Notes: Navigating Sexual Intimacy, Singleness, and Dating: A Biblical Approach


Navigating Sexual Intimacy, Singleness, and Dating: A Biblical Approach


Henry and Pam Reyenga

Empowering Romance Officiants to Address Delicate Topics

To discuss the role of sexual intimacy within the context of dating and the biblical perspective on marriage and singleness.

Addressing Sexual Intimacy at the Dating Level

The call to honor God with our bodies by abstaining from sexual immorality and maintaining self-control.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 - It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.

The Divine Design of Marriage and Sexual Intimacy

How to actively make and discern that marriage is the appropriate context for sexual relations, as designed by God.

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Saving the Best for Last

 Encouraging the belief that waiting for marriage before engaging in sexual relations is a gift to oneself and one's future spouse.

1 Corinthians 7:2 - But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.

Holy Sexuality

Framing sexual purity within the context of honoring the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Holy Masturbation

Is there a role for masturbation for Christians? 

1 Corinthians 6:12     “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

Discussing Chastity and Singleness

Affirming singleness as a valid and honored lifestyle, and chastity as a commendable choice for those not called to marriage.

Matthew 19:11-12 - Jesus replied, 'Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by othersÑand there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.'

The Officiant's Role in Guidance

The importance of seeking divine wisdom when counseling individuals and couples on matters of sexual intimacy and relationships.

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.