“Can I ______; can I ______? What’s ok, what isn’t? I can agree sex should be kept for marriage, but I still want to show physical affection while dating.” It is unavoidable that this tension will come up in a dating relationship. In this message we consider again what tension-causers in our thinking might exist regarding these questions. Then we look at some explicit commands in scripture regarding affection and sex. Finally, we observe a handful of biblical principles which urge us to make thoughtful, careful, humble decisions in this area. As always with ‘grey area’ issues, we need to take what is clear in scripture to grow in wisdom for what is less clear. Such intentional thought in this area of discernment is necessary in a culture which equates sex with love and sinfully promotes the unreserved gratification of our sexual desires.
Jared is currently transitioning out of his role as pastor over the college ministry at Faith as he and his family prepare to move to the Czech Republic and work as global outreach partners in 2024. He and his wife, Claire, have three children.
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This message finishes where last week’s left off: Biblical principles for addressing the tension some feel about Christians putting too much pressure on dating for marriage. The two principles proposed here are (1) The believer’s first respons...