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NASB | 1 Thessalonians 4:5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Thessalonians 4:5 not [to be used] in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God and are ignorant of His will; |
Subject: Tator Bug, what does God say? |
Bible Note: Tater Bug, Searcher56 is absolutely right! Hebrews 13:4 "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." If you are "burning with passion" before marriage, then you are playing with fire with your soul (Proverbs 6:27-32). Your emotions cannot be trusted (Hosea 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:2)! A true, long lasting relationship is built upon so much more than physical infatuation that only lasts for however long you are together, or he leaves after sex or pregnancy. If you want to 'attract' a man for a long lasting relationship, then.. "Do not let your adorning be external- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:3-4 [ESV] If a man is attracted to you because of your relationship with God (and you him), then that is a basis for a possible courtship for marriage. Attraction because of 'passion' or any sexual activity is not a basis for marriage, but it will, in fact, "force" you to make a decision: to either 'stop', or break it off because you become pregnant, or get married because you become pregnant. In all of the above choices, sexual abstinence is clearly the BEST choice in a dating relationship, since you would still have control over your relationship (with the Lord's help), to have the Lord tell you in His time whether or not the guy is the right man for you. But, if you have passion, arousal, and everything else coming into the relationship, then you will no longer have any control whatsoever over the relationship, and it will take on a life of its own, to a destructive end. I am presently involved in a courtship with a Godly woman, who I am attracted to because of her relationship with God (and vice versa). And we have made a pact before the Lord not to engage in any passionate or sexual activity until the vows have been made and exchanged, till death do us part. Therefore, we will be sure that 'attraction' or 'passion' does not force us to become married, but, if we become married, then we will do it on God's timing and terms, not our own. And this will ensure a successful long term marriage for us and for both of our families, who have become very involved in this courtship process. Blessings to you, Makarios |