:54.259 Which he has. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:54.980 Provided. 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:58.060 Is there any good news? 00:19:58.820 --> 00:20:00.120 The answer is yes. 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:01.680 There is a lot. 00:20:01.820 --> 00:20:02.640 Of good news. 00:20:03.520 --> 00:20:04.620 First of all. 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:05.960 For every. 00:20:06.120 --> 00:20:07.360 Wicked deviation. 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:08.820 From God's good design. 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.400 For every. 00:20:09.580 --> 00:20:10.580 Sexually immoral. 00:20:10.580 --> 00:20:11.720 Thing that we have done. 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.259 There is a merciful. 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.400 And gracious God. 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.640 Who is eager. 00:20:17.040 --> 00:20:17.660 And willing. 00:20:17.820 --> 00:20:18.620 To forgive us. 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:20.179 And take us back. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.339 These things. 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:22.879 That we have done. 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:23.579 In our lives. 00:20:23.919 --> 00:20:24.739 Are enough. 00:20:24.879 --> 00:20:25.539 To condemn us. 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:26.000 To hell. 00:20:27.479 --> 00:20:28.599 Jesus said so. 00:20:29.619 --> 00:20:31.119 But Jesus also said. 00:20:31.219 --> 00:20:31.959 That God is like. 00:20:31.959 --> 00:20:32.459 A loving. 00:20:33.139 --> 00:20:33.459 Father. 00:20:33.939 --> 00:20:34.839 Waiting for his. 00:20:34.979 --> 00:20:35.459 Wayward. 00:20:35.739 --> 00:20:36.000 Son. 00:20:36.719 --> 00:20:37.500 To come home. 00:20:38.819 --> 00:20:40.079 And he is eager. 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:40.979 To forgive us. 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:42.259 Of all that we have done. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.539 And to welcome us. 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.859 Back into the family. 00:20:44.959 --> 00:20:45.339 With him. 00:20:46.419 --> 00:20:47.199 The scriptures. 00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:47.739 Tell us. 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:48.439 That there is a. 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.140 Sacrifice. 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:50.940 Which God has provided. 00:20:51.080 --> 00:20:51.820 Which can atone. 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:53.240 For all of our sins. 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:55.299 Sexual sins. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.759 Marital sins. 00:20:57.259 --> 00:20:57.759 Whatever. 00:20:58.680 --> 00:20:59.519 Jesus died. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.400 To atone for us. 00:21:03.080 --> 00:21:04.400 To have this gift. 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:04.960 Of forgiveness. 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:05.779 We need to do. 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:07.080 As the prodigal son did. 00:21:07.580 --> 00:21:08.600 In the parable. 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.539 That Jesus told. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.360 We have to come. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.779 To our senses. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:16.339 We have to go home. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.680 We have to come back. 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.279 To God. 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:21.059 And we have to do. 00:21:21.139 --> 00:21:22.240 As the prodigal son did. 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:22.839 We have to. 00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:24.139 Say what he said. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.579 Father. 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:25.399 I have sinned. 00:21:25.399 --> 00:21:26.339 Against heaven. 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:27.940 And against you. 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:30.500 We have to own. 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.500 And confess. 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.079 To God. 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:33.680 The sins we've committed. 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:37.140 The wrongs that we have done. 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:38.980 Sexual. 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.200 Marital. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.400 Or otherwise. 00:21:42.680 --> 00:21:43.980 There is no remedy. 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.500 To our guilt. 00:21:46.060 --> 00:21:47.140 And there is no remedy. 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:48.660 To our problem of sinning. 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:51.060 Without first repenting. 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:54.240 We have to come to God. 00:21:54.919 --> 00:21:55.879 Through his son. 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:57.940 And we have to own. 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.980 The wrongs that we have done. 00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:00.079 We have to admit them. