At face value, God’s take on human sexuality can seem restrictive. Sex must take place within marriage, between one man and one woman. In a sexually-permissive culture, this seemingly narrow channel for sexual expression can appear to be primitive and even unrealistic.
What about the same-sex couple that wants to get married?
What about the committed dating couple that sees moving in together as a prudent trial period before marriage?
What about the man or woman who uses pornography as a sexual outlet, believing it’s not hurting anyone?
Practices like these are common in our world and make perfect sense to those who aren’t following God.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-19)
It is not a coincidence that these words are found in a letter written to the church in Corinth. Like today's culture, sexual immorality was rampant in the Corinthian culture and had infected the church. In 1 Corinthians 1 chapters 5 and 6, Paul addresses obvious violations of sexual behavior acceptable for Christians. He is also clear that he is speaking of how Christians should behave, not those outside the church.
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? (1 Corinthians 5:11-12).
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