The claim that God purposed the act of sex itself (in marriage) to be a prophylactic against sexual immorality is actually a claim about God’s purpose for a spouse. The claim that is really being made is that (part of) a husband or a wife’s purpose is to provide you with the sexual satisfaction you need so that you won’t be (as) tempted to go looking for it elsewhere
"God designed sex to serve the purposes of marriage, not marriage to serve the purposes of our sex drives." Great way of putting it. It should be obvious that marital sex, created before the Fall, can't be intended simply to prevent sexual sin... and even if it can, by the grace of God, help achieve that purpose, that is indeed a topsy-turvy way of approaching the topic.
St. Paul is urging married couples to not withhold sexual relations with one another. Every Christian should exercise self control by the power of the Holy Spirit--"if you put to death the deeds of the body you will live." It is a temptation to do wrong of course to seek relations elsewhere. The temptation can be intensified if one party is neglecting the one flesh union over time. It's a wonderful thing if this neglect ceases. In cases of medical conditions, postpartum issues etc. There is never an excuse to commit adultery due to an absence of relations. St. Paul reveals a surprising sensitivity to the human condition.
"God designed sex to serve the purposes of marriage, not marriage to serve the purposes of our sex drives." Great way of putting it. It should be obvious that marital sex, created before the Fall, can't be intended simply to prevent sexual sin... and even if it can, by the grace of God, help achieve that purpose, that is indeed a topsy-turvy way of approaching the topic.
"Topsy-turvey" is a very nice way to say "red flag: abuse content".
Oh Spirit, help us sort ourselves out so we can honour our Creator and each other, and apply Your Word safely.
Excellent “fast food theology”.
St. Paul is urging married couples to not withhold sexual relations with one another. Every Christian should exercise self control by the power of the Holy Spirit--"if you put to death the deeds of the body you will live." It is a temptation to do wrong of course to seek relations elsewhere. The temptation can be intensified if one party is neglecting the one flesh union over time. It's a wonderful thing if this neglect ceases. In cases of medical conditions, postpartum issues etc. There is never an excuse to commit adultery due to an absence of relations. St. Paul reveals a surprising sensitivity to the human condition.