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.559 We have to seek. 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:02.339 Truly. 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.419 To be free of them. 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:04.480 And to live. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.399 For God. 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:06.079 And for Jesus. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:07.379 Instead of for ourselves. 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:10.419 Jesus preached both. 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:11.200 Forgiveness. 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:13.279 And repentance. 00:22:15.399 --> 00:22:16.759 And if we come to God. 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.440 Through Jesus. 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:19.159 Admitting our sins. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.039 And believing in his son. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.419 In his name. 00:22:22.399 --> 00:22:23.339 We are forgiven. 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:26.279 We are washed clean. 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:28.220 Of all our sins. 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.119 Sexual. 00:22:29.639 --> 00:22:30.359 Or otherwise. 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:32.399 No matter how deviant. 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:33.720 Or debatant we've been. 00:22:34.399 --> 00:22:35.799 Listen to these wonderful words. 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.799 Of the apostle Paul. 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:38.399 To the church members. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.460 In the city of Corinth. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.599 He says. 00:22:41.679 --> 00:22:42.659 Do not be deceived. 00:22:43.179 --> 00:22:44.700 Neither the sexually immoral. 00:22:45.159 --> 00:22:46.299 Nor idolaters. 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:48.000 Nor adulterers. 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:50.159 Nor men who have sex with men. 00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:51.380 Nor thieves. 00:22:51.380 --> 00:22:52.560 Nor the greedy. 00:22:52.940 --> 00:22:53.380 Nor drunkards. 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.380 Nor slanderers. 00:22:54.380 --> 00:22:55.259 Nor slanderers. 00:22:55.600 --> 00:22:56.519 Nor swindlers. 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:58.860 Will inherit the kingdom of God. 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:01.700 And that is what some of you were. 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.380 But. 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:05.380 You were washed. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.640 You were sanctified. 00:23:09.380 --> 00:23:10.420 You were justified. 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:11.200 In the name. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:12.960 Of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:13.620 --> 00:23:15.259 And by the spirit of our God. 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:15.339 God. 00:23:16.379 --> 00:23:17.720 I love these words. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:19.519 Through Jesus. 00:23:19.640 --> 00:23:21.079 Atoning death on the cross. 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:22.019 We are washed. 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:23.339 We are cleansed. 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:24.400 Made clean. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.700 From our sins. 00:23:25.759 --> 00:23:27.680 So much and so deeply. 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:29.119 That Paul can say. 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:30.619 That's what some of you were. 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:33.480 Some of you were. 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.599 Sexually immoral. 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:36.460 But now. 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:38.640 Because of what Christ has done for you. 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.559 No longer. 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:42.500 Some of you were. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:43.940 Adulterers. 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:46.299 Cheating on your spouse. 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:48.379 But now. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:50.059 Because of what Christ has done for you. 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:50.759 No longer. 00:23:51.899 --> 00:23:53.599 Some of you were homosexuals. 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.940 Engaged in relations with. 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:56.279 People of the same sex. 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:56.799 But now. 00:23:56.899 --> 00:23:58.779 Because of what Christ has done for you. 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.639 No longer. 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:03.220 You have been washed. 00:24:03.419 --> 00:24:04.259 You are clean. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.440 You have been. 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.799 Sanctified. 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:09.160 Which means. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.279 Specially chosen. 