Event Recap
At Cornerstone, we had the privilege of hearing from Hannah on the topic of “From Self-Gratification to Self-Control: Freedom From M.” Hannah began by narrating two contrasting stories. She began with a story in which a king lavished on his queen extensive material wealth and glamor. Yet in reality, it was all fake; her husband was having affairs with other women behind her back. Although the world thought they had an otherworldly romance, she wasn’t truly loved or free, but enslaved to her husband’s wicked debauchery.
Contrast this with the heart of God and His love for Israel: His people were gross adulterers with nothing of worth to offer, but He unconditionally pledged His love and faithfulness to her (Ezekiel 16:4-14). He gave her everything she didn’t deserve: true love, devotion, security, and freedom. God deeply loves His people and Christ exemplified this by dying on the cross to purchase and sanctify His church (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Hannah encouraged us that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that we are no longer enslaved, but have the choice to walk by the Spirit and resist temptation (Galatians 5:16-17). Moreover, we have the freedom to enjoy God’s immense love and to pursue after His heart. Rather than engaging in M, be vigilant to flee from immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) knowing that the greatest pleasure and satisfaction is found in God and His Word (Psalm 73:25).
She then covered some common situations in which women may be tempted to give into sexual impurity and shared some truths we can meditate on to resist temptation. For example, there are times when we may feel stressed out, have issues in our marriage, or have a desire for comfort. Regardless, there is never an excuse to sin because God gives us a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) and manipulating God’s good design for self-pleasure ultimately violates your own body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As we continue to strive for sexual purity, let us not use our bodies selfishly but glorify God (Galatians 2:20) knowing that this brings the greatest pleasure and satisfaction!
Contrast this with the heart of God and His love for Israel: His people were gross adulterers with nothing of worth to offer, but He unconditionally pledged His love and faithfulness to her (Ezekiel 16:4-14). He gave her everything she didn’t deserve: true love, devotion, security, and freedom. God deeply loves His people and Christ exemplified this by dying on the cross to purchase and sanctify His church (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Hannah encouraged us that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that we are no longer enslaved, but have the choice to walk by the Spirit and resist temptation (Galatians 5:16-17). Moreover, we have the freedom to enjoy God’s immense love and to pursue after His heart. Rather than engaging in M, be vigilant to flee from immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) knowing that the greatest pleasure and satisfaction is found in God and His Word (Psalm 73:25).
She then covered some common situations in which women may be tempted to give into sexual impurity and shared some truths we can meditate on to resist temptation. For example, there are times when we may feel stressed out, have issues in our marriage, or have a desire for comfort. Regardless, there is never an excuse to sin because God gives us a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) and manipulating God’s good design for self-pleasure ultimately violates your own body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As we continue to strive for sexual purity, let us not use our bodies selfishly but glorify God (Galatians 2:20) knowing that this brings the greatest pleasure and satisfaction!