In a world where culture often distorts the purpose of relationships and sex, it's important to remember that these are God's creations, designed to be good and meaningful. These things can be powerful and great, but they're NOT meant to be your #1 priority or focus. The enemy is continually trying to twist, distort, and manipulate God's intended design.

1. God Created Relationships and Sex as Good - NOT GOD

- God created them in Genesis 2:24.

- Marriage is covenant, not a contract - it reflects the nature of God and His faithfulness...

- When it comes to marriage relationships, CULTURE says they're CONTRACTUAL, while the KINGDOM says they're COVENANT. A contract is based on obligations and conditions; if one party fails to meet their responsibilities, a contract can be broken. A covenant is a sacred, binding promise; it's based on commitment, rather than conditions.

- A contract protects SELF; a covenant preserves SACRIFICE.

- Sex is powerful! It unites people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

- Physically: Matthew 19:5-6; Dopamine is a pleasure hormone released during sex to reinforce attachment between partners.

- Emotionally: Song of Songs 8:4; Oxytocin is a bonding hormone released during sex to create a deep sense of emotional connection and trust.

- Spiritually: 1 Corinthians 6:16; the word "prostitute" in this verse culturally refers to sexual immorality.

2. The Enemy Twists God's Design

- John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."

- The devil takes what is good, and then he distorts it.

⁃ Culture says sex is CASUAL; God says it’s SACRED.

⁃ Culture says love is about FEELINGS; God says love is about COMMITMENT.

⁃ Culture counterfeits what God creates.

3. The Bible Calls It Sin

- 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

- Sexual sin is any sexual activity outside of God's design for marriage.

o Promiscuity - casual sex, hooking up, pornography, having sexual partners outside of marriage

o Adultery - unfaithfulness, cheating

o Lust - sexual thoughts outside of marriage - including pornography and romance novels

- Studies have revealed that those who engage in sexual relationships before marriage have a higher rate of divorce.

- Sex rewires your brain to bond with multiple people, making it harder to commit to one person in marriage.

- Mental Health Studies have shown that those who are engaged in casual sex have been linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.

- See verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Matthew 5:28, Romans 1:24-27 (NET), 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Exodus 20:14, Proverbs 6:32, Hebrews 13:4

4. What Do I Do?

- 1 Corinthians 6:18 — RUN! Run from sexual sin! Don’t fight what you should be running from!!!

⁃ 1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

⁃ Romans 12:2 — Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

The answer has always been Jesus - He can provide the forgiveness, grace, and healing you need.