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:11.180 And set apart. 00:24:11.360 --> 00:24:11.960 For holiness. 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:13.140 To God. 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:15.380 You have been justified. 00:24:16.580 --> 00:24:17.620 You are no longer guilty. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:19.160 Of these past sins. 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.080 In which you lived. 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:24.100 It's because of what Jesus has done. 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:24.720 For you. 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:27.080 This is precious good news. 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:27.880 For all of us. 00:24:28.600 --> 00:24:28.880 No. 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:29.820 Sexual. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.000 Or marital sin. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.759 Can keep us from the love of God. 00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:35.019 So long as we come to him. 00:24:35.100 --> 00:24:35.900 And repent of it. 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:37.460 And seek his forgiveness. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.620 Well there's more good news. 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.460 To go with this. 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.820 Just like with Israel. 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:45.080 In the days of Moses. 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:47.100 Through Jesus. 00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:48.860 God is calling. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:50.420 All of his people back. 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:51.799 To his good design. 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:53.220 And intention. 00:24:54.080 --> 00:24:55.220 For sexuality. 00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:56.380 And marriage. 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:57.580 Now. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.680 I know. 00:24:58.840 --> 00:24:59.900 Maybe some might not think. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:00.900 That that's good news. 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.220 Some might think. 00:25:02.320 --> 00:25:02.519 Oh. 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:03.779 Restrictions. 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.180 Limits. 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:07.519 Another list of do nots. 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.620 But haven't we seen. 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:11.180 How just doing whatever we want. 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:13.340 Leads to brokenness. 00:25:13.880 --> 00:25:14.660 And pain. 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:15.299 And sorrow. 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:18.200 God calls us. 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:20.600 To have faith in him. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.640 And to trust. 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:24.240 That when we do sexuality. 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.220 And marriage. 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.000 In the way. 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:27.960 That's when we find. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.980 The greatest happiness. 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.640 In those things. 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:33.720 Imagine that you gave a young man a gift. 00:25:34.920 --> 00:25:36.640 His first ever power tool. 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:38.779 A brand new. 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.720 Milwaukee. 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.759 Cordless drill. 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.539 And a set of bits. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.299 To go with it. 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.359 What an awesome tool. 00:25:46.079 --> 00:25:48.400 Just think of all that this is going to do for him. 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:49.240 In the years ahead. 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:51.400 It's going to save him all kinds of time. 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:51.920 And effort. 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:54.940 And the young man seems impressed. 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.819 And excited with this gift. 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:59.599 He delights in the powers. 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:01.400 He pulls the trigger on that thing. 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:02.359 For the first time. 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:05.400 But then what does he do with this gift? 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:08.400 Well he doesn't bother to read the instructions. 00:26:09.160 --> 00:26:10.859 He'll just figure it out. 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:12.460 Just do what he feels is right. 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.900 Who needs the instructions? 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:18.080 You drive by his house one day. 