Using an example related to sexuality, define the key elements of Christian ethics as they relate to this example: (1) the action (2) a person’s attitudes about the action, (3) the person’s motives for doing the action, and (4) the results of the action.
For example, sex before marriage
(1) the action: we know that at action of sex before marriage is clearly against what the Bible says Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
(2) a person’s attitudes about the action: People’s attitudes are influenced by what the world says which presents a problem for Christians because the world has no issue with sex before marriage, but God does and we are told to fear God more than man. Matthew 10:28. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
(3) the person’s motives for doing the action: I person motives for having sex before marriage is pleasure and self-gratification. The Bible calls us to love one another more highly than ourselves. Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”. Some people will say sex before marriage is about love, but love put the other person first and therefore when Christians have sex before marriage, they are putting themselves first.
(4) the results of the action: The result of sex before marriage is that it causes both people to sin against God, which often comes with consequences, like pregnancy, disease, hurt when the relationship breaks up etc. This leaves the person feeling guilty, which tends to break down their relationship with God and when continue sinning, this normally leads us into greater sin which eventually leads to death. James 1:13-16 “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”
DISCUSS
Sexual abuse, sex addiction, gender confusion, brokenness and shame plague today’s world, and people are seeking clarity and hope. She believes Christians have been “discipled” by the sexual norms of today’s culture; a growing number of Christians are supportive of cohabitation, premarital sex, gender fluidity, and same-sex marriage. By contesting long-held cultural paradigms, Dr. Juli Slattery equips you to see how sexuality is rooted in the broader context of God’s heart and His work for us on earth. She provides a framework from which to understand the big picture of sexual challenges and wholeness, and helps you recognize that every sexual question is ultimately a spiritual one.