I Corinthians 6:13
“Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, however God will do away with both of them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.”
God created us and He is all wise. He knows what’s best for us. In the 60’s we as a culture decided what was best for us. We removed God from that place. Unfortunately it has led to the ruin of many.
Paul starts out with the stomach and it’s purpose. It was meant to digest our food to give us the fuel we need. It’s only purpose is for food.
He moves on to the body. We are to submit it to the Lord. There are other options. A big one is sexual immorality. Many pagan religions of old built their religions around it. There would be temple prostitutes. While we don’t have those today, but many build there lives around sex. So, it’s the same.
They follow their drives instead of following God’s instructions. Romans 1 explains this. Verse 21 says, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” This verse puts the order as rejecting God as first. It could have happened in their childhood. They wanted what they wanted ahead of honoring God. Instead of giving them the joy they thought they sought, misery resulted. It says, “their senseless hearts were darkened. Their thinking and perceptions are off.
Verse 24 is the other one. It says, “Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.” Abandoning God led them down paths that they probably wouldn’t have chosen. But now they live to pursue their passions.
The best option is to honor and follow God. He knows what’s best. Psalm 16:11 says, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” I was thinking about how much fun my wife and I have together. The marriage has gotten better and better. I think of her and smile. That’s because we honor God. We seek Him and His ways. He rewards us with joy. It’s a gift from Him.
God gave us sex to procreate and for married people to enjoy themselves. I know it sounds weird, but God and the church are married. We are His bride. As we honor Him He fills us with joy. Sex is a symbol of how much joy God gives us for following Him.
When we seek our will first, things are turned around. Misery awaits. God still reaches out His hand and beckons us to follow. Some listen, many don’t. Have mercy on us.
Thank You that You’ve given us ears to hear. Help us to listen and follow You. Thank You for the joy You’ve promised.