Sermon Tone Analysis

Question: Why have Christians been hiding?

Hiding from what? I’m glad you asked…and am hopeful that once we are done today, you will also be glad we answered this question.

Duane Garrett, in his commentary in the NAC on Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, made the following statement which answers the question I have just asked...

The Bible does not hide from or obscure the power of the temptation to illicit sex.

In language that is refreshingly clear and direct without itself indulging in titillation, the text warns the reader of the debacle that awaits him should he succumb in this area and at the same time promises profound sexual joy to those whose hearts are chaste and loving.

If the church is to do its duty, it must be no less clear in its teachings.

To assume that nice, Christian young people do not struggle in these areas or to speak only in whispers and innuendo on the grounds that they are inappropriate for the Christian pulpit is no less than gross neglect of duty on the church’s part.

Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol.

14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 90.

Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol.

14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 90.

The Bible does not hide from or obscure the power of the temptation to illicit sex.

In language that is refreshingly clear and direct without itself indulging in titillation, the text warns the reader of the debacle that awaits him should he succumb in this area and at the same time promises profound sexual joy to those whose hearts are chaste and loving.

If the church is to do its duty, it must be no less clear in its teachings.

To assume that nice, Christian young people do not struggle in these areas or to speak only in whispers and innuendo on the grounds that they are inappropriate for the Christian pulpit is no less than gross neglect of duty on the church’s part.

Too often, under the guise of propriety (it’s not polite to talk about this) & fear (talking about this will only lead our kids/young people to curiosity, etc.), we have neglected to rightly teach the truth.

The current situation of our culture (not like there’s anything new under the sun)…the immorality all around us—from Hollywood to political leaders and even to our Evangelical leaders…as well as the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements—calls for us to be clear on the biblical teaching of intimacy, sex, and the importance of marriage.

Sooooo, here we go.

Sooooo, here we go.

In chapter five of Proverbs, God reveals both warning and encouragement regarding men and women.

Sooooo, here we go.

Shun SEDUCTION ()

Danger: Seduction!

()

Price of Infidelity ()

An extremely high price indeed!

[compounding, escalating consequences…loss of health (diseases), loss of finances, loss of respect]

Embrace MARRIAGE ()

Delight: Marriage!

()

Emphasis 19.5

Eph 5.

…Not to mention the Song of Solomon!

Covenant Commitment ()

Prov 5.