Celibacy for Christ

[AlexB23]

Hello folks. Today's devotional hits hard, as I am a Christian bi guy, but would rather remain single and celibate to uphold Biblical teachings, unless married to a woman.

Date​	May 30, 2024 | Celibacy for Christ​
Verse​	1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NIV): "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathens, who do not know God." 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV): "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Matthew 19:12b (NIV): "There are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NIV): "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."​
Explanation​	These four passages from the Bible all address the importance of sexual morality and the call for Christians to live a holy and chaste life. Let's examine each passage in turn and see how they relate to voluntary celibacy.​ 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8: In this passage, the Apostle Paul urges the Thessalonian believers to be sanctified, or set apart for God, and to avoid sexual immorality. He emphasizes the importance of controlling one's body in a way that is holy and honorable, and not in the passionate lust of the heathens who do not know God. While this passage does not explicitly mention voluntary celibacy, it does underscore the importance of sexual self-control and living a godly life. 2 Timothy 2:22: This verse instructs young people to flee evil desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. It encourages Christians to surround themselves with like-minded believers and to live a life pleasing to God. While this verse does not directly discuss celibacy, it emphasizes the importance of living a moral life and avoiding sexual sin. Matthew 19:12b: In this passage, Jesus speaks of those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. A eunuch was a castrated male, and Jesus is using this as a metaphor for those who choose to remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom of God. This verse affirms that voluntary celibacy is a valid choice for those who feel called to it. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9: In this passage, Paul acknowledges that some people struggle with sexual desire and cannot control themselves. He advises that it is better for them to marry than to burn with passion. However, he also affirms the value of celibacy for those who can remain unmarried and dedicates their lives to God.
Societal Relevance​	In modern society, Christians who wish to remain celibate to honor God may face challenges in a culture that often celebrates sexuality and promiscuity. To avoid getting into sexual perversions while keeping to biblical standards, Christians can take several steps: Surround yourself with like-minded believers: Seek out Christian communities, churches, and fellowships where you can build meaningful relationships and be encouraged in your faith. Focus on your relationship with God: Cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and worship. Seek accountability: Find trusted friends or mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support in your spiritual journey. Avoid situations that tempt you: Be intentional about the media you consume, the friends you keep, and the places you go. Live a life of service: Voluntary celibacy is not just about avoiding sexual sin but also about using your time, talents, and resources to serve God and others. Practice self-control: Cultivate habits of self-discipline and self-control in all areas of your life, not just in your sexuality. Seek professional help if needed: If you are struggling with pornography or other sexual addictions, consider seeking help from a professional counselor or support group. Ultimately, the call to celibacy is a personal one that requires prayerful consideration and discernment. As Christians, we are called to live a life pleasing to God, and that may look different for each of us. May we all strive to follow God's will for our lives, whether that be in marriage or in celibacy. For myself, as a Christian bi guy, I will remain single and celibate unless married to a woman, in order to stay true to God’s teaching, and prevent catching or spreading disease. Celibacy is similar to a seat belt or face mask, as these are methods to protect people from harm. Yes, there are a lot of handsome guys out there in the world, but it feels morally wrong for me to go against scripture and put others at risk. After hearing about the Mpox outbreak in 2022 (spread primarily by gay folks, but also straight intercourse), it has made me realize that even if hypothetically being “homosexual” is not a sin, verses about celibacy and homosexuality are in the Bible to warn us about protecting our health, as our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). According to a June 2012 study by the Guttmacher Institute, gay males are 2.3-6.9x more likely to receive an STD compared to straight male counterparts. In other words, it is safer for others and myself to remain celibate if gay or bi, instead of being in a homosexual relationship.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Forgive me my ignorance, but if you're bi, why not marry as I understand you're also attracted to women? Would that create other problems elsewhere?

 

[AlexB23]

Forgive me my ignorance, but if you're bi, why not marry as I understand you're also attracted to women? Would that create other problems elsewhere?

Agreed. I would marry a woman, or stay single, but never marry a man. Also, I do not view inappropriate contentography, so I am safe from that. For myself, I really like when folks dress modestly, and professionally.

German woman

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Agreed. I would marry a woman, or stay single, but never marry a man. Also, I do not view inappropriate contentography, so I am safe from that. For myself, I really like when folks dress modestly, and professionally.

Asian man & German woman
View attachment 348963View attachment 348964

In that case focus on how to be/become the best man possible in Gods eyes that might be suitable and attractive as a husband - how can you be her best option and thing that happened in her life? Don't focus on outwardly things I'd say. Ignore your 'bi' side in the sense you shouldn't dwell on it/feed it - e.g. don't focus on looks for a man. Just my thoughts ... Thinking about and learning from healthy males as role model in their behaviour / attitude is perfectly fine of course.