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.860 And you see him. 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.640 Plunging this drill. 00:26:20.820 --> 00:26:21.400 Wildly. 00:26:21.580 --> 00:26:21.920 Into. 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:23.300 His front lawn. 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:25.519 Trying to aerate his lawn. 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:28.000 And you tell him. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:29.440 It's not made for that. 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:31.680 It's getting all gunged up with dirt. 00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:34.940 It's for holes. 00:26:35.080 --> 00:26:35.500 And wood. 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:37.620 And unscrewing screws. 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:40.240 You come by again in the winter. 00:26:40.380 --> 00:26:42.340 And you see the drill left out in the elements. 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:43.660 Battery and all. 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.640 Minus 30. 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:46.120 Half buried in the snow. 00:26:47.820 --> 00:26:49.259 You come by again in the spring. 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:52.120 And you watch him submerge the thing completely. 00:26:52.420 --> 00:26:54.580 In an effort to drill a hole underwater. 00:26:55.860 --> 00:26:57.340 And then he pulls the drill out. 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:58.860 And finds that it's no longer working. 00:27:00.140 --> 00:27:02.080 And you hear him blame Milwaukee. 00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:04.660 For making such a piece of junk. 00:27:05.040 --> 00:27:06.580 With a defective design. 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:09.440 Now that may seem ridiculous. 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:12.380 But that's exactly what we're doing. 00:27:12.380 --> 00:27:14.120 When we deviate from God's design. 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:16.279 With sexuality and marriage. 00:27:16.739 --> 00:27:19.679 We're trying to use the gift that he's given us. 00:27:20.199 --> 00:27:21.079 In ways. 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:23.359 It wasn't meant to be used. 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:27.479 And so of course we're not having much satisfaction from it. 00:27:27.979 --> 00:27:30.939 We're just not doing it the way it was made to be done. 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:35.140 But think if he was to just use that tool. 00:27:35.140 --> 00:27:36.600 The way it was made to be used. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:39.200 Care for it properly. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:42.360 Decades later it's one of your most precious tools. 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:44.200 You've built so many things with it. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.460 Done so many projects. 00:27:45.620 --> 00:27:47.240 Drilled so many holes. 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:49.980 You couldn't be happier with it. 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:53.480 That's how our sexuality and marriage can be. 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:58.299 For those who take God's word and God's good news seriously. 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.519 There is joy. 00:28:00.859 --> 00:28:02.620 As we walk in holiness. 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.240 And purity. 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.200 Whether single. 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.480 Married. 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:08.620 Divorced. 00:28:09.380 --> 00:28:09.759 Widowed. 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:12.859 Because God's way is the right way. 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:15.160 It's the good way. 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:17.180 It's the pure way. 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:22.799 Now that doesn't mean that we can always prevent all the effects of sin. 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:25.759 From doing damage to our relationships. 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:27.920 At times we give in to temptation. 00:28:28.140 --> 00:28:28.680 And we fail. 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:30.900 And then we have to bear the consequences. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:34.059 And our spouses are affected too. 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:37.559 At times a spouse may sin against us. 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:38.740 And hurt us deeply. 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:41.759 And there was nothing that we could do or say to stop that from happening. 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:44.079 But even here. 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:46.220 If we are walking close to God. 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:49.079 Trusting Him and obeying Him. 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:51.220 It will go far better for us. 00:28:51.599 --> 00:28:54.579 Than if we go darting down the back alleys of sin. 00:28:56.559 --> 00:28:58.539 For those who repent and believe. 00:28:59.099 --> 00:29:01.220 God has forgiven us of all of our sins. 00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:03.000 And He is now calling us back. 