What is sexual ethics?

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TL;DR:

Sexual ethics defines how we honor God with our sexuality, recognizing His design for intimacy within the covenant of marriage. The Bible calls us to purity and faithfulness, offering true freedom and protection through God’s loving standards for sexuality.

from the old testament

  • As our Creator, only God has the authority to define sexual ethics, for He is the one who created our sexuality in the first place. God created Eve for Adam and He created marriage as the only proper place for sexual intimacy to occur, making the man and woman become one flesh (Genesis 2:21–25).
  • God condemned adultery of any kind and at any time (Deuteronomy 5:18; Leviticus 20:10).

from the new testament

  • The New Testament confirms that God created marriage as the only proper place for sexual intimacy (Mark 10:6–8; Ephesians 5:31).
  • Hebrews 13:4 states: "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
  • Sexual activity belongs within the covenant of marriage, and external sexual practices such as adultery, pre- or extramarital sex, prostitution, homosexual practice, and even lusting after someone sexually are all considered to be sin (Matthew 5:28).

implications for today

Unfortunately, throughout history, sin, perversion, and selfishness have permeated mankind's sexual ethics. We see examples of this in the atrocities of things such as human trafficking, rape, child molestation, STDs, and abortions. The sexual ethics God created are for our own benefit and wellbeing. Modern society argues that Judeo-Christian sexual ethics negatively limit our ability to fully explore our sexuality. As believers, we need to remember to trust that God, as our Creator, knows what we need and how we can be as healthy as possible in our sexuality. We can trust the instructions within His Word to guide us (Psalm 119:105).

Whether a person has upheld godly sexual ethics throughout their life or not, he or she can commit now to start fresh and uphold God's standard of sexual ethics. Sexuality is a gift and it should be treasured and cared for properly at every stage of life, whether in singleness or marriage. It is important to honor God by honoring our bodies, for they are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Romans 12:1). In doing so, we bring glory to God and we avoid the negative consequences that come along with disregarding His sexual ethics.

understand

  • God, as Creator, defines sexual ethics and designed marriage as the only proper place for sexual intimacy.
  • The Bible condemns sexual sins such as adultery, premarital sex, prostitution, homosexual practice, and lust.
  • God’s sexual ethics protect our well-being and bring Him glory when we honor our bodies and relationships according to His Word.

reflect

  • How does understanding God as the creator of sexuality challenge the way you view your own sexual choices and boundaries?
  • Where do you need to trust God’s design for purity and faithfulness more fully?
  • How can you honor God with your body and relationships in a culture that has very different sexual standards?

engage

  • How can we inform others that the Bible’s teaching on sexual ethics reflects God’s love and desire for human flourishing?
  • How do God’s standards for sexual ethics provide freedom and protection for us compared to society’s shifting views?
  • What challenges come with upholding biblical sexual ethics in today’s culture, and how can we stay true to biblical values?