“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am the LORD your God. According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do…’’”

Leviticus 18:1-3 (NKJV)

Today we look at God’s instructions concerning sexual relations. In our culture, there is probably no more relevant subject. It is interesting that God begins by giving His credentials: “I am the LORD your God.” The Egyptians and Canaanites had many gods, but none of them were Yahweh. It’s also interesting that God addresses them as children: “Speak to the children of Israel.” Children need a lot of instruction. They are easily led astray by their own desires. They lack discernment. All these things apply to how people deal with sex.

The gist of God’s message to them is, do not follow the ways of Egypt and Canaan. God knew how evil these nations were and how deceitful and destructive were their practices. God’s people are never to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). In no uncertain terms, God spells out what is permitted and prohibited sexually. If His people would take these things to heart, then they would live by them (Leviticus 18:5).

God names all the people with whom they must not “uncover their nakedness”–that is they must not remove their clothing with sexual intent. He begins with family members, prohibiting incest. Evidently, this was a problem in Egypt and Canaan.

God created the sex drive. It is necessary, good and beautiful in its proper context between husband and wife. But take it out from this relationship, and it becomes a fire that destroys everyone in its path.

“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NLT)

How can we let the Lord rule this most intimate and powerful area of our lives?

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