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:05.799 To His good way. 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:07.380 To righteousness. 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:09.460 To holy sexuality. 00:29:10.520 --> 00:29:11.380 And marriage. 00:29:12.760 --> 00:29:14.880 Listen to how Paul speaks to the churches. 00:29:15.820 --> 00:29:17.340 In Asia Minor. 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:18.880 In his letter to the Ephesians. 00:29:18.880 --> 00:29:21.820 So I tell you this. 00:29:21.820 --> 00:29:23.120 And insist on it in the Lord. 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:24.820 That you must no longer live. 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:26.100 As the Gentiles do. 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:27.640 In the futility. 00:29:28.140 --> 00:29:29.000 Of their thinking. 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:31.160 They are darkened. 00:29:31.260 --> 00:29:32.280 In their understanding. 00:29:32.840 --> 00:29:33.920 And separated. 00:29:34.140 --> 00:29:35.500 From the life of God. 00:29:36.020 --> 00:29:37.340 Because of the ignorance. 00:29:37.340 --> 00:29:38.380 That is in them. 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:40.280 Due to the hardening. 00:29:40.280 --> 00:29:41.060 Of their hearts. 00:29:42.340 --> 00:29:44.200 Having lost all sensitivity. 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:46.140 They have given themselves over. 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.140 To sensuality. 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:49.920 So as to indulge in every kind of impurity. 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:52.460 And they are full of greed. 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:54.440 That however. 00:29:54.440 --> 00:29:55.740 Is not the way of life. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.340 You learned. 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:57.799 When you heard about Christ. 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:59.579 And were taught in Him. 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:01.539 In accordance with the truth. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.840 That is in Jesus. 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:05.180 You were taught with regard. 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:06.600 To your former way of life. 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:08.720 To put off your old self. 00:30:09.100 --> 00:30:10.600 Which is being corrupted. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:12.620 By its deceitful desires. 00:30:13.420 --> 00:30:15.079 You were taught to be made new. 00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:16.779 In the attitude of your minds. 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:18.720 And to put on the new self. 00:30:19.180 --> 00:30:20.759 Created to be like God. 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:22.680 In true righteousness. 00:30:23.539 --> 00:30:24.339 And holiness. 00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:26.619 In that passage. 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:28.000 He goes on to explain. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:29.319 How that will apply to. 00:30:29.839 --> 00:30:31.240 Whether we tell the truth or not. 00:30:31.660 --> 00:30:33.299 To the things that come out of our mouths. 00:30:33.399 --> 00:30:34.579 And then he comes down to. 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:37.119 Sexuality and marriage. 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:39.920 In chapter 5 verse 3. 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:41.119 He says among you. 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.539 There must not even be a hint. 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:44.220 Of sexual immorality. 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:46.359 Or of any kind of impurity. 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:48.000 Or of greed. 00:30:48.579 --> 00:30:50.099 Because these are improper. 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:51.519 For God's holy people. 00:30:52.220 --> 00:30:53.940 Nor should there be obscenity. 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:55.920 Foolish talk. 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.399 Or coarse joking. 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:59.399 Which are out of place. 00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:00.960 But rather. 00:31:01.420 --> 00:31:01.940 Thanksgiving. 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:04.259 For of this you can be sure. 00:31:05.059 --> 00:31:05.819 No immoral. 00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:07.059 Impure. 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.700 Or greedy person. 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:11.119 Such a person as an idolater. 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.879 Has any inheritance. 00:31:12.879 --> 00:31:14.180 In the kingdom of Christ. 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:15.619 And of God. 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:18.180 Let no one deceive you. 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:19.099 With empty words. 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:21.460 For because of such things. 00:31:22.160 --> 00:31:23.319 God's wrath comes. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:25.099 On those who are disobedient. 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:26.160 Therefore. 00:31:26.899 --> 00:31:28.039 Do not be partners. 