Sexuality and Christian Hope

​Some consider sex as an appetite, similar to our urge for food (1 Corinthians 6:13). Some consider sex as something dirty that should be avoided (1 Corinthians 7:1).
 
For Christians, sex was created by God and considered as very good by Him. The two become one flesh (1 Corinthians 6:16) and are united physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
 
It is good to be married. Traditional culture emphasizes family. In the olden days, women were considered nobody if they were single. Nowadays, many believe that death ends everything. So, life on earth is of much higher importance, and it is paramount to find one’s true love.
 
The Bible also teaches us that we are designed to be married (Genesis 2:18). But, for Christians, it is good to be single also (1 Corinthians 7:27-28).
 
We are imperfect. Imperfect couples will face many conflicts. As discussed in Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 7:28, marriage is a long and hard journey. Both husband and wife need to give up their independence. And both should try to help the other to be better. Thus, marriage does not automatically lead to “happily ever after.”
 
Don’t be too desperate for romance or too eager to change status. Whether we are single or married, focus on God. For the single, try to find a spouse with the same focus. If we are happily married, don’t make the other side our idol. Instead, make God our one true love. For the unhappily married, again center on God.
 
The world in the present form is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Don’t be too attached to it. Only God can truly satisfy us. With His water, we will never thirst. Tie our hope to our future ultimate family. Tie our hope to God.
 
Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon:
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource



性与基督徒的盼望
 
有些人认为性如同食欲，类似人对食物的渴望（哥林多前书6:13）。有些人认为性是肮脏的，应可避免则避免（哥林多前书 7：1）。
 
对于基督徒来说性是上帝的创造，在祂眼中性是非常美好的。两个人合而为一，在身体、情感、精神和灵性上都结合在一起（哥林多前书  6:16）。
 
婚姻是一件好事。传统文化强调家庭。过去单身女性被视为没有地位。如今许多人认为死亡将终结一切，因此地上的生命具有更高的重要性，找到一个真爱的人更为重要。
 
圣经也教导我们婚姻是美好的，它是上帝的设计（创世记2:18）。
 
但对基督徒而言单身也是很好的（哥林多前书7：27-28）。
 
我们是不完美的。不完美的夫妻将面临许多冲突。正如以弗所书5章和哥林多前书 7:28所述，婚姻是一段漫长而艰难的旅程，双方都必须放弃自己的独立，努力帮助对方变得更好。由此可见，婚姻是不会自动变为童话故事中的“从此永远幸福。”
 
不要拼命地追求浪漫，也不要太渴望改变身份。无论单身还是已婚，都要专注于上帝。对单身人士而言，尝试寻找同样地专注于神的配偶。如果拥有美满的婚姻，不要让对方成为偶像。相反地，要使上帝成为我们唯一的真爱。如果婚姻不幸的，也应以上帝为中心。
 
当前的世界正在消逝，不要太依恋它（哥林多前书7：29-31）。只有上帝才能真正满足人。有了祂生命的水，我们将永远不会渴。让我们将盼望放在未来最终的天家，放在上帝身上。