Standing Firm: Navigating Sexual Devolution with Scripture
Summary
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I greet you all. It's a joy to be here, sharing in this gathering of thoughtful, gospel-minded Christians. Today, we delve into the complex and challenging topic of sexual devolution, a subject that requires us to return to the very foundations of our faith and understanding. As Christians, our discipleship begins with the submission of every thought to Scripture, seeking to understand and live faithfully according to God's Word. We are in a cultural moment where the cost of answering moral questions wrongly is increasing, and we must be prepared to stand firm in our convictions.
The roots of our current crisis can be traced back to Genesis 3, where the fall introduced sin and corruption into God's good creation. This corruption has manifested in various revolutions over the past century, leading to the sexual devolution we witness today. The contraceptive revolution, the revolution of divorce, the revolution of abortion, the feminist revolution, and the revolution of advanced reproductive technologies have all contributed to the current state of sexual anarchy. Each of these revolutions has progressively separated sex from its God-given purposes, leading to a society that increasingly rejects biblical morality.
In this context, the only worldview that offers a genuine alternative to the prevailing sexual anarchy is the Christian biblical worldview. Our neighbors, who once shared our moral intuitions, have shifted their views due to the secularization of society. This shift underscores the importance of grounding ourselves and our children in Christian truth, teaching them to understand and live out the comprehensive beauty of God's creation and His moral law.
As we face these challenges, we must recognize that the demands to change sexual morality are, in fact, demands to abandon the gospel. The Bible's clear teachings on sin and the need for a Savior are foundational to our faith. Redefining sin misleads people concerning their need for Jesus, which has eternal consequences. Therefore, we must engage in conversations with our children and within our churches that previous generations never had to have, equipping them to withstand the cultural pressures of our time.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Foundation of Christian Discipleship: As Christians, our discipleship begins with submitting every thought to Scripture, seeking to understand and live faithfully according to God's Word. This foundation is crucial as we navigate the moral challenges of our time. [04:08]
2. The Roots of Sexual Devolution: The current sexual devolution is rooted in the fall and has been exacerbated by various cultural revolutions, including contraception, divorce, abortion, feminism, and reproductive technologies. Each has progressively separated sex from its God-given purposes. [06:44]
3. The Christian Worldview as the Only Alternative: In a society increasingly characterized by sexual anarchy, the Christian biblical worldview stands as the only comprehensive alternative. This worldview is grounded in the authority of Scripture and offers a coherent understanding of human sexuality. [21:36]
4. The Cost of Abandoning Biblical Morality: Redefining sin and abandoning biblical morality misleads people concerning their need for Jesus, which has eternal consequences. As Christians, we must stand firm in our convictions, recognizing the cost of discipleship in a secularizing culture. [49:36]
5. Equipping the Next Generation: Parents and churches must engage in conversations with young people that previous generations never had to have, grounding them in Christian truth and equipping them to withstand cultural pressures. This involves teaching them the comprehensive beauty of God's creation and His moral law. [50:54]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction and Context
[01:28] - The Importance of a Thinking Tribe
[03:29] - Understanding the Questions We Face
[04:08] - The Foundation of Christian Discipleship
[05:31] - The Roots of Our Crisis
[06:44] - The Revolutions Leading to Devolution
[10:26] - The Impact of the Pill
[12:17] - The Revolution of Divorce
[13:21] - The Revolution of Abortion
[14:45] - The Feminist Revolution
[17:34] - Advanced Reproductive Technologies
[20:21] - The Project of Modernity
[21:36] - The Christian Worldview as the Only Alternative
[34:34] - Embracing Sexual Anarchy
[49:36] - The Cost of Abandoning Biblical Morality
[50:54] - Equipping the Next Generation
[54:10] - Turning to Scripture
[59:13] - The Power of the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:1-7
2. Romans 1:18-32
3. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Genesis 3, what were the immediate consequences of the fall for Adam and Eve, and how did it affect their relationship with God?
2. In Romans 1:18-32, what are the three exchanges that Paul describes, and what do they signify about human nature and sin?
3. How does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 describe the transformation that occurs in believers, and what does this imply about the power of the gospel?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon mentions that the current cultural moment demands a redefinition of sin, which can mislead people about their need for Jesus ([49:36]). How does this relate to the exchanges mentioned in Romans 1, and what are the implications for Christian witness?
2. In Genesis 3, the fall introduces sin and corruption into creation. How does this foundational event relate to the various cultural revolutions discussed in the sermon, such as contraception and divorce ([06:44])?
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of grounding the next generation in Christian truth ([50:54]). How does this align with the transformation described in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and what role does the church play in this process?
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Application Questions:
1. The sermon highlights the need for Christians to submit every thought to Scripture ([04:08]). What specific steps can you take this week to ensure your thoughts and actions align with biblical teachings?
2. Reflect on the cultural revolutions mentioned in the sermon, such as the contraceptive and feminist revolutions ([06:44]). How have these influenced your personal views on sexuality, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with a biblical worldview?
3. The sermon calls for equipping the next generation to withstand cultural pressures ([50:54]). How can you actively participate in teaching and modeling Christian truth to young people in your community or family?
4. Considering the cost of abandoning biblical morality as discussed in the sermon ([49:36]), what are some practical ways you can stand firm in your convictions in your workplace or social circles?
5. The sermon suggests that redefining sin has eternal consequences ([49:36]). How can you engage in meaningful conversations with friends or family who may have differing views on sin and morality, while still showing love and compassion?
6. Reflect on the transformation described in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. What areas of your life do you feel need transformation, and how can you seek God's help in this process?
7. The sermon emphasizes the power of the gospel as the only adequate response to the current cultural challenges ([59:43]). How can you share the gospel more effectively with those around you, especially in conversations about sexuality and morality?
