"In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For TeensThis is the first in the series of Bible Lessons For Teens. There is a review and discussion section at the end of the Bible lesson and we have provided the locations of the answers within the body of the lesson.We will open this Bible lesson with the following scripture:
Society's ViewsWe will start this lesson by playing this little game. Suppose a friend says that you can take whatever you want that's in their present possession at the present moment and that in return they get to take something of yours. Then after you have thought about it for awhile, ask yourself how you would really feel about taking something that wasn't yours - stealing - and about having something stolen from you that you cherished. Then ask yourself if this is any different than having sexual intercourse outside of marriage? We see something we like - we take it - we feel no remorse because it is accepted as the rule.So it is with today's society. People place less value on their virginity than on their possessions. No longer is their shame in fornication or adultery. Society says that as long as it is between "consenting adults", it's okay - but is it? This is the true importance of Bible lessons - to know Bible truth:
Society encourages you to be different, and sometimes being different can be positive but in most cases it leads you down the wrong path. The problem is that this encouragement by society to be different opens the floodgates for people to be self-indulgent and self-gratified, regardless of the cost and whom it hurts. This idea permeates every aspect of our society whether it is sports, movies, television, media, even basic family life. The result is though, that the people who are on the receiving end of this behavior feel cheated, hurt, betrayed, and scarred emotionally. Our opening text exhorts us "to possess our vessel in sanctification". Strong's concordance defines the Greek word for sanctification as "purity" and "holiness". That is why our opening text tells us to "abstain from fornication". How can purity and holiness co-exist with fornication? Our bodies are our temples and they are not to be defiled (I Cor 15:16-17)(Answer to Question 2 – "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens)
Religion and the BodyMost major religions (not just Christians) believe that we are not just bodies - but that we are bodies, souls and spirits. Our bodies are physical beings, our souls are what goes to Heaven or hell, and our spirits are our personality or "the heart". What we do with our bodies affects our spirits and our souls. What we do with our souls or spirits affects how we treat our bodies. This truth should make us act completely different when we know our bodily actions affect our entire being. Unfortunately, to society we are seen as just bodies. To enjoy whatever we desire. To do whatever we want with our bodies. Even if they believed there were other parts to us, they still believe the body is an island to its own. This is not true, for the Bible teaches Christians:
FornicationFornication is any illicit sexual activity. The Greek root word for fornication is porneia, which is where we get the word "pornography". Both pornography (which our society does not view as fornication) and fornication are sins of the body and the mind. (Answer to Question 3 – "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens)
Others are always affected whether we want them to be or not. An example from the Bible is David's sin with Bathsheba (see II Samuel 11). As a result of their sin, Bathsheba's husband was murdered and David's and Bathsheba's child died. But today such sins as pornography and sleeping around are accepted as an individual's right. However, they cause us to think only about our bodies, the gratification and enjoyment that occurs. Society does not explain or warn of the ramifications of such indulgences.
AdulteryAdultery is sexual activity, not just intercourse, between a married person and someone other than the spouse. What are some of the results of adultery? In some cases - divorce! For those who do not divorce, probably a lasting stain on the marriage. What about lack of trust between husband and wife? Answer to Question 4 – "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens Then there is all the emotional hurt; feelings of abandonment, betrayal, unattractiveness and low self-esteem. On top of that there are all the physical ramifications like sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, genital warts, scabies, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea etc.
SummaryThank God there is repentance! David repented and started living right again, and then God continued to bless him. If you are reading this and God has convicted your heart, there is hope for you as well. Through repentance you can begin the process of spending eternity with the mighty God, Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says:
You can't do this on your own! Find a preacher that preaches Apostolic truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
With the power of the Holy Ghost we can resist the temptations that would lead us into sin. The spirit of Christ in us will give us unbelievable sstrength to overcome temptations. In Jesus' precious name, Amen!
Review and Discussion Question 1 - "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens
Even though society encourages promiscuity, why is it not right in God's eyes? Question 2 - "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens
When do our bodies stop being temples in Jesus' eyes? Question 3 - "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens
Why is looking at pornography a sin? Question 4 - "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens
What are the ramifications of sexual immorality?
Question 5 - "In Love" or "In Lust" - Bible Lessons For Teens
Can you be saved by saying you are sorry to God?
|
