PETTING IS LASCIVIOUSNESS
Introduction:
1. We learned that Lasciviousness is defined as "WANTONNESS"
which is defined: "Wanton -- hard to control, unruly, causing
sexual excitement, sensual....."
2. With this understanding of Lasciviousness, it is not difficult
to identify that PETTING is Lasciviousness.
3. There is no such thing as love at first sight. Real love is
not built upon mere sight. We may see one's talents, etc., and
admire these, but true love is the results of attachment to
the inward person. We love personality; personality must be
learned and respected before there is love.
4. We are bombarded on every side with unbridled lust and a
desire to break down the Bible's standard of morality. And
much of this has rubbed off on those who are members of God's
family, especially those who are younger.
5. Consequently, young people experiment in the same unbridled
lustful actions, with the fondling of one another's bodies,
perverting their God-given desires and far too often find
themselves taking that next and natural step --- FORNICATION.
6. Some evidently seem to think that such urges, aroused to the
breaking point, are signs of true love. THIS IS NOT SO!!!
Young men, a hundred different young women could arouse the
same desires within you. LOVE IS BASED UPON WHO SHE IS: LUST
IS BASED UPON WHAT SHE IS.
7. Courtship of young Christians should be based upon the
standards of Christ. PETTING AMONG UNMARRIED PERSONS IS NOT
BASED UPON THE VALUES OF CHRIST.
I. PETTING BREAKS DOWN THE WILL AND DESTROYS SELF-CONTROL.
1. It stirs a desire that petting itself cannot satisfy.
2. A person smells food, his mouth begins to water. But, no
satisfaction, until he eats.
3. So PETTING stimulates the body for more intimate desires.
Dr. Marion Hilliard, M.D., Chief of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto: "There can come
a moment between a man and a woman when control and judgment
are impossible, and self-respect can be eternally damaged. A
woman's first protection against this betrayal is to
appreciate that the speed up of her motions is not only
possible but natural and normal. Her best defense is to have
no confidence at all in her ability to say nay (NO) at the
appropriate moment. The belief that any woman can coolly halt
love-making at some point before she is wholly committed is a
tiger trap devised by romantics....not enough mothers warn
their daughters that kissing is intended by nature to be an
appetizer, not an entire meal."
"The Kinsey report showed that petting short of climax
leaves both persons in a state of nervous tension, followed by
irritability. Physiologically, stimulus without satisfaction
is against nature." NOTE: The Kinsey report was dealing with
the effects of boy-girl familiarity only from a health and
physiological standpoint. Concluded that it is better to pet
to climax or not to pet at all.
II. PETTING STIMULATES "INORDINATE AFFECTIONS":
1. Colossians 3:5 -- "inordinate affections" ("passions," A.V.)
Not in order, out of place, not kept within bounds.
2. Thayer -- "depraved passions, see Romans 1:26."
3. Hendrikson -- "The emphasis is on evil in the sexual realm,
particularly evil deeds. These evil deeds spring from evil
thoughts, that is from uncleanness...."
4. God places PETTING within the bounds of marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4.
5. Emily Post: "Values may be appreciated too late....And when
one of these reckless squanderers longs for something of real
value to give, there may be nothing left worth giving,....
petting and cuddling have the same cheapening effect as that
product of merchandise, which has, through constant handling
become faded and rumpled, smudged or frayed and thrown out on
the bargain counter in a marked-down lot."
6. If you are not her husband then keep your hands off of her.
III. THE CHRISTIAN SHOULD KEEP THEIR BODY PURE:
1. To the young Christian something else is important:
(1) We belong to the Lord -- Acts 27:23.
(2) We are to be instruments of righteousness -- Romans 6:13.
(3) Body is for the Lord -- 1 Corinthians 6:13.
(4) Bodies are members of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 6:15.
(5) Bodies to be kept in sanctification and honor --
1 Thessalonians 4:4,5
(6) Flee youthful lusts -- 2 Timothy 2:22.
2. Whenever a Christian is in a situation where he cannot trust
himself/herself to act according to reason and according to
the standards of Christ, he/she is in the wrong place.
IV. PETTING IS LASCIVIOUSNESS:
1. How could one better describe petting than "indecent bodily
movements, unchaste handling of males and females"? Yet, this
is the definition given by Thayer for LASCIVIOUSNESS.
2. And, remember LASCIVIOUSNESS is SIN, and those who commit
Lasciviousness shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
3. Philippians 4:8 -- "Finally, brethren....think on these
things." Petting causes sin in the heart.
4. Courtship can be all that God wants it to be or IT CAN BE AN
UNPLEASANT MEMORY.
5. Consecrate yourself to God's honor, keep thyself pure. You
have a whole lifetime to experience life. Be what God wants
you to be. When two people are in love, each will want the
best for the other.
(Much of this taken from an article by Warren Bell,
The Preceptor, Vol. 21; No. 7; page 23-207.)
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