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:28.980 With them. 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:30.920 For you were. 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:31.559 Once. 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.319 Darkness. 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.440 But now. 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:34.599 You are light. 00:31:34.720 --> 00:31:35.299 In the Lord. 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:36.599 Live. 00:31:36.740 --> 00:31:37.819 As children of light. 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:39.339 For the fruit. 00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:39.879 Of the light. 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:40.599 Consists. 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.759 In all goodness. 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.759 Righteousness. 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.599 Righteousness. 00:31:43.839 --> 00:31:44.400 And truth. 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:47.220 And find out what pleases the Lord. 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:49.819 Have nothing to do. 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:51.879 With the fruitless deeds of darkness. 00:31:52.440 --> 00:31:53.960 But rather expose them. 00:31:54.980 --> 00:31:56.539 It's shameful even to mention. 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.859 What the disobedient do. 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:58.460 In secret. 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:01.779 But everything exposed by the light. 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:02.980 Becomes visible. 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:05.519 And everything that is illuminated. 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:07.440 Becomes a light. 00:32:09.039 --> 00:32:10.299 He goes on from there. 00:32:10.360 --> 00:32:11.200 I won't read it all. 00:32:11.360 --> 00:32:11.519 But. 00:32:11.839 --> 00:32:13.259 He goes on to encourage them. 00:32:13.339 --> 00:32:14.680 Be filled with the spirit. 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:15.460 Of Jesus. 00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:17.860 Which will result in husbands. 00:32:18.380 --> 00:32:19.380 Loving your wives. 00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:22.059 And wives submitting to your husbands. 00:32:22.059 --> 00:32:23.779 It's going to result in husbands. 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.400 Caring and. 00:32:26.059 --> 00:32:27.140 Providing for your wives. 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.140 Cherishing them. 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:30.500 And wives respecting your husbands. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:36.599 Which brings us to the third and final. 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:38.140 Good news I'll mention today. 00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:39.339 Just to recap. 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:40.700 The first one. 00:32:40.799 --> 00:32:41.980 God's going to forgive us. 00:32:42.059 --> 00:32:43.920 Of our marital and sexual sins. 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:44.700 If we repent. 00:32:44.880 --> 00:32:45.680 He will do that. 00:32:46.940 --> 00:32:47.839 Number two. 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:49.400 God is calling us back. 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:50.460 To his good design. 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:52.000 For sexuality and marriage. 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:53.660 And our last one. 00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:54.400 For this morning. 00:32:54.940 --> 00:32:55.859 God offers us. 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:57.160 Everything we need. 00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:58.119 To live according. 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:58.980 To his. 00:32:59.500 --> 00:33:00.220 Good design. 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:01.680 For sexuality and marriage. 00:33:01.680 --> 00:33:03.079 In every season of life. 00:33:05.079 --> 00:33:05.819 As we. 00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:06.640 Heard. 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:08.579 God puts his own spirit. 00:33:08.880 --> 00:33:09.360 In us. 00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:11.380 He goes to work. 00:33:11.460 --> 00:33:12.519 On our very desires. 00:33:13.440 --> 00:33:14.799 And changes our hearts. 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.620 So that more and more. 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:17.519 We love. 00:33:18.319 --> 00:33:19.079 The right way. 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:20.860 The way that is good. 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:21.920 And less and less. 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.160 Do the things. 00:33:23.940 --> 00:33:24.799 That are perverse. 00:33:24.799 --> 00:33:25.420 And impure. 00:33:25.620 --> 00:33:26.519 Appeal to us. 00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:29.360 Remember how Jesus said. 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:31.359 About divorce. 00:33:32.099 --> 00:33:33.559 The divorce law was given. 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:35.319 Because of the hardness of hearts. 00:33:36.419 --> 00:33:37.859 Well this is good news. 00:33:38.459 --> 00:33:40.019 Jesus gives us a remedy. 