Devotional
Day 1: Submitting Every Thought to Scripture
Our journey as Christians begins with the submission of every thought to Scripture. This foundational act is crucial as we navigate the moral challenges of our time. In a world where cultural norms are constantly shifting, grounding ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's Word is essential. By aligning our thoughts and actions with Scripture, we can discern right from wrong and live faithfully according to God's will. This process of discipleship requires intentionality and a commitment to understanding and applying biblical principles in every aspect of our lives. [04:08]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thought or belief you hold that you need to examine in light of Scripture today? How can you actively submit this thought to God's Word?
Day 2: Understanding the Roots of Sexual Devolution
The current sexual devolution is deeply rooted in the fall and has been exacerbated by various cultural revolutions over the past century. These include the contraceptive revolution, the revolution of divorce, the revolution of abortion, the feminist revolution, and the revolution of advanced reproductive technologies. Each of these has progressively separated sex from its God-given purposes, leading to a society that increasingly rejects biblical morality. Understanding these roots helps us recognize the broader cultural forces at play and the importance of returning to a biblical understanding of sexuality. [06:44]
"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." (Romans 1:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How have cultural shifts influenced your understanding of sexuality? What steps can you take to align your views with God's design for sex and relationships?
Day 3: Embracing the Christian Worldview
In a society increasingly characterized by sexual anarchy, the Christian biblical worldview stands as the only comprehensive alternative. This worldview is grounded in the authority of Scripture and offers a coherent understanding of human sexuality. By embracing this perspective, Christians can offer a countercultural witness to the world, demonstrating the beauty and wisdom of God's design. It is essential to equip ourselves and our children with this understanding, so we can confidently engage with the cultural challenges we face. [21:36]
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the Christian worldview on sexuality? How can you share this perspective with others in a loving and respectful manner?
Day 4: The Cost of Abandoning Biblical Morality
Redefining sin and abandoning biblical morality misleads people concerning their need for Jesus, which has eternal consequences. As Christians, we must stand firm in our convictions, recognizing the cost of discipleship in a secularizing culture. The Bible's clear teachings on sin and the need for a Savior are foundational to our faith. By holding fast to these truths, we can offer hope and guidance to those who are lost and searching for meaning in a world that often rejects God's standards. [49:36]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel pressure to conform to the world's standards? How can you stand firm in your faith and uphold biblical morality in this area?
Day 5: Equipping the Next Generation
Parents and churches must engage in conversations with young people that previous generations never had to have, grounding them in Christian truth and equipping them to withstand cultural pressures. This involves teaching them the comprehensive beauty of God's creation and His moral law. By investing in the spiritual formation of the next generation, we can prepare them to navigate the complexities of modern life with wisdom and grace, rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word. [50:54]
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally invest in the spiritual growth of the young people in your life? What specific steps can you take to teach them about God's truth and equip them to face cultural challenges?
Quotes
As blood-bought Christians, our discipleship begins with an understanding that we are to think as Christians, submitting every thought to scripture, seeking to understand all the gutters of to us in his word and seeking them to understand how to live faithfully, how to judge faithfully, how to discern accurately. [00:04:10]
The reason we're having this discussion is because of the fall and human sinfulness and the corruption of those good things that God gave us in creation: the corruption of the body, the corruption of sexuality, the corruption of marriage, the corruption of love, the corruption of all those things that God gave his human creatures. [00:06:44]
The exchange of a tradition of moral wisdom that had been shaped by Christianity and had been embraced by virtually all civilizations that had comprised Christendom is now being seen as that which must be overcome in order to liberate humanity. [00:07:10]
The only alternative worldview to the reigning worldview of sexual anarchy is biblical Christianity. Now, there might be some minor voices that are bringing a similar kind of message in Orthodox Judaism and in some other religious groups, but in terms of a comprehensive worldview, the only worldview that offers a genuine alternative to the sexual anarchy of the modern age is the Christian biblical worldview. [00:21:36]
If we redefine something the Bible says as sin as something that is not sin, then we mislead people concerning their need for Jesus. That is devastating eternal consequences. [00:49:36]
You need to be having a lot of conversations your parents never needed to have with you, and you need to recognize that young people growing up in this society will be able to withstand the larger cultural anarchy when it comes to sexuality only if they believe that their allegiance to Christ requires that they do so. [00:50:54]
If they are not grounded in Christian truth and if they are not taught the principles of the Christian worldview, if they are not intelligent Christians who understand the discipleship of the mind, if they don't understand the comprehensive beauty of God's creation and what he has given us, if they don't understand that God's law is that which brings him glory. [00:51:54]
The Christian worldview is the only worldview capable of withstanding the worldview of sexual anarchy that is taking shape all around us. The Christian gospel is the only adequate response to our question: what then do we do? We are to be a gospel people living by the power of the gospel. [00:59:13]
We have to stand ready to give an answer, whatever question this world will press upon us, and because of those same commitments and the fact that we're bought with a price, we have to give the same answer the Apostles would give, and by God's grace, we know where to go to find those answers. [01:00:13]
The suppression of the truth in unrighteousness is exactly what explains and is alone what explains the confusion on these issues all around us in the moral rebellion of the age. It is suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, and we're the people who are informed by Scripture, so we're the people who have no right to be surprised by this. [01:01:13]
The moral intuitions of Americans on many of these things have just simply shifted, and they've shifted so fast that it's almost impossible for us to imagine. Leon Kass at the University of Chicago, a Jewish thinker, very helpfully has the category of what he calls the yuck factor. [00:26:13]
The demands to change sexual morality are actually a demand for us to abandon the gospel, and it's because of the basic biblical presupposition that we don't know why we need a Savior until we understand that we are sinners. [00:49:36]
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