~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Valentine's Day Message

Love and Sex God’s Way

Illustration: Story of the Eskimo Wolf Hunting Technique
First, the Eskimo coats his knife blade with animal blood and allows it to freeze. Then he adds another layer of blood, and another, until the blade is completely concealed by frozen blood. Next, the hunter fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. When a wolf follows his sensitive nose to the source of the scent and discovers the bait, he licks it, tasting the fresh frozen blood. He begins to lick faster, more and more vigorously, lapping the blade until the keen edge is bare. Feverishly now, harder and harder the wolf licks the blade in the arctic night. So great becomes his craving for blood that the wolf does not notice the razor-sharp sting of the naked blade on his own tongue, nor does he recognize the instant at which his insatiable thirst is being satisfied by his OWN warm blood. His carnivorous appetite just craves more—until the dawn finds him dead in the snow!

Often we are just like the wolf. We find something that taste so good that we cant stop licking it.

Love and Sex starts at the very Beginning, Genesis is the book of beginnings

Genesis 2:24-25 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
God created men and woman to leave and cleave.

He also created them pure and without shame, guilt. They could enjoy each other, marry and experience love and sex without shame.

Love and Sex was designed by God to for mankind to experience oneness. But anything outside of his definition and contradicts his intent is sinful.

Lest we become confused the following things are always sinful: homosexuality, bestiality, fornication, rape, bi-sexuality, pologamy,incest, prostitution.

The following are sinful outside of marriage: sex, masturbating each other,phone sex, petting, oral sex, online or texting sexual materials

When our ancestors sinned they became separated from God and from each other and they hid themselves in shame. Everything became marred including God’s gift of love and sex.

God isn’t afraid to address this issue, like some preachers and churches are. The tragedy is that if we don’t talk about what the Bible has to say about these matters then the vacuum is filled by the world voice, MTV, TV Sitcoms and Popular media, where there is little respect for God’s and his word.
Sex and Love are gifts by God, but they have been perverted and it’s beauty and power has been stolen by the devil and made into something ugly and destructive.

Within the pages of scripture you have various sexual sins being committed, polygamy, love triangles, disobedient marriages between unbelievers and believers. Homosexuality, incest, loveless marriages, divorces, rape, son sleeping with stepmother, adultery, false rape allegations, etc. Day Time Soap Operas have nothing on scripture.

In the New Testament the word “Porneia” is translated sexual immorality, this covers everything regarding sexual sin.

When it comes to sexual sin there is nothing new under the Sun, the problem is as old as Eden.

The problem of sexual sins, including premarital sex, adultery, porn, rape and sex slavery continue unabated.

And as scripture reveals, it leads to sadness, suffering and ultimately death.
But this is not what God intended.

Premarital Sex-The numbers have been increasing, teens and young adults have been increasing as they engage in this sexual sin.

Technology has even got involved, sexting, sending inappropriate pictures/message to each other via phone and social sites such as Face book and My Space. Twitter experiences, links to porn sites.

I won’t address all of these mediums, as the list is too long and I want to deal with principles. Root issues instead of fruits.

Christians who won’t have intercourse but think heavy petting or oral sex are acceptable alternatives, your wrong, anything involving your private genitalia is sex and outside of marriage is sin.

Pornography-The purpose of porn is lust. The simple act of desiring someone’s body in itself is not sinful, but which body are you lusting after, if it is your spouse, then you’re enjoying a Song of Solomon Holy experience.
If the person you’re lusting after is not your spouse, then you’re sinning.
It was God who dressed our ancestors, and only sinners undress themselves for purposes that do not glorify God.

Again I am teaching principles and not simply telling you not to have the internet, TV, cable etc. With the plethora of sources for Porn and lust that the church can’t have enough standards to prevent exposure to it.

You have to want to obey the principle of being pure and Holy, which will keep your appetites in check. They that hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled.

You will inevitably adopt the morality of the programs, movies, books, magazines, music, Internet sites and conversations you participate in. GIGO Garbage in, garbage out; Godliness in, godliness out.

The cognitive is basic to the behavioral you become what you choose to feed your mind on.

Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.

How to Break Free and Stay Free From Sexual Sin:

1. Understand why your body craves sinful desires.

Because it brings pleasure, it releases chemicals in your brain and body that bring about feelings of intense pleasure. Some of the same experiences are the same as high of illegal drugs.
People outside of healthy relationships can become addicted to the act itself rather than people in relationship.
In the context of marriage then becomes the glue for oneness, the coming together. Outside of marriage it is destructive.

2. See sex as potentially false and demonic religion

Remember potentially, fire in the appropriate place and use, brings warmth, cooks my food, burns my waste. But taken out and let loose, can kill and destroy, wrecking havoc on humanity.

Scriptures teaches that we either worship the Creator and enjoy his creation or they worship the creation as God.

Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

In Christianity there 3 major branches, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox.

In the religion of sex there are 3 Branches Straight, Gay or Bi-sexual.
And just like Churches they have meeting places, websites, social networks, chat rooms and classified ads, bars and strip clubs.

Perversion is a kind of worship. But they have replaced the Creator with the creature.

Again God designed sex and beautiful, a picture of oneness with him.
Someone said this, “The young man who rings the bell at the brothel is unconsciously looking for God.”
But I would add He won’t find him there.

3. See Sex as an Act of Worship

Paul in Romans 12:1 says that worship means offering our bodies to God.
In 1 Corinthians 10:7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;

In other words what we do with out bodies is a spiritual thing. When we disregard God in what we do with our bodies it’s Idolatry.

1 Corinthians 6:13-20

4. Take Sexual Sin as seriously as God does

I Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[a] nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
God takes the sexual sin of his people so seriously that those enslaved to them will die in their sins and wake up in Hell.

Now the naked person you’re lusting after may be hot, but not that Hot.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

• Sexual Purity is the will of God
• You’re responsible for your vessel (body)
• Don’t defraud your brothers and sisters (dressing immodestly, behaviors, flirting)
• God will judge you
• This is serious, if you reject this teaching your reject God.
The way out of sexual sin is not condemnation, guilt or shame, but being controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Gal. 5:16-Walk in the Spirit and you won’t fulfill the lusts of the flesh!
Someone being controlled by the Spirit will have a lessened appetite for the flesh and an increased appetite for the things of God.

Sexual Sin is an inside job, before you ever sin with your body; you sin with your heart.

Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,’ You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Mark 7:15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.

Your future can be accurately predicted by what you allow your mind (heart) to dwell on. Sinful actions don't come out of nowhere they are the cumulative product of little moral compromises made over time, which ultimately culminate in ungodly behavior.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Part 2

Specific Steps:

1. Repent and Keep on Repenting.
behind every sin is a belief or lie about God. We must keep rejecting those lies for God’s truth. Change has to start in our minds before our behavior will change.
They only way to change lives is to change minds, the only way to change minds are to share the truths of Scripture.
The fruit of holiness and behaviors are the result of repentance that begins with the mind. Theology can conquer Biology!

2. Live a Celibate Live until your married!

This means if your single no sex until your married! If you are single and have committed sexual sin, then you need to repent and remain celibate until your married.

1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

"Treat older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity' (1 Timothy 5:2).

Don't go into dating with the goal of romance, but the goal of spending time with your brother or sister. When you begin a relationship, a rule of thumb is, don't do anything physically you wouldn't do with your brother or sister.

3. If you can’t contain your passions then find a Godly mate and get married!

1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

4. If you’re married, have frequent Sex!
1 Corinthians 7:3-5

Sources:
NKJV
Mark Driscoll-Religion Saves-Chapter 5 Outline Subtopics

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I think this is a good idea but the beginning illustration is pretty tough.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

That was the best part!

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Keith,

Very good teaching......no one should be apprehensive to discuss - especially the group you are addressing.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I know, but I want their attention, M. Driscoll said something in his book that I agree with, the worship of Sex (appetites) is the greatest enemy of the Church.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Thanks for the feedback. I have been waiting for about 3 months, to coordinate this with Valentines Day. I might open the message with the theme song from the Love Boat!

