The Wonder of Sex

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The Wonder of Sex

Greetings, Pathway family—whether you're here in person, online, or at our Moon campus or classic venue! Today, we wrap up our Family Matters series by exploring the wonder of sex, a topic that often stirs curiosity and questions. Like children asking "Why?" endlessly in the car, or adults pondering life’s mysteries—why did we put a man on the moon before putting wheels on luggage, or when does partly cloudy become partly sunny?—we should approach sexuality with a sense of wonder, seeking God’s design for this beautiful gift.

1. Your Body Belongs to God

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul confronts a mindset in Corinth that mirrors our culture today: "I have the right to do anything." The Corinthians treated sex like hunger—just a natural urge to satisfy, no different from eating when hungry. If it feels good, do it, they said. But Paul pushes back: "The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body." Your body isn’t yours alone—it’s connected to Christ, stamped with His image. I might crave pizza, nachos, and ice cream every night, but I don’t give in, just like you might resist leaving your phone on during a sermon. Urges don’t dictate actions. God’s standard is clear: sex is for marriage between a man and a woman. Straying from this disconnects us from thriving in Him. You were "bought at a price"—Jesus’ own life—so honor God with your body, recognizing it belongs to Him.

2. Sexual Choices Have Lasting Impact

Our world often calls sex "casual," but Paul insists it’s anything but. He writes, "Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’" Quoting Genesis 2, Paul links even a single encounter to the profound union of marriage. Every sexual act gives a part of yourself away, leaving a lasting mark. That’s why he urges, "Flee from sexual immorality." Sexual sin isn’t just another sin—it’s a sin against your own body, affecting you at your core. Don’t ask, "How far can I go?" but "How far can I run from temptation?" Sexual immorality is any sexual activity outside marriage—no exceptions for love, future plans, or "friends with benefits." Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, so guard it, knowing your choices linger far beyond the moment.

3. The Best Sex Is Selfless

Turning to 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses sex within marriage, countering the Corinthians’ idea to avoid it altogether due to rampant immorality. He says, "Each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband." Sex is God’s design, not something to discard. But even in marriage, it can be misused. Paul instructs, "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband." Neither spouse has sole authority over their body—they yield to each other. Our culture bristles at this, clinging to autonomy, but true intimacy can’t grow when we’re focused on ourselves. I’ve heard husbands frustrated that their wives never initiate, and wives hurt that their husbands only show affection with one goal in mind. Selfishness kills oneness. Imagine your spouse saying, "Let’s just cuddle and talk." You might think, "Can’t I mop the floors or organize the spices instead?" But yielding to their needs fosters unity. The best sex is selfless, prioritizing your spouse’s joy over your own.

4. Sex Is for Love, Not Leverage

Sex is meant to express love, not to manipulate. Paul warns, "Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer." Physical intimacy should be regular in marriage—God created it for pleasure and unity, not as a surprise to Him in the garden! Using sex as a power play, to control or punish your spouse, distorts its purpose. Withholding it to say, "Not tonight, or maybe for a long time," inflicts hurt. Even abstention for spiritual focus must be mutual and brief, lest Satan exploit your lack of self-control. It’s not a spiritual excuse—"Not tonight, I have a Bible study"—nor a tool to avoid resolving tensions. If unhealthy patterns have taken root, don’t let them continue; address them with help. Sex is for love, building oneness, not for leverage.

5. Living Out God’s Design

Sexuality matters deeply to God—and to us. If you’re holding firm to His standard, whether as a single person or student, stand strong despite cultural pressure. You’re in step with your Creator. If past choices weigh on you with guilt, know forgiveness is real—scripture shows many, even in Jesus’ lineage, who fell, repented, and were restored. If you’re out of step today—living with someone not your spouse, sleeping around, stepping outside marriage, or using pornography (a staggering 69% of men and 40% of women in America consume it)—it’s time to change. Pornography destroys homes, objectifies others, and breeds dissatisfaction. It’s sin, rooted in selfishness. Seek help, confess, and turn back to God’s design. When lived out biblically, sex brings unparalleled joy and fulfillment—a wonder worth pursuing God’s way.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of sexuality, meant for joy and unity. Guide us to live by Your standard, fleeing immorality and honoring You with our bodies. Restore those who’ve strayed, strengthen those standing firm, and heal marriages marked by selfishness or manipulation. Let us experience the fullness of Your design, reflecting Your love in our lives, in Jesus’ name, amen.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Family Matters
Sermon Title: The Wonder of Sex
Date: Mar 2, 2025

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• 1 Corinthians 6:12–20

• 1 Corinthians 7:1–5

• Genesis 2

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