Home, The Purpose for Sex
Genesis 1:27-28
Basic scriptural principles from a study of Genesis 1 and 2
Divine Origin of Marriage and Sex
- Marriage and sex are of divine origin, not human inventions
- They are part of God’s perfect and good gifts
Marriage and Sex Before the Fall
- Marriage and sex were given by God before the fall, indicating they are not inherently sinful
- Sin perverts these gifts, but they are pure in God’s design
Purpose of Reproduction
- Reproduction is a normal but not the exclusive purpose of sex
- Discussing the balance between extremes in views on sex
Additional Insights
- Balance in Views on Sex
- Avoiding extremes: sex is neither everything nor nothing
- It should be viewed from a balanced, scriptural perspective
- Children as a Blessing
- Addressing cultural views on overpopulation and self-centeredness
- Emphasizing that children are a heritage and blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5)
Threefold Purpose of Sex
- Propagation (Reproduction)
- Genesis 1:27-28: Be fruitful and multiply
- Parenthood as a part of God's design for sex within marriage
- Prevention (Avoiding Fornication)
- 1 Corinthians 7:2: Legitimate outlet for sexual desires to prevent fornication
- Importance of mutual responsibility and control within marriage
- Pleasure
- Hebrews 13:4: The marriage bed is undefiled
- Genesis 2:24: Closeness and intimacy in marriage
- Pleasure as a legitimate purpose of sex (Genesis 18:12, Genesis 26:8, Deuteronomy 24:5)
Practical Applications
- Developing a Mature Relationship
- It takes time and effort to cultivate a strong marital relationship
- Avoiding the rush and pressure of modern life to build a healthy marriage
- Commitment
- Commitment is essential for a fulfilling marriage
- Marriage and sex involve a willingness to bear the consequences and responsibilities
Conclusion
- Song of Solomon
- Encouragement to study Song of Solomon as a manual on married love
- Recognizing the beauty and joy in the marital relationship as designed by God
- Final Encouragement
- Emphasizing the importance of experiencing God's truth in marriage and sex
- Encouragement to align views and practices with divine purposes
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