 

[AlexB23]

In that case focused on to be/become the best man possible in Gods eyes that might be suitable and attractive as a husband - how can you be her best option and thing that happened in her life? Don't focus on outwardly things I'd say. Ignore your 'bi' side in the sense you shouldn't dwell on it/feed it - e.g. don't focus on looks for a man. Just my thoughts ... Thinking about and learning from healthy males as role model in their behaviour / attitude is perfectly fine of course.

Agreed. Bible tells us not to lust.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Agreed. Bible tells us not to lust.

What you feed will grow, what you starve will die - nearly always true We can use that principle for any aspect of life.

Be blessed Brother !

 

[AlexB23]

What you feed will grow, what you starve will die - nearly always true We can use that principle for any aspect of life.

Maybe in the context of this thread - match words by deeds by removing the photo of the guy above? Wouldn't that be a great statement to yourself .. ?

Yep, it is now just the German woman, not the man.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Yep, it is now just the German woman, not the man.

My book hint for you: Elizabeth Elliot - The Mark of a Man

 

[AlexB23]

My book hint for you: Elizabeth Elliot - The Mark of a Man

Thank you.

 

[The Liturgist]

Agreed. I would marry a woman, or stay single, but never marry a man. Also, I do not view inappropriate contentography, so I am safe from that. For myself, I really like when folks dress modestly, and professionally.

German woman
View attachment 348964

I love German women.

 

[AlexB23]

I love German women.

Same here. German women are blunt, have a cute accent, are educated, and look beautiful.

 

[Diamond72]

Matthew 19:12b: In this passage, Jesus speaks of those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. A eunuch was a castrated male, and Jesus is using this as a metaphor for those who choose to remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom of God. This verse affirms that voluntary celibacy is a valid choice for those who feel called to it.

Was a eunuch shut down before puberty, because that makes a big difference. The would not even have any desire.

 

[AlexB23]

Was a eunuch shut down before puberty, because that makes a big difference. The would not even have any desire.

It depends. Some people could be born with defects that prevent any sexual functions from working (I do not want to explain in detail), though, the original meaning meant someone who was castrated (nuts cut off).

 

[Diamond72]

the original meaning meant someone who was castrated (nuts cut off).

Of course the real question is what did Jesus intend when He used the word. He lived His life as an example for us to follow. For me I am not happy with the idea that He is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride.

 

[AlexB23]

Of course the real question is what did Jesus intend when He used the word. He lived His life as an example for us to follow. For me I am not happy with the idea that He is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride.

Well, going against the Bible verse is not gonna get you anywhere. We must follow Jesus' teachings, though, if we stumble, He will not hold it against us. The Christian church is the Bride.

Rev 19:7 (NIV): "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."

 

[Vambram]

Of course the real question is what did Jesus intend when He used the word. He lived His life as an example for us to follow. For me I am not happy with the idea that He is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride.

May I ask why you are not happy with that idea?

 

[Diamond72]

May I ask why you are not happy with that idea?

Because I am a man and not a women and most brides are women. Although that does not seem to be the case with the LGBQ community. Although the spiritual is different from the physical world we live in.

 

[Diamond72]

The Christian church is the Bride.

Actually that does change things. So the bride is the true Church. In the Parable those ones that have oil for their light. So we are to be a light to the world. Of course everyone wants our oil. They want us to pray and intercede for them. When I was in a coma it was my wife and son that prayed for me because I was not able to do that for myself.

 

[AlexB23]

Actually that does change things. So the bride is the true Church. In the Parable those ones that have oil for their light. So we are to be a light to the world. Of course everyone wants our oil. They want us to pray and intercede for them. When I was in a coma it was my wife and son that prayed for me because I was not able to do that for myself.

I do pray that everything is going well for you, that there will be no more risk of coma for you. But yes, the true Christian (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, etc.) Church is the bride of Christ. This verse from Ephesians shows how husbands and wives must honor each other, just as the Christ honors the Church.

Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

 

[Diamond72]

I do pray that everything is going well for you,

It is going. I had to go to the hospital Wednesdays to shock my heart to put it back into a normal rhythm. I had them give me anthesis so I would not remember it. I have been getting a little work done. I painted an 8 foot section of fence and I was using the weed wacker enough to wear out the battery.

I am pretty sure God is telling me if we want to be healthy we have to live right. Jesus said: " Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 4 15