00:33:40.019 --> 00:33:41.439 For that hardness. 00:33:42.879 --> 00:33:45.019 A solution for that tendency. 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.959 To be selfish. 00:33:46.599 --> 00:33:48.000 And to go our own way. 00:33:49.179 --> 00:33:50.859 It's God's spirit in us. 00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:52.599 He unleashes. 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:53.659 He unleashes. 00:33:53.659 --> 00:33:54.839 And unlocks. 00:33:55.459 --> 00:33:56.059 Love. 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:57.959 Real. 00:33:58.719 --> 00:33:59.359 Pure. 00:33:59.779 --> 00:34:00.159 True. 00:34:00.639 --> 00:34:00.959 Love. 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:02.259 For others. 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:04.479 For our spouses. 00:34:05.479 --> 00:34:07.419 For people of the opposite sex. 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:08.059 Who we're not. 00:34:08.319 --> 00:34:09.059 Married to. 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:11.739 We begin to care for them. 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:12.179 Truly. 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:12.799 And deeply. 00:34:14.039 --> 00:34:15.320 The degrading things. 00:34:15.519 --> 00:34:16.380 Being done to people. 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:17.259 For entertainment. 00:34:17.460 --> 00:34:17.960 And pleasure. 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:19.519 Begin to disturb us. 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:21.219 We begin to. 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:23.159 Wonder about that young lady. 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:23.960 On the screen. 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:24.820 Or on the picture. 00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:28.259 Whose little girl is she? 00:34:30.299 --> 00:34:32.199 And how are things in her soul. 00:34:32.360 --> 00:34:34.019 That she's now sold herself. 00:34:34.019 --> 00:34:34.500 Like this. 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:35.480 To be abused. 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:36.960 Objectified. 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:38.019 By men. 00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:43.720 Not only are we called back. 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:44.720 To God's design. 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:47.240 But we're given the power. 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:48.099 From him. 00:34:48.220 --> 00:34:49.220 To live that way. 00:34:50.280 --> 00:34:51.619 To live in purity. 00:34:51.800 --> 00:34:52.420 And holiness. 00:34:53.820 --> 00:34:54.679 And of course. 00:34:54.760 --> 00:34:56.000 It still takes some effort. 00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:57.639 It takes intentionality. 00:34:58.240 --> 00:34:59.559 Especially in this world. 00:34:59.720 --> 00:35:00.699 Where we're bombarded. 00:35:00.880 --> 00:35:01.579 By impurity. 00:35:01.800 --> 00:35:02.500 And immorality. 00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:03.500 Everywhere. 00:35:04.179 --> 00:35:05.619 But God gives us grace. 00:35:06.260 --> 00:35:06.619 And power. 00:35:06.960 --> 00:35:08.840 Powered deep down inside of us. 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:10.199 And he leads. 00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:11.480 That change in us. 00:35:12.199 --> 00:35:13.000 As we trust. 00:35:13.280 --> 00:35:14.099 And as we obey. 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:16.720 We begin to use the Milwaukee. 00:35:17.220 --> 00:35:18.559 For what it was made for. 00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:20.920 And we find that life goes better. 00:35:22.220 --> 00:35:22.960 Two people. 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.599 Who seek. 00:35:25.139 --> 00:35:26.480 God with all their hearts. 00:35:27.340 --> 00:35:28.220 May find. 00:35:28.619 --> 00:35:29.720 Their marriage restored. 00:35:30.920 --> 00:35:31.400 Strengthened. 00:35:32.240 --> 00:35:32.720 Sweetened. 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:34.940 Where it was hopeless before. 00:35:34.940 --> 00:35:36.880 Single people. 00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:38.000 Entering into marriage. 00:35:38.380 --> 00:35:39.800 With the right person. 00:35:40.200 --> 00:35:42.380 A person who shares their faith in Jesus. 00:35:42.579 --> 00:35:43.980 Find a firm foundation. 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:45.179 To build their marriage. 00:35:45.400 --> 00:35:46.280 And family on. 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:47.240 Right from the start. 00:35:49.159 --> 00:35:49.720 Others. 00:35:50.099 --> 00:35:51.000 Remain unmarried. 00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:52.980 But have no regrets. 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:55.460 And bring great honor to Jesus. 00:35:55.599 --> 00:35:57.539 For how they love the people around them. 00:35:57.619 --> 00:35:58.539 With a pure love. 00:35:58.539 --> 00:36:02.199 God gives us. 00:36:02.199 --> 00:36:03.099 His spirit. 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:05.079 And guides us. 00:36:05.219 --> 00:36:06.079 With his instructions. 00:36:06.559 --> 00:36:07.340 For sexuality. 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:09.059 And marriage. 00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:11.179 And when we trust him. 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:12.719 When we yield. 