For several years, Yale University—an elite institution in the US—allowed students to engage in an annual 7-day sexual frenzy known as Sex Week at Yale. The week included “prominently featured titillating displays, [porn] film stars, and commercial sponsors of such material.” But a campus group called Undergraduates for a Better Yale College rose up and challenged Sex Week, declaring that it was part of an attitude that “both trivializes sex and is obsessed with it.” By voicing their concerns on a special website, in articles featured in the campus newspaper, and directly to Yale leaders, they got Sex Week canned in 2011.
Sadly, King David engaged in his own “Sex Week.” In 2 Samuel 11, we find him getting sexually aroused as he “looked” at a naked woman who was another man’s wife (2 Samuel 11:2). Then, in a rapid two-step misstep, he inquired about who Bathsheba was (2 Samuel 11:3) and had her brought to his royal chambers to have sex with her (2 Samuel 11:4). Later, trying to cover up his sin, he arranged for the death of Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband).
When we choose to engage in sex outside of marriage, there is also death—of purity and peace. In Psalm 51, we find David agonizing over his sexual sin. In deep shame, he bows before God, seeking His mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing (Psalm 51:1,2,7). The king’s illicit encounter of pleasure had led to a bitter “stain” that tormented him and his spirit (Psalm 51:1, 9-10).
David knew that only God could “purify” him of his sins and “create in [him] a clean heart” (Psalm 51:7,10). Yes, by God’s grace, we can be cleansed. But how much better it is to avoid the pain, shame, and stain of sexual sin by choosing purity in the first place. It’s something that—unlike Sex Week—honors God and shows true love and respect for others.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 3:12–4:4
More:
Read Isaiah 1:16-18 to see what it tells us to do if we’re struggling with sexual sin (and all sin).
Next:
What things have you been dabbling in that could cause you to move toward engaging in sex outside of marriage? Why does God command you to stay pure and holy?
AManofGod on October 10, 2012 at 12:30 am
I simply LOVE when speaking of David and using him as an example of both GOOD and BAD actions! What I love most is that David teaches us so many things about our actions and the repercussions of those actions. His sins had so many side effects. In covering up his sin (or attempting to do so) he had to commit more AND more sins! And in the end God knew all along….so he wasn’t really hiding anything.
At times we are all guilty of behaving like David. It might not be as serious as sexual immorality and murder but ALL we do in the dark is known to God and will come to light!
The best part of David’s tale is that in the end, he turned to God and repented sincerely! He still had to pay the price for his actions, but God forgave him. And God’s mercy and forgiveness are so complete and all encompassing that He called David “A man after His own heart.”
What more could we ask for as an example of what we should do….and should not.
AManofGod
tom felten on October 10, 2012 at 8:29 am
AManofGod, thanks so much for lifting up the contrast of the good and bad seen in David’s life. Praise God that by His grace He forgives our sin as we turn in repentance to Him!
alli on October 10, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Hi can you guys not include the quote it could b a stumbling block for some. The world even in thier speech seeks to stir up stuff God says in Songs to stay asleep. Its so bad even in music supposed to b Christian behind it are melodies which seek to lead you into immorality. No wonder satan was a musician and the biggest way to get ppl to fall is through music. Its like a drug. Stay sober.
Terrence Simon on October 11, 2012 at 7:27 am
Hi Tom,
Thanks Tom, For reminding us one more time that God is most important thing in our life.
If you feel thirsty and start having hot water at time your thirst won’t be satisfied like that sex is a kind of thirst it should be satisfied by proper way not like having hot water.
Sex part of life and always remember that our body and soul is place where our Lord likes to live so always try to keep ourself pure.
Adetunji Adeyemi Michael on October 12, 2012 at 1:36 am
God bless you Tom
this is sex outside marriage. is there any article like sex before marriage?,
tom felten on October 12, 2012 at 9:36 am
Adetunji, here’s a recent ODJ devo post that might prove helpful. http://www.ourdailyjourney.org/2012/05/23/casualty-hookups/