Playing with Fire

Introduction:

· Wisdom in a “#Metoo”, “hook-up” world? One struggling to break a porn addiction? A stale marriage…?

LET’S LOOK AT THE NATURE OF SEXUAL SIN, THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL SIN, AND THE REMEDY FOR SEXUAL SIN.

I) Making Sense of Sexual Sin

A. Two Types of Sexual Sin

i. Type #1: When Sex Becomes a Loaf of Bread… (vv. 26a)

1. Sex with a prostitute commodifies; reduces a transaction, appetite

2. Consider an irony: In pursuit of sexual freedom, we diminish meaning

ii. Type #2: When Sexual sin becomes an Inferno (vv. 26b, 30-32)

1. As a thief is judged less severely so also degrees of sexual sin

2. But adultery is far more destructive offense

B. Sexual Sin Captures the Imagination of Our Heart

i. The “Moment of maybe”: (vv. 24b-25a, 32)

1. Sexual sin starts small: wink, flirty look

2. àjustify senseless actions

ii. Therefore, It Isn’t Just the Act that is a danger (Matt. 5:27-30)

Matthew 5:27–30 ESV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

1. So: Jesus warns that adultery begins in the heart and must be nipped there

2. APPLICATION: Turn off computer; get rid of your phone; set boundaries; support group; porn blockers

WHY? BECAUSE IF WE DON’T, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE INCREDIBLY DESTRUCTIVE.

II) The Consequences of Sexual Sin

A. Sexual Sin Burns Like Fire (vv. 27-28)

i. Sexual Sin burns those who play with fire

1. A rhetorical question & an obvious answer: OF COURSE we get burned!

2. A less-rhetorical question: no one sexually sins thinking they get hurt!

B. Sexual sin brings destruction (vv. 32b-35)

ii. Sexual sin brings Fire of self-destruction

1. Pain, wounds, dishonor and disgrace (vv. 33,

2. EXAMPLE: Living together à wonder why he won’t commit; porn à

iii. Sexual sin brings the fire of neighbor’s rage

1. The wounded spouse will seek revenge – though this is described

2. Unlike a theif stealing bread, adultery can’t easily be repaired

IS THERE A WAY TO FIX IT? HOW DO YOU HEAL THE WOUNDS OF SEXUAL SIN? THAT’S A QUESTION THAT IS LEFT UNANSWERED IN THIS TEXT.

III) The Remedy for Sexual Sin

A. Grace for those who live with sexual sin

i. Forgiveness for those who live with guilt & shame

1. God pays the penalty that we can never repay so forgiveness is ours!

2. EXAMPLE: Porn addiction; sexual sin (àcreates shame) …forgiven!

ii. Strength for those who fight sexual temptation (see Heb. 4:14-15)

1. Since Jesus faced temptation – and overcame he is able to help us

2. EXAMPLE: “The moment of maybe…” Jesus is there!

B. How? Jesus Forms our hearts to Overcome Sexual Sin

i. The “desire of our hearts” uncovers the real problem (vv. 21 & 25)

1. It’s never about the sex, but about the desire of our heart

2. EXAMPLE: Coworker flirts (you feel powerful); listens (you feel loved)

ii. Finding our true satisfaction in Christ is the greatest remedy

1. Does our heart desire the word of God?

2. When our hearts are set on God, in Christ, we desire obedience

Transition:

Conclusion

Pursuing Christ, our greatest satisfaction