February 2023 - ‘Children of the (Sexual) Revolution!’
One of the things that our kids enjoyed discovering most during our time in the States last summer was the Waterparks. They loved the flumes. They couldn’t get enough of the waves. However, somewhat surprisingly, their favourite find was the Lazy River. It was a really simple concept. You picked up a rubber ring, got comfy on it and then just let the current take you. I guess that’s where the memorable little phrase go with the flow comes from.
You see there was a huge ‘sexual flow’ going on in First Century city of Thessalonica. Paul calls it the passions of lust (v.5). You know the kind of modern day mantras? If it feels good do it. Be true to yourself. My body, my choice. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Their world, like ours, certainly didn’t encourage restraint! The world offers no cheerleaders for those travelling along the cross paved path of godliness.
However, as God’s Word took root in their hearts and as the Holy Spirit (v.8) opened their eyes to the better story of Jesus there was a sexual ethic circuit breaker going on in their lives. As sons and daughters of the living God they had been brought into the Kingdom of light. As the gospel both captured the affections of their hearts and changed the direction of their minds they now sought to honour the God designed truth that the appropriate God designed setting for sexual activity is in a marriage between one man and one woman. Now that’s what I call children of the revolution!
Paul calls them generally to please God (v.1) as they walk. They seem to be doing well. It pleases Paul to hear about their new found loyalty to and affection for Jesus. Their lives are Coram Deo as the old Reformers used to say. Always lived before the face of God. However Paul, as a seasoned Pastor knowing their situation and the precise pinch point where they will feel the pressure the most, doesn’t hold back from going specific.
His central plea, in light of God calling them out of the Kingdom of darkness to be his own, seems to be this;
‘…that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honour…’ (v.4)
Here’s 3 ways this might play out for us…
The words we speak. How do we talk about the other sex? Would it convey a sense of honour and dignity? Indeed, one thing Paul seems to be aware of is either the false teaching spreading between people as they speak with one another or the potential to hurt one another with our words and actions (v.6). That’s a serious thing either way.
The thoughts we entertain. What makes it into our thought life? Is that movie scene helpful to watch? Is what we are mulling on causing us to be dissatisfied with our current situation?
The decisions we make. Are their certain places we know it’s not helpful to be? Are their relationships we know it’s not wise to pursue?
Here’s 2 encouragements for us…
Sanctification suggests it will be process. We’re all sexually broken human beings. Many of us are carrying around the weight of past regrets. Many more of us will make mistakes in the future. However, there is forgiveness and grace abounding at the cross of Christ. Be sure to run to and not away from our great shepherd who longs to show mercy, forgiveness, patience and love to his sheep.
Indeed, God in Christ has made us his own. He has set us part and given us his precious Holy Spirit. His role in our lives is to empower us for a Christ honouring lifestyle brining home to our hearts the conviction, challenge and comfort that all found in Christ.
So you want to be a revolutionary this year? What better way to do it than a bit of self denying and Christ choosing self control! That’s certainly going against the flow!