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I thought so too, and applied more than to this subject... makes you think.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I think first example of the Eskimo and knife can represent anything that can be described as addictive. The "knife" in my life would probably be gadgets.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Paul Harvey first told the story.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

How about "At Last" by Etta James?

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I like Driscoll and thought his sermons on marriage and sex were good. So many of us, even those who grew up in Christian homes, do not understand how biblically we are supposed to lead our families.

With so much dysfunction and misunderstanding in our culture Christians have taken on some of these sinful traits without even realizing it.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I will look at that! Using an opening video or song, often is the right thing needed to draw people attention.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Excellent study, Keith!!!

I especially liked this part: "The way out of sexual sin is not condemnation, guilt or shame, but being controlled by the Holy Spirit."

It brought to mind, the other day, my son was sitting on the first pew at church. I looked over and thought of how much I loved him - the intense love a mother has for her child! Then the thought came to me - that is how much the more God looks at us, loves us and forgives us. He loves us more! He wants to lead us out of any situation that is trying to destroy us.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Very good! :thumbsup

I really like Mark Driscoll's teaching on sexuality and marriage, too.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

OK, how many have gone into a dating relationship and really felt this way. I mean really. I can say that I have never ever asked someone out because they looked like or reminded me of one of my sisters NOR did I plan on pretending it was one of my sisters instead of my date.

(I think the lesson is good.... just nit picking a point or two here.)

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

:toofunny Not me!

I think it's intended to be a way of setting safe boundaries--not an actual *feeling.*

It's a good way to make boys understand how they should respect the girl they're with. "Don't do anything to your date that you wouldn't do to your sister." (I think he meant "sister" in the sense of "brother or sister in Christ"--not a physical sibling.)

*ahem*

I'm assuming that Keith doesn't believe in hand-holding, hugging and kissing until marriage. :D I have to say...all that touchy stuff always leads to other touchy stuff! Not a terrible idea, just keeping your hands to yourself. :coffee2

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

....and don't give me no lines.

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What? :blink

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I got a little change in my pocket goin' jing-a-ling-a-ling
Wants to call you on the telephone baby, a-give you a ring
But each time we talk, I get the same old thing
Always no hugg-ee no kiss-ee until I get a weddin' ring
My honey my baby, don't put my love upon no shelf
She said don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself

B-b-b-baby baby baby why you wan' treat me this way
You know I'm still your lover boy I still feel the same way
That's when she told me a story, 'bout free milk and a cow
And said no hugg-ee no kiss-ee until I get a weddin' vow
My honey my baby, don't put my love upon no shelf
She said don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself

Hold it here
See I wanted her real bad, and I was about to give in
But that's when she started talking about true love,
started talking about sin
And I said, honey I'll live with you for the rest of my life,
She said no hugg-ee no kiss-ee until you make me your wife-a
My honey my baby, don't put my love upon no shelf
She said don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Ohhhhh, haha! Very cute--a cultural reference. What hilarious lyrics--I've never heard that song before. :D :D :toofunny

Kinda reminds me of the new Beyonce hit--"If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it." LOL!

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

MissB is such a youngster. Can't even pick up a Georgia Satellites reference. :D

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Awesome thread! However I have one point of difference...

In the Bible God's Law often commanded polygamy. In addition God declares that he gave David his wives. How can polygamy be sin if a commandment leads to polygamy and if God himself declares that he gave David his wives?

Certainly polygamy is prohibitted by NT standards of marriage and intimacy, which appear to be dispensational. The unit is to reflect one Christ and one bride. While polygamy violates the NT model of marriage, I can't bring myself to say it's sin if God commanded it and gave wives (plural) to men.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Nope, I failed in this area, held hands and :kiss too much!

Seriously this is a good principle that is often failed to be taught.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Can you explain to me how these two statement can coexist in the same thought???

I do not see how you can say in one breath that certainly something violates scripture, and is prohibited; and in the next breath say you cannot call it sin?

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

I agree... originally, God made man w/one wife and that is his model... including the NT which is also modeled wChrist/church.

