SEX IS GOD’S IDEA-Pastor Darius Johnston What happens to a man and woman in marriage when there is a lack of sexual intimacy? Emotions of frustration, resentment, loneliness, rejection, low self-esteem, stress, loss of purpose & fulfillment, and exploration of alternatives. Biblical View of Sexual Intimacy: SEX IS GOOD Gen 2:24-25 NIV That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.  25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. 1 Cor 7:3-5 NIV The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. Prov 5;18-19 NIV 18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.  SEX NEEDS PROTECTION Exodus 20:14 NIV You shall not commit adultery. Prov 6:32 NIV But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.  Matt 5:27-28 NIV You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ j 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. SEX IS NOT JUST A PHYSICAL ACT 1 Cor 6:13, 15-18 NIV 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both…. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” d 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. e  18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. ROADBLOCKS TO HEALTHY SEXUAL INTIMACY: LACK OF COMMUNICATION UNRESOLVED CONFLICT FALSE BELIEFS PAST ABUSE ADDICTION BROKEN TRUST MISMATCHED LIBIDOS INTIMACY ANOREXIA QUESTIONS FOR HOMEWORK: What roadblocks do you see in our marriage? (consult the list) What activities or gestures make you feel connected in our physical relationship? Is there anything you need from me to add to the connection in our relationship? What time of the day do you most enjoy having sex?