MEMORY VERSE: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 49:1-4.
INTRODUCTION
Simply put, the ‘marriage bed’ describes the sacredness of the sexual intimacy between husband and wife. Ideally, it is a place of genuine love, faithfulness, longing and mutual satisfaction between a husband and his wife Song of Solomon 1:15-16. The marriage institution must be highly esteemed among all and the sanctity of the ‘marriage bed’ must be held in honour and not contaminated through sexual immorality Hebrews 13:4. God will judge and punish the unchaste and adulterous person. Faithfulness in marriage is important.
OUTLINES
- NO UNHOLY ALLIANCE!
- KEEP IT PURE
- NO UNHOLY ALLIANCE!
The marriage bed will be defiled when the couple become unfaithful in their union by seeking sexual satisfaction outside marriage Hebrews 13:4. This impurity may stem from being involved in any form of adultery which Proverbs 6:32 depicts as a lack of understanding and destruction to the soul. All acts of fornication 1 Corinthians 10:8a, extramarital affairs with another person or involvement in any form of sexual immorality are abominable before God Romans 1:27-28; Leviticus 18:6, 17, 20, 23.
Other sexual activities that corrupt the marriage relationship include lustful thoughts and actions which defile the marriage bed 1 Peter 2:11; Matthew 5:28; Proverbs 6:25-29. Exposure to illicit sexually explicit materials Ephesians 5-5. Adulterous eyes that ultimately lead to ungodly sexual activities that ultimately lead to breaking of marriage vows 2 Peter 2:14; Proverbs 6:25b: Proverbs 7:10-23. Flirting Song of Solomon 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:13. Emotional cheating such as phone sex/digital intimacy with the opposite sex Romans 6:12-14. Suggestive moves that lead sexual temptations Proverbs 7: 16-19.
2. KEEP IT PURE
Any form of infidelity in marriage displeases God Hebrews 13:4b. As a married couple, you have the responsibility to preserve the sanctity of your marriage bed 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. Couples should discuss with each other any untoward sexual pressure from a third party and seek godly counsel, if necessary, Proverbs 11:14. Couples must be sincere to identify any areas of sexual dis-satisfaction they experience during times of intimacy and wisely work at making it better Ecclesiastes 4:9- 10. Deliberately learn and grow your sexual intimacy together in the fear of God. Be a united force and uproot any stranger to your marriage bed Proverbs 5:3-6. Enjoy what you have and be content with your spouse Proverbs 5:15.
Flee from seductive influencers that sow seeds of lust in our hearts 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. Constantly renew your mind with God’s word Psalm 119:11. Practice self-control Proverbs 25:28. Always remember that the pleasure of sin is for a moment, but the consequences are grave and could last a lifetime Proverbs 20:17. Evade the wrath of God and abstain from sexual infidelity because God will not hold anyone guiltless 1 Corinthians 6:9; Proverbs 6:29. Avoid toxic friends that could corrupt your marriage relationships Proverbs 1:10; 13-20.
CONCLUSION
The sexual activities of married people must remain sacred as the partners remain faithful to each other irrespective of time or distance.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Hebrews 13:4
Mon: Proverbs 20:17.
Tues: Proverbs 6:32.
Wed: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
Thurs: Proverbs 11:14.
Fri: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.
Sat: Proverbs 1:10.