What Does the Bible Really Say About Sexual Desires? - Spirit Revealing

 

What Does the Bible Really Say About Sexual Desires?
“Rightly dividing the Word of truth with holiness and clarity.”

Sexual desire is one of the most misunderstood subjects in today’s culture. It is often either idolized or demonized, but what does the Bible really say about it? Not opinions. Not pop culture spins. The undiluted, unfiltered, Scripturally sound truth.

this article explores the subject of sexual desires through the lens of Scripture alone, not feelings, trends, or societal pressures.

What Is Sexual Desire According to the Bible?

Sexual desire - the longing for intimacy with the opposite sex - is not inherently sinful. In fact, God created it.

Genesis 2:24 (KJV):
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

The desire to unite physically and emotionally with another is rooted in God's creation. It was part of His plan even before the fall. It only became corrupted when man fell into sin.

The Purpose of Sexual Desires

1. For Marital Union
   God designed sexual desire to find holy expression within marriage. Anything outside of that boundary leads to distortion.

Hebrews 13:4:
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."

2. To Illustrate Divine Intimacy
   Marriage and sexual union are earthly symbols of the spiritual intimacy between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31 - 32). This highlights the profound significance of these desires.
3. For Procreation and Pleasure (Within Boundaries)
   While the primary goal of sex in the biblical context includes procreation, the Song of Solomon shows that pleasure in holiness is not forbidden.

When Do Sexual Desires Become Sin?

Desire becomes sin when it steps out of divine boundaries. Consider the teachings of Christ:

Matthew 5:28:
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Lust is desire without covenant. It is craving someone else's body without responsibility, commitment, or divine approval.

Here are examples of distorted sexual desires:

Type of Distortion	Biblical Warning
Fornication (Sex before marriage)	1 Thess. 4:3 – “This is the will of God… that ye should abstain from fornication.”
Adultery (Sex outside one’s marriage)	Exodus 20:14 – “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Pornography / Lustful Thinking	Matthew 5:28 – “Committed adultery in the heart.”
Homosexual Practice	Romans 1:26–27 – “Against nature… men with men.”
Masturbation & Fantasy	While not explicitly named, it violates the spirit of 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee fornication.”

What Should a Christian Do with Sexual Desires?

Sexual feelings are not automatically sinful. The key is what you do with them. God's Word offers both clarity and counsel.

1. Submit Them to God

Romans 12:1:
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God..."

You are not your own. Your desires must bow to the Lordship of Christ.

2. Flee Temptation, Don’t Entertain It

2 Timothy 2:22:
"Flee also youthful lusts..."
Don’t flirt with lustful thoughts or environments. Delete, block, flee.

3. Get Married If You're Burning

1 Corinthians 7:9:
"But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."

Paul’s counsel is simple. If your desires are strong and a holy marriage is possible, don’t delay it unnecessarily.

4. Live a Spirit-Filled Life

Galatians 5:16:
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

The Holy Spirit empowers self-control. Victory over lust isn’t willpower — it’s Spirit power.

Why Satan Attacks Sexuality So Aggressively

The devil perverts what God treasures.

Sexual sin doesn’t just destroy bodies; it crushes destinies, marriages, ministries, and legacies. Satan knows this.

Proverbs 6:32:
"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."

When sexual sin becomes casual, spiritual decline follows.

But I’ve Already Fallen… Is There Hope?

Yes. Jesus didn’t come to condemn but to save, cleanse, and restore.

1 John 1:9:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us... and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Like the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11), He says, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

Repent. Surrender. Rebuild in righteousness.

FAQs

Is sexual desire sinful in Christianity?
Not by itself. It becomes sinful when pursued outside God’s design.

Can Christians masturbate if they’re single?
While not directly mentioned, it often stirs lustful thoughts, which Jesus equates with sin (Matt. 5:28).

How do I control sexual urges as a youth?
Through prayer, fasting, godly friendships, accountability, and focusing on purpose-driven living (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Is it wrong to desire your spouse sexually?
No. Within marriage, it’s encouraged and holy (1 Corinthians 7:3–5, Song of Solomon).

Is celibacy the only way to be holy?
No. Holiness is obedience to God. You can be married or single and still live a holy life.

In Conclusion, Desires Are Meant to Be Disciplined

Like fire in a fireplace, sexual desire within God’s boundaries brings warmth and beauty. But out of bounds, it burns, scars, and destroys.

Let us walk in purity, not in bondage to lust. Let us submit our desires to God. And when we fall, let us run — not away, but back into the arms of mercy.