I believe that God allowed the many wives of David and others, it was culture of heathen nations rubbing off, but not God's intended plan or desire at all. He allowed divorces in OT, but that was not his desire from the beginning either. Lots of distorted view points passed down through generations... but I think just going back to the beginning shows us God's plan.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

God changes His mind a lot! Many things have been removed from the list of sins, of course, but sometimes new things are added, too.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Sin is always sin and God never tolerates sin. However, just because something isn't a "sin" it doesn't mean it was God's original plan. Clearly polygamy isn't a "sin". In fact we read that God gave David "wives",

2 Samuel 12:8.
"And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things."

Please note that this is part of Nathan's rebuke regarding David's adultery. In comparison David's adultery was detestable in God's sight, however, God professes that he blessed David with his master's "wives". God wouldn't have blessed David with something sinful. In fact God states that He would have blessed David with more "such and such things" had those things (including the wives) had been too little. Here the two can be compared and clearly polygamy isn't regarded as adultery in God's eyes.

Also note,

1 Kings 15:5
"Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. "

Again, David's polygamy isn't regarded as sin.

The Bible's regulations on sex are typically an issue of social justice. Marriage protected women in a hostile patriarchal world. This is one reason why God commanded that if a man dies his brother is to marry his wife or wives, even if he himself were already married. It was to protect women and multiply the nation.

So polygamy, in my opinion, while surely complicated and possibly detrimental, isn't a "sin" per se. If it's sin... most of the righteous men of the Bible died in sin. Also consider, David and Solomon who had many wives are authors of Scripture. It's conceivable that when a Psalm or Proverb was written the author (David or Solomon) had been with a different woman that evening than the night before. Yet their words are divinely inspired and holy. Consider also that the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch, were written by Moses... a man who was married to Zipporah and an Ethiopian woman (Exodus 2:15-16,21; 18:1-6; Numbers 12:1-15). Yet the Ten Commandments that Moses delivered and the rest of his writings are indeed inspired by God and holy.

So again, while we agree that polygamy isn't ideal, I doubt we can call it a "sin".

Lastly we must consider that Paul writes in the NT about elders having one wife. In other texts regarding marital relations Paul speaks of spouses in monogamous marriage.

We often say that Paul wrote this because monogamy illustrates one Lord and one church. And it does. But it's important to note that Paul was living in the Roman Empire. Many don't know this, but polygamy was banned in the Roman Empire a couple hundred years before Christ. Therefore we must also understand that Paul would have written admonishments in relation to what was legal in Roman society. This was perhaps one way in which Paul expected Christians to obey the ordinance of human government (Romans 13:1-3).

So while Paul uses monogamy as an image reflecting Christ and the church, we have to understand that Paul didn't initiate it's prohibition. Rome had already prohibited polygamy. The question would be, if Rome hadn't prohibited polygamy, would Paul's writings reflect the same values of the Patriarchs of the Old Testament?

Just a few thoughts.

God bless.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Yes, God's methods with man differ from dispensation to dispensation. That's why we have to consider what covenant is being operated within, social conditions, and cultural norms when reading various passages that appear to indicate that God changed his mind about a thing.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

And you better know what covenant is in effect, if you want to get saved. Sacrificing animals used to work, but not anymore! :thumbsup

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Perhaps God will once again endorse mankind's polygamy? Are there not cultures even today where Christians have multiple wives?

There exists good evidence that we are not multiplying the nation (Christianity) today.

In spite of the conversions into the faith, birth rate is the primary way that the church grows (or shrinks) over time.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Careful now... The last time this was discussed I think a certain married "Dr." started hitting on some AFF ladies! LOL!

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Yeah. Strange, isn't it?

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I've heard that sung differently ......

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

:ursofunny

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Since this thread's title is "Love and Sex God's Way", I think we should dig deeper into the sex ethics of the Bible. Biblical sex ethics are both strange and troubling. Let's look at a statement made in the first post,

Here Pastor Keith lists the biblical sins as he understands them. We've discussed polygamy. It's evident that if studied out, polygamy wasn't a "sin" per se. It was often commanded by God, and multiple wives were often seen as a blessing given by God. So polygamy can't really be seen as a "sin" of Scripture.

