4.30.2017 Sermon Notes & Slides

Sermon Notes

The Cistern of Marriage and the Pit of Sexual Sin
Proverbs 5
Pastor Brent Whitefield

Introduction: The Proverbs remind us to heed the teachings of the wise, this time in the area of sexual ethics. To avoid falling into self-destructive sin, there is a role for instruction and discipline. But the strength to achieve victory lies in satisfaction and delight in what God has provided us, both in marital intimacy and in relationship with his son Jesus Christ.

01.

02.

03.

Questions for Discussion & Discovery

1. What are the essential character differences between the “forbidden woman” and the “wife of your youth”?

2. Why is sexual sin so alluring? Why do people abandon everything they have been taught to pursue it?

3. Solomon says, with regard to the forbidden woman: “Keep your way far from her.” What does keeping far away from sexual sin mean in our time and for you?

4. Must we regard all of the negative consequences of sin as punishments from God?

5. How is adultery like a pit (Sheol) and marriage like a cistern?

Sermon Slides

1. Read Proverbs 5:1-2.
2. 01. While our culture tells us to draw on inner resources for direction, the Bible assures us that the wise man is one who takes instruction.
3. At that time I formed an image of the world and a view of life which became a granite foundation for my actions. I have had to add but little to that which I learned then and I have had to change nothing. – Adolph Hitler
4. Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
– Frank Sinatra – “My Way”
5. Read Proverbs 5:3-14.
6. Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? – Proverbs 6:27
7. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18
8. 02. Sexual sin promises much: pleasure, sweetness, excitement, novelty, but delivers bitterness, poison, a pit, a trap, and death.
9. Read Proverbs 5:15-20.
10. It is highly important to see sexual delight in marriage as God-given; and history confirms that when marriage is viewed chiefly as a business arrangement, not only is God’s bounty misunderstood, but human passion seeks other outlets. – Derek Kidner
11. 03. Martial love is satisfying and worth nearly any sacrifice to maintain, while pointing us to the ultimate satisfaction that can only be found in relationship with Christ.
12. Sex is like fire. In the fireplace it keeps us warm. Outside the fireplace it burns the house down. Proverbs 5 is saying: “Keep the fire in the marital fireplace, and stoke that fire as hot as you can. – Raymond Ortlund
13. Read Proverbs 5:21-23.