(Photo by Selma Komisky)

The Subject of Sexual Purity in the Church: Why Most Pastors Will Not Talk About it

By Brisa Aguirre

SEX! Imagine that being the opener at a Church service. Would it get your attention? Would you be confused or uncomfortable? Most people would be uncomfortable. They would probably cringe. You see, most churches will not touch the subject of sex in their sermons. Let alone talk about sexual immorality. Why do you think that is?

It is a touchy subject to be sure. But it is important to rely on what the Bible says rather than giving a personal opinion on the subject itself. And with that, we can come up with a biblical way to approach the subject.

Why They Will Not Talk About Sex

There are a few reasons why the Church will not talk about sex in their sermons:

1. It can be awkward
2. People may get offended
3. They do not want anyone to feel ashamed or guilty

4. They may not know how to approach it

Sure, it can be awkward but only if you make it awkward. Sex is normal and good. But it is only normal and good within the circle of marriage between a man and his wife. Anything outside of this is sexual immorality. It is a sin.

Some may get offended by this as there are many unmarried “Christians” who are sexually active. There are some who live with their boyfriend/girlfriend. And yes, many do attend Church together.

But the goal is not to make them feel guilty or ashamed but to convict them. It is understandable not wanting to make someone feel bad about themselves. But at the same time how can we let someone continue to live in sin. We have to tell them what the Word of God says.

So how we approach a sensitive biblical subject, such as sex, requires discernment.

What the Bible says

Genesis 2:24- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

It says a man will leave his parents and hold fast to his wife, not his girlfriend, not his hook-up. His wife.

1 Corinthians 6:18- “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

Not only does one sin against God, one can sin against their own body.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5– “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God…”

Self-control is key.

A Possible Approach

It’s best we don’t give our opinions. It can be a little confusing for people to hear from pastors or preachers, “I think” this or “I think” that. If we stick to verses from the Bible it should be enough.

Sharing personal stories or experiences could also be helpful. Others might be able to relate and should want to do better in obeying God.

It would also be a great idea to have a man and a woman both speak about sex. It would be beneficial to both audiences to get both perspectives.

The Church should talk about sexual immorality in their sermons. It shouldn’t be awkward. It shouldn’t be sugar-coated. It should be truth-spoken. And there are people who need to hear it.