If you don't mind, we can progress through this list. For example the next item listed is "love triangles". LOL Here I think "concubinage" can be addressed. But before we address "concubinage" from a biblical perspective we have to understand what it is. Here are some definitions,

"A female slave responsible for bearing children to insure continuation of the family name. Access to the royal concubines was viewed as a legal claim to the throne, hence they were accorded special protection. Concubines were viewed with affection by their husbands and any assault on their well being might be cause for vengence. Although frequently their function was to provide sexual gratification ("man's delight" Eccl. 2:8) they might also be given considerable responsibility." - Eerdman's Bible Dictionary, pg. 233 f.

"The difference between a wife and a concubine was less marked among the Hebrews than among us, owing to the lack of moral stigma. With regard to children of wife and concubine, there was no such difference as our "illegitimacy" implies. The state of concubinage is assumed and provided for by the law of Moses. A concubine could generally be either (1) a Hebrew girl bought of her father; (2) a Gentile captive taken in war; (3) a foreign slave bought; or (4) a Canaanite woman, bond or free. Free Hebrew women might also become concubines. To seize on royal concubines for his use was often a usurper's first act. Such was probably the intent of Abner's act, 2 Sam. 3:7, similarly the request on behalf of Adonijah was construed. I Kg. 2:21-24." - Smith's Bible Dictionary, pg. 122 f.

Essentially a concubine is a lesser wife, a mistress if you will, that had legal rights issued her by the Law of God.

Let us see what the Bible actually says about concubinage.

Sarah asks Abraham to have sexual relations with Hagar. There is no hint of God's displeasure with either Sarah or Abraham, and no condemnation of what we might consider Abraham's "adultery". (Gen. 16:2)

Abraham had sons by several concubines, (Gen. 24:6). Inasmuch as Abraham is held forth to us as the premier example of faith and close relationship with God (e.g. Galatians and Hebrews 11) it is passing strange that God would not say something about his concubinage, in order to at least warn us, if concubinage is indeed a sin. Did God disapprove of this practice, and yet never hint at such displeasure to this great man of faith, whom He called his "friend"? Keturah is named as Abraham's concubine, (I Chron. 1:2-3).

Timna was concubine to Esau's son Eliphaz, (Gen. 36:12). We read that one who buys a female slave must be fair to her. If he takes "another woman" he may not neglect the first one. This "ordinance" is God's law, (Ex. 21:1, 8-10). This is essentially God's allowance for a man having more than one intimate partner.

Gideon had a concubine who bore Abimelech, (Jdg. 8:31). He was a valiant warrior, a faithful servant and he died without God ever rebuking him or correcting his concubinage.

There is also a story about a Levite that takes a concubine for himself. She leaves to play the harlot against him. He is called her "husband," (Jdg. 19:1-3).

Saul is married to Ahinoam, (I Kg. 14:50), and has a concubine named Rizpah, (2 Sam. 3:7).

David has ten concubines whom he leaves in charge of his house while fleeing Absalom, (2 Sam. 15:16). Absalom has intercourse with the ten concubines on the roof of the palace, in sight of all Israel, (2 Sam. 16:21,22). David isolates the ten concubines and has no more relations with them, (2 Sam. 20:3).

David grows old and cold, so his servants find a "beautiful young virgin," Abishag, to lie with him to keep him warm, (I Kg. 1:1-4). Why a "beautiful young virgin"? Obviously, it is the excitement that would increase the "heat" so David would be warm. She was to "service" David, or "to be familiar with" him in a sexual way, (Strongs #5532). The Septuagint renders it "to excite him". The natural body of even an extremely beautiful woman would provide no more physical "warmth" than any of the many wives and concubines David already had. And since David has so many women already, what difference does one more make? Abishag becomes his concubine. lol David had sons by several wives, "besides the sons of the concubines," (I Chron. 3:1-9).

