Random Thoughts @trevordrinen: Discovering Loopholes

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Discovering Loopholes

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” Ephesians 5:3

“How far does God say we can go physically?” is one common question dating couples ask of Scripture. The correlating question married couples may pose is “What is permissible in our sexual relationship?” Both inquiries recognize that there are certain absolute limits our Father has set regarding our sexual behavior. However, there has been a lot of confusion in defining these limits.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The main reason for befuddlement is the Bible’s lack of an extensive list of “dos and don’ts” in this area. Of course, today’s passage teaches that “sexual immorality” is forbidden, thereby prohibiting intercourse outside of marriage. But it is hard to find explicit biblical stipulations on the propriety of premarital displays of affection such as kissing. Likewise, Scripture does not give many specific directives for married couples, focusing instead on general principles including an undefiled marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4).

Many groups have not let the lack of a list of acceptable and forbidden activities prevent them from imposing their own man-made checklist of godly and ungodly behaviors. While this form of legalism is clearly harmful, it is another type of legalism that may be even more prevalent, namely, trying to find all sorts of creative ways to get around God’s law. The Pharisees were excellent practitioners of this kind of legalism. Once they even thought they could righteously get away from honoring their elderly parents by taking any support they could offer them and giving it to God instead (Mark 7:9–13).

As we look to God’s law and sexuality, let us be wary of our tendency to circumvent true obedience. We are always a hair’s breadth away from becoming Pharisees ourselves.

CORAM DEO

Because it is hard to find a detailed list of dos and don’ts regarding sexual behavior, it is easy for us to justify certain activities or thoughts that may in fact not be edifying. Even if something might be “lawful,” it might not be “helpful” (1 Corinthians 6:12). We can easily conform to specific commands while violating their spirit. Take some time today to recognize your own proclivity to find loopholes in God’s Word. Confess your need of him to make you obey truly and fully.