Keeping the flame Sexual Intimacy

Sexual intimacy Understand that God created sexuality, marriage and the sexual union between husband and wifeUnderstand that God created sexuality, marriage and the sexual union between husband and wife Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number …” 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number …” 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Purpose of sexual intimacy 1.Procreation/reproduction (Gen 1:28) This was God’s way to provide a place of security for the best upbringing of childrenThis was God’s way to provide a place of security for the best upbringing of children Thus God indicated that the sexual act that produces this child should be performed only in the context of a very exclusive relationship found in marriage.Thus God indicated that the sexual act that produces this child should be performed only in the context of a very exclusive relationship found in marriage.

Purpose of sexual intimacy 2. Companionship The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him Gen 2:18The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him Gen 2:18 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Gen 2:24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Gen 2:24 One flesh means sexual intercourse which unites our emotions, spirit and thoughtOne flesh means sexual intercourse which unites our emotions, spirit and thought

Purpose of sexual intimacy It celebrates spiritual, intellectual and emotional intimacy It celebrates spiritual, intellectual and emotional intimacy 3.It is a total bonding experience that no other human experience can rival the intimacy It is the culmination and celebration of a deep and intimate relationship It is the culmination and celebration of a deep and intimate relationship

Purpose of sexual intimacy 4.It is for PLEASURE: Deu 24:5 If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married. (“happiness” means pleasure of relating to each other sexually)

Practice of sexual intimacy 1.Biblical Sexual Intimacy is giving, not taking 1 Cor 7:3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.

Practice of sexual intimacy 5Do not deprive each other except 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. 5Do not deprive each other except 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.

Practice of sexual intimacy 2.Biblical Sexual Intimacy is exclusive: Eph 5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."[c] 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. A violation of this exclusivity is equal to idolatry! Exclusivity provides the best setting for satisfying sexual intimacy

Practice of sexual intimacy 3.Biblical Sexual Intimacy is Mutual 1 Cor 7:5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent… Remember that men and women are very different in their sexual interests and drives; therefore a mutual understanding and willingness to serve (or even sacrifice for) the other’s needs are necessary for mutual enjoyment