Ligonier Ministries Blog

1. Discipleship in a Sexualized Culture

   In March of 2015, a Delaware family traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands for a vacation. While in their room, they began to feel ill—headaches, fatigue, coughs, and shortness of breath. By the time they sought medical attention, the two teenage sons needed to be placed in a medically induced coma and put on ventilators. The whole family experienced neurological damage that lasted weeks and months, creating lifelong damage in some of them. It wasn’t until an investigation was conducted that it was discovered that another part of the resort was being treated for an insect infestation with the agricultural insecticide methyl bromide. The preliminary conclusion was that the methyl bromide escaped the containment area, possibly through the ventilation system, and poisoned the family. Every Christian family is experiencing something similar today. They are being exposed to environmental poison that is inducing spiritual illness and potentially long-term soul damage. Sexual immorality, pornography, and promiscuity are silently filling the spaces in which we live and breathe. It poisons children, teens, married couples, unmarried adults, and the elderly. And like methyl bromide, it is often undetectable. If our goal as Christians is to be and make godly disciples, we must address sexual immorality in all its forms as a regular part of normal Christian discipleship. But the reality of this threat should not discourage us, as long as we take action, for at least two reasons. First, sexual immorality, even in its most deviant and perverted forms, is not a new challenge for Christians. Sexual sin is as old as the fall of man. The civilizations that comprise human history have a long record of deviating from God’s good plan of sex being reserved for the covenant of marriage alone. God’s people have always been pilgrims, pursuing holiness in every area of life in a wicked and twisted generation (2 Peter 2:7). Second, the Bible is not silent either about sexual sin or sexual purity. The Bible declares in detail the glories that await the individual and the married couple as they pursue godliness in every area of life, including how we honor God as men and women, as gendered and sexual beings. That being said, there are three actions that Christians can take today as disciples and disciple-makers who firmly resist sexual sin: delay, define, and defend. 1. Every Christian must delay sexual intimacy until they are married. Solomon, in Song of Songs, counsels us to “not stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (Song 2:7). Paul encourages the Thessalonians to control their vessels in honor, resisting sexual sin (1 Thess. 4:3–4). The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes self-control (Gal. 5:23). Even in marriage, there are times for sexual restraint (1 Cor. 7:5). We must, as Christians, normalize the expectation that our sexuality is not a collection of uncontrollable urges. In fact, one of the areas where Christians will grow in self-control is in controlling their bodies in the avoidance of sexual sin. This sexual self-control is not a heroic feat; it is a normal part of being a Christian. So, especially for those Christians who are not yet married, delaying the experience of sexual intimacy is a normal and expected part of Christian discipleship. And, in God’s providence, some may be called to lifelong celibacy as single adults. 2. Christians must define and rejoice in God’s good design for sex. We are bombarded by media and societal expectations with views and ideas about sex and sexuality that are completely at odds with godly sexuality. If we are not actively and aggressively studying, teaching, and discipling others toward God’s clear teaching on sexuality, then we will inadvertently pick up society’s skewed and sinful views of sex. We must boldly remind ourselves and our fellow Christians what godly sexuality actually is (Gen. 2:24–25). This should not be a taboo subject or one that is only brought up when sin has already reared its ugly head. God does not shy away from talking about the beauty of sex within marriage as the only godly expression of sexuality, and neither should we. 3. Christians must defend against sexual sin and temptation wherever it may occur (1 Cor. 6:18). Temptation is very real (Matt. 6:13). There are times when it may surprise us, but Christians can also prepare themselves for potential temptation and learn the ways and wiles of Satan (Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 2:11). This includes guarding ourselves and the children and teens in our care from online pornography and sexually explicit material. This means avoiding sexually suggestive content in television, movies, and music. This means avoiding intimate conversations with people who are not your spouse. It means all these things and more. Every Christian will face sexual temptation in their lives. We must prepare for and defend against it. Conclusion Thankfully, God has given us two great gifts. First, for those who have indulged in sexual sin, there is repentance. The blood of Christ is powerful to save, and Christ is a merciful Savior. If you have sinned sexually, repent of it and turn away from it. Second, God has given us the Holy Spirit to govern our conscience and lead us in the way of holiness. Pay attention to your conscience and pursue holiness as the great gift that God gives to growing disciples. Sexual sin and temptation are very real and deadly, but our God has conquered sin and provided the way for His people to avoid it and grow in Christ, especially in our sexuality.