As per custom, Solomon "inherited" all of David's wives and concubines, including Abishag, then proceeded to add hundreds more! Adonijah asks to have Abishag for wife. Solomon is enraged and has Adinijah killed (I Kg. 2:17-25). Solomon acquires a "herem" of concubines and wives (Ecc.1:8). Caleb, Jerahmeel's brother, had a wife and two concubines, Ephah and Maachah )I Chron. 2:42-48).
Manasseh's "Syrian concubine" bears Machir (I Chron. 7:14
Rehoboam "took 18 wives and 60 concubines (II Chron. 11:18).

The Song of Solomon praises the beauty of the "Shulamite" maiden and chooses her above 60 queens, 80 concubines and virgins without number (Song of Solomon 6:4-9). This is amazing in light of the fact that virtually the whole church sees this story as an allegory of Christ's love for his church. If God detests or even disfavors polygamy and concubinage, why do we think he would put Christ in even this figurative position?

The practice of concubinage, with God's approval, proves that God does not fundamentally care about the number of intimate partners a person might have. It would appear, that God does not care fundamentally about the sex act as such. He cares that the people involved not do what is harmful to each other. Romans 13:10 says, "Love does no wrong to his neighbor, love therefore is the fulfillment of the law." In sex as in all else, God requires that we not harm others. Otherwise, He is not demonstrably concerned with who has relations with whom or how often. As with polygamy, concubinage demonstrates the Biblical reality that sexual activity is not inherently dirty. It appears that, at least in the OT, God's demand isn't that one man has relations with only one woman for life. Concubinage, just as polygamy, provided a God approved outlet for greater sexual desire of the male. If providing for the actual fulfillment of the sexual desire is not wrong, then obviously the desire itself is not wrong. Even God seems to acknowledge this, by accepting, and even legislating in favor of concubinage.

It shocks me because so many of these men are regarded as "holy" and some even wrote Scripture (David and Solomon). It's entirely possible that both David and Solomon wrote a psalm or a proverb after having been with a different woman that evening than the night before.

Very strange and disturbing.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

David and the others that are heroes to us and who were anointed by God to write what has become our Bible were human. God never has used perfect people because he never had any to use.

Re: ~Love and Sex God's Way~
 

Amen. They weren't perfect people. But my question is that biblically, they violated no inherent sexual ethic of God. It appears that God allowed for their desires as long as they operated within the Law. Again, it would appear that God, at least in the Old Testament, isn't so much concerned with the sex act itself as we in our Puritanical culture might envision him as being. God is concerned with justice and how people treat their partners.

Biblically forbidden sex practices appear to be:

• Adultery – Sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant.
• Fornication – Indiscriminant and promiscuous sexual activity.
• Sodomy – Homosexual rape, male temple prostitution, and anal sex between males.
• Incest – Sexual activity with close relatives.
• Rape – Forced sexual activity with a woman.
• Bestiality – Sexual activity with animals.
• Pedophilia – Sexual activity with children.
• Harlotry – Sexual activity as a religious rite or for money.
• Lust – The desire to actually commit adultery.

The Bible appears to allow for the following sex practices:

• Monogamy – Marriage consisting of one man and one woman.
• Polygamy – Marriage consisting of one man and more than one woman.
• Concubines – Mistresses recognized within the marriage covenant.
• War Brides – Arranged marriage with female prisoners of war.
• Levirate Marriage – The marrying of a dead brother’s first wife, even if the living brother was already married.
• Servant Marriage – The arrangement of marriage between servants.
• Eunuchs – Celibates who cannot (or choose not to) copulate with the opposite gender.
• Erotic Literature & Poetry – Writings of an erotic nature (Song of Solomon).
• Erotic Entertainment – Erotic dancing (exemplified by the Shulamite and her erotic dance before her countrymen).
• Sexual Fantasy – Sexual thoughts about another (exemplified by the Shulamite and her Lover).

I understand that the NT is different. But again, it was written under the Roman Empire. In Rome things such as polygamy were illegal. So we don't see these issues in the first century. I can't help but wonder however, what if Rome hadn't prohibited the practices of the Jews? Would the NT be more like the OT?

Weird. LOL