00:36:12.860 --> 00:36:13.719 To both his spirit. 00:36:13.820 --> 00:36:14.420 And his word. 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:16.019 It results in the best. 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:17.219 Of all outcomes. 00:36:17.219 --> 00:36:18.300 In our lives. 00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:19.619 Especially as it relates. 00:36:19.619 --> 00:36:20.219 To marriage. 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:21.480 And sexuality. 00:36:21.480 --> 00:36:24.740 Our lives. 00:36:25.240 --> 00:36:26.659 Whatever our marital status. 00:36:26.659 --> 00:36:27.579 Become light. 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:29.400 In a dark world. 00:36:30.460 --> 00:36:32.099 And what comes out of our lives. 00:36:32.199 --> 00:36:32.719 Is goodness. 00:36:34.880 --> 00:36:35.400 Righteousness. 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:37.280 And truth. 00:36:40.699 --> 00:36:42.780 I'm going to bring this all to a close here. 00:36:43.139 --> 00:36:43.500 And I know. 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:46.079 Maybe some people are looking for something more practical. 00:36:46.460 --> 00:36:48.039 Like what's the stuff I need to do. 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:50.079 But we need to have the framework. 00:36:50.079 --> 00:36:51.119 We need to see. 00:36:51.259 --> 00:36:52.420 What's really going on. 00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:53.900 In our world. 00:36:53.980 --> 00:36:55.420 In our relationship with God. 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:56.440 Where does that. 00:36:57.059 --> 00:36:59.139 Stuff that makes things fall apart. 00:36:59.259 --> 00:36:59.699 Come from. 00:37:00.599 --> 00:37:01.480 And when we see that. 00:37:01.559 --> 00:37:02.599 Then we can begin to. 00:37:03.099 --> 00:37:04.299 Find the right solution. 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:07.159 And begin to get into the practical. 00:37:07.159 --> 00:37:08.519 How do we do this. 00:37:08.639 --> 00:37:09.319 In the relationship. 00:37:10.039 --> 00:37:12.440 So we'll just close with this. 00:37:13.480 --> 00:37:15.079 Human sexuality in marriage. 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:16.179 Has fallen hard. 00:37:16.719 --> 00:37:18.400 From what God made and intended. 00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:20.639 But God's grace and mercy. 00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:21.639 Is so great. 00:37:21.820 --> 00:37:23.260 And his spirit so powerful. 00:37:23.260 --> 00:37:24.619 That we can be washed. 00:37:24.960 --> 00:37:25.460 Clean. 00:37:25.720 --> 00:37:26.220 And forgiven. 00:37:26.740 --> 00:37:28.360 And we can be transformed. 00:37:28.559 --> 00:37:29.119 And made new. 00:37:30.559 --> 00:37:31.780 So that once again. 00:37:31.860 --> 00:37:32.720 We can honor God. 00:37:33.240 --> 00:37:34.280 With our bodies. 00:37:34.840 --> 00:37:36.180 And in our relationships. 00:37:36.860 --> 00:37:38.599 And even find that happiness. 00:37:38.820 --> 00:37:39.139 And joy. 00:37:39.260 --> 00:37:39.820 That we know. 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:41.200 Marriage and sexuality. 00:37:41.420 --> 00:37:42.340 Was always for. 00:37:44.860 --> 00:37:45.500 Let's pray. 00:37:45.500 --> 00:37:45.579 Amen. 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:45.579 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:45.579 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:45.579 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:45.579 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:45.579 00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:53.480 Father in heaven. 00:37:53.579 --> 00:37:54.099 We thank you. 00:37:54.180 --> 00:37:55.160 That your word. 00:37:55.260 --> 00:37:55.740 Is a light. 00:37:55.960 --> 00:37:56.519 To our feet. 00:37:57.599 --> 00:37:58.280 And a lamp. 00:37:58.380 --> 00:37:59.019 To our path. 00:38:00.079 --> 00:38:01.420 And that you guide us. 00:38:02.360 --> 00:38:03.059 And that. 00:38:03.440 --> 00:38:04.539 When we trust you. 00:38:05.800 --> 00:38:06.200 Things. 00:38:07.320 --> 00:38:08.039 Really do. 00:38:09.420 --> 00:38:09.940 Turn out. 00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:10.539 For the best. 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:11.480 And I pray. 00:38:11.579 --> 00:38:12.519 That we would see that. 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:13.880 In each of our own lives. 00:38:13.940 --> 00:38:15.139 We each have different lives. 00:38:15.460 --> 00:38:16.079 Right now. 00:38:16.160 --> 00:38:17.160 With different relationships. 00:38:17.159 --> 00:38:19.239 Some are looking at. 00:38:19.339 --> 00:38:20.000 Getting married. 00:38:20.699 --> 00:38:21.440 Maybe dating. 00:38:22.819 --> 00:38:23.779 Others have been married. 00:38:23.779 --> 00:38:24.699 For a long time. 00:38:24.859 --> 00:38:25.779 We pray that you would just. 00:38:25.859 --> 00:38:26.379 Work these. 00:38:26.859 --> 00:38:28.079 Truths that we've discussed. 00:38:28.199 --> 00:38:28.859 Into our hearts. 00:38:28.960 --> 00:38:29.339 Deeply. 00:38:31.420 --> 00:38:32.679 We want to honor you. 00:38:33.299 --> 00:38:34.579 And we long for that. 00:38:35.099 --> 00:38:36.039 That good gift. 00:38:36.139 --> 00:38:37.019 To be a good gift. 00:38:37.279 --> 00:38:37.719 To be. 00:38:38.539 --> 00:38:39.399 Experienced with joy. 00:38:39.500 --> 00:38:40.059 In our lives. 00:38:41.019 --> 00:38:41.779 So work in us. 00:38:41.839 --> 00:38:42.199 We pray. 00:38:43.219 --> 00:38:44.219 We ask this in your name. 00:38:44.759 --> 00:38:45.000 Amen. 00:38:44.940 --> 00:38:45.099 Amen.