2. Glorifying God Through Productivity

   The world’s vision of personal productivity promises to help you make more money, secure greater fulfillment, and achieve your desires—it’s personal productivity for personal gain. However, Christians see God’s glory as their ultimate aim, and they see productivity as a set of skills to maximize their effectiveness in reaching that end. Because productivity is often associated with worldly ambition, believers can be tempted to write off the topic as something reserved for the business world or for those who have an ungodly obsession with avarice and achievement. The truth, however, is that there is no group for whom productivity is more important than Christians. Believers in Jesus Christ can leverage the skill of personal productivity to bring glory to God in at least three ways. 1. Personal productivity helps believers glorify God by making us more intentional in bearing the fruit of good works. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to teach His disciples how good works are a byproduct of their union with Christ, saying: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The fruit of good works comes via our connection with Christ, the true vine. But Jesus goes further, stating, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Here, He connects the bearing of much fruit with glorifying God the Father. To be productive in bearing the fruit of good works is to bring glory to God. Personal productivity certainly does not replace our connection with the vine in fruit-bearing. It can, however, act as a trellis for our fruit-bearing. Connected to Christ, Christians can grow in the skills of goal setting, time management, and prioritization in our efforts to bring glory to God. 2. Personal productivity helps us glorify God by improving our ability to redeem the time. Time management is one of the most essential productivity skills. In Ephesians 5:15–16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes its importance for our Christian walk: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15–16). God’s Word calls us to make “the best use of the time,” or as the King James Version puts it, to “redeem the time.” Acknowledging this truth is one thing, but it is quite another to seek to grow in effective time management purposefully. Christians who want to glorify God should eagerly pursue the skill of time management. Redeeming time requires wisely choosing commitments, effectively managing a schedule, and the settled determination to avoid wasting time and employ each moment as faithfully as possible. We live in a fallen world that requires work among thorns and thistles, rest, and attention to unanticipated needs. Even still, as we learn to better manage our time, we increase our capacity for faithfulness and thereby glorify God with the time and tasks He sets before us. 3. Personal productivity helps us glorify God by improving our stewardship. In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus tells a story of three servants entrusted with varying amounts of money while their master leaves on a journey. The servants represent followers of Christ, and the master is Jesus. In the story, upon the master’s return, the first two servants are praised and rewarded because they invested the money and made a good return (Matt. 25:15–16; 19–23). The third, however, is chastised and punished because he does not even attempt to use the master’s money wisely (Matt. 25:18; 24–28). Both of the faithful servants are commended and rewarded similarly (Matt. 25:21, 23). What differentiated them from the third servant was not the amount the master lent them but their diligence in productively employing those resources in the master’s name. They were efficient, going “at once” to invest the money—effectively, “trading with them”—and as a result, they were productive, earning “five talents more” and “two talents more,” respectively (Matt. 25:16–17). Likewise, faithful Christians wisely and diligently invest whatever God has entrusted to them—be that time, talent, or treasure—motivated by a desire to see His name magnified. We glorify God when we view our lives as a stewardship from God and act accordingly. The Christian life is not something we approach passively. Vigor must mark our pursuit of the kingdom, as we joyfully pursue bearing much fruit, numbering our days, and stewarding our time. So, pursue the skill of personal productivity not for self-aggrandizement but for the glory of God. Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 11, 2024.

3. Announcing Two New Ligonier Teaching Fellows: Joel Kim and Michael Reeves

   With great joy in the Lord, Ligonier Ministries has appointed two new teaching fellows: Rev. Joel Kim and Dr. Michael Reeves. This decision, made prayerfully and carefully by Ligonier’s board of directors, reminds us of this ministry’s roots. Dr. R.C. Sproul always envisioned Ligonier not as the ministry of one man but as a movement with a guiding mission. From the early days of the Ligonier Valley Study Center to today’s global discipleship ministry, this teaching fellowship is united in one focused endeavor: to proclaim the holiness of God, teach Scripture with faithfulness and clarity, and strengthen the church with Reformed theology for generations to come. Rev. Kim and Dr. Reeves are already familiar names to many of you. In addition to leading pastoral and theological training institutions, both Rev. Kim and Dr. Reeves have proclaimed God’s Word at Ligonier’s conferences, recorded video teaching series, and written articles for Tabletalk magazine. In one sense, their appointment as teaching fellows formally recognizes the service in which they are already engaged. > “The teachings of Dr. R.C. Sproul and the ministry of Ligonier have been constant companions in my pastoral and teaching ministries. I am especially grateful for Ligonier’s focus on supplying the global church with sound theological resources, and I am honored and excited to participate in advancing this mission by serving as a teaching fellow.” —Rev. Joel Kim > “I owe a profound debt of gratitude to Dr. Sproul, who shaped my convictions at a formative time for me. Since then, it has been a pleasure and an encouragement to teach and partner with Ligonier. I am delighted to step into this new role and help Ligonier respond to the increasing global opportunities for the faithful teaching of God’s truth.” —Dr. Michael Reeves Ligonier’s extensive discipleship library features the teaching of hundreds of gifted theologians, pastors, and Bible teachers. But in various seasons of ministry, the board asks some teachers to take on a more prominent role in advancing the mission. By God’s grace, we welcome Rev. Kim and Dr. Reeves to help Ligonier respond to its accelerating momentum. Demand for in-person teaching and theological formation has grown steadily, creating opportunities that exceed our current capacity. Adding these teaching fellows enables us to meet that demand with integrity and foresight as Ligonier’s outreach continues to expand. We must bring God’s truth to every nation and every generation. Ligonier’s teaching fellows serve as ambassadors for the historic Reformed faith, lending their voices and scholarship in service to the church through clear and faithful Bible teaching. Join us in praying for Rev. Kim, Dr. Reeves, and the teaching fellowship of Ligonier Ministries. We thank the Lord and rely on His providence as we strive alongside you to reach people of every age, every stage of the Christian life, in every nation with the truth of our holy God. Thank you for joining in this mission and for praying for its faithfulness to the glory of God alone.

4. What If I Hate Myself?

   Self-hatred is a crushing experience. A friend once told me that when his father was teaching him to shave, he said, “The hardest part of shaving every day is looking at the man in the mirror.” For those who struggle with self-loathing, that daily encounter can be profoundly painful. What, then, are Christians to do when they find themselves hating who they are? First, we must clarify that self-hatred does happen. Some are confused by Paul’s statement in Ephesians 5:29, “For no one ever hated his own flesh.” Paul is speaking proverbially. Like the Proverbs themselves, he uses universal language to communicate a general truth. Generally speaking, people seek their own preservation. Yet in our fallen world, self-loathing—though not universal—is tragically real. So how should a Christian respond? First, look up. Before we look inward, we must look upward. The triune God chose to act decisively for you. The Son took on flesh and was crushed—physically, emotionally, spiritually—so that He might redeem you (Isa. 53:10). The Father sent the One He loves most to suffer and die in order to have you (John 3:16). The Holy Spirit has chosen to dwell within you, never to leave or forsake you, even in your worst failures (Heb. 13:5). God does not make mistakes. Every person of the Godhead willingly embraced profound cost in order to be in fellowship with you. That has to count for something. If you skip this step, stop and go back. You cannot move forward without being anchored here. Second, listen honestly. Once we have lifted our eyes to Christ, we can ask a hard but necessary question: Why do I hate myself? Is it because of what someone else has done to me or because of what I have done? Self-hatred often arises in relation to sin—but not always our sin. Sometimes it is the fruit of being sinned against; sometimes it is the result of sin we have committed. If you are bearing the weight of another’s sin against you—especially persistent or formative sin—the path forward includes forgiveness and restoration. Forgiveness is often slow and costly, yet we are called to it (Mark 11:25). Words spoken early and often—“You’re worthless,” whether explicitly said or implicitly communicated—can lodge deep in the soul. Yet to continue granting those voices authority is to give them power they do not deserve. Forgiveness does not mean minimizing the harm. It means placing the injustice at the foot of the cross rather than carrying it yourself. Restoration does not always mean reconciliation with the offender, especially if repentance is absent. Rather, it means reconciliation within your own soul. Part of you has accepted a false narrative and turned against another part of yourself (see Ps. 42, 43). The gospel restores peace between those divided parts, renewing your mind with Christ’s estimation of your worth. If, however, your self-hatred flows from sin you have committed, the call is repentance (1 John 1:9). This is no easier, but it is clearer. The Holy Spirit may be pressing on your conscience, and that discomfort is a mercy. Satan tells us repentance is unnecessary before we sin and impossible afterward. Both are lies. True repentance humbles pride, cleanses the conscience, and restores joy. Begin by confessing to the Lord. Then, where appropriate, confess to those you have wronged. Repentance is painful in the moment but sweet in the long run. After repentance comes abiding. Christ teaches that obedience flows from abiding in Him (John 15:1–11). We do not conquer sin—or self-loathing—by sheer willpower. We preach the gospel to ourselves daily, sometimes hourly. As we behold Christ’s grace, our strength is renewed, and obedience becomes a pathway to joy rather than despair. Finally, remember what feelings are—and are not. Self-loathing is a feeling. Feelings can alert us to truth, but they are not truth themselves. They can mislead as easily as they can guide. Feelings of self-loathing can arise from actual sin, a misinformed conscience, or crippling shame over our real or perceived weaknesses, limitations, and imperfections. Sometimes we shame ourselves for them; sometimes we’re shamed by others. Either can lead to self-loathing. When the heart falters, we must lean on the means God has given: His Word, prayer, worship, and service. We meditate, we cry out, we sing, we even lament. As we walk in these practices, our hearts often follow where our faith has already gone. Dear believer, if you struggle with self-hatred, I hope you begin to see yourself through your Savior’s eyes. You are intricately made, deeply loved, and incalculably precious.

5. What Does the Bible Say About Sex Outside of Marriage?

   What does the Bible say about sex outside of marriage? Since the law is written on the heart (Rom. 2:15), even unbelievers know something of the purpose and boundaries of sex, though they suppress this knowledge (Rom. 1:18). The pivotal factor is whether one submissively accepts the answer. Even still, skeptics of the Christian faith and those attempting to rationalize sin will often point out that the Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn nonmarital sex. Though we aren’t to answer a fool according to this folly (Prov. 26:4), Christians are to be unabashedly clear about what the Bible clearly teaches about sex. Not without reason has Satan worked tirelessly to pervert sex. Because sex is sacred, its profaning is catastrophic. Generally, sex has been despised and abused in two primary ways: through licentious pandemonium or by a gnostical regarding of sex as taboo. For the former, the sundry prohibitions against sexual immorality are ignored. For the latter, the book of Genesis is ignored, and the Song of Songs is just downright embarrassing. Both perspectives betray a fundamental misconception and disorder of God’s design. And grasping God’s original design for sex is a sine qua non for answering the present question. According to the first book of the Bible, man was created good. Woman, also, was created from man (Gen. 2:22) and corresponded to man (Gen. 2:18). As his counterpart (1 Cor. 11:11), woman was the divinely granted help meet (Gen. 2:18, KJV) man needed to usher creation into its intended consummation, where God and His image-bearers dwell together in harmony. This was to happen by mankind obediently carrying out the creation mandate: “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Gen. 1:22). To put it straightforwardly, God’s original design to bring His creation into its consummate state included sexual intercourse between one man and one woman, wherein sperm and egg unite to form an embryo (i.e., human). Sex is the way to be fruitful and multiply. Through this union, forged by fruitful sex, God’s kingdom is established through His vice-regent image-bearers. This is a foundational element of the Christian sexual ethic: sex, as intended by God, is good. But God doesn’t sanction sex in every context. According to the Bible, there’s only one context in which sex is permitted. It’s only within the context of a covenant union between one man and one woman. These constraints weren’t implemented by some cantankerous Victorian-era priest. God designed sex, and God set the rules for sex. Perhaps now more than ever, the Christian sexual ethic is derided, even among church people. But the Bible’s sexual ethic isn’t nebulous. As C.S. Lewis stated, it’s “either marriage, with complete faithfulness to your partner, or else total abstinence.” From the very beginning, the one-man-and-one-woman boundary is distinctly implied in the creation of only one woman for Adam. God didn’t create four wives for Adam, but one. The union described in Genesis 2:24 precedes the uniting sexual act: “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife,” and then and only then, shall they “become one flesh.” Unwed sex is an attempt to enjoy the fruit of the marital union without the union itself. Paul addresses this in his admonition to the Corinthians: > Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. (1 Cor. 6:15–18) “Casual sex” is a contradiction in terms. Marital acts are for the marital context alone. Paul clarifies that if one cannot control his sexual desires, his recourse isn’t to “sleep around,” but to marry (1 Cor. 7:9). This admonition would make little sense if Paul presumed that nonmarital sex was pure. As it is, we’re not to “stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (Song 2:7). The implication is that there is a time when love ought to be awakened, but not before. Hebrews warns against sexual immorality and holds forth an undefiled marriage bed as the antidote. But notice that only the marriage bed can be described as “undefiled” (Heb. 13:4). By definition, a nonmarital sexual encounter (i.e., “bed”) is defiled. For the Christian, sex outside of marriage isn’t an option. Yet where it has regrettably transpired, a contrite heart God does not despise (Ps. 51:17), for we have an advocate with the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:1–2). Trust Him, and sin no more (John 5:14; 8:11). Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 14, 2022.