John Sanders Biblical Counseling Practicum Counseling Issue

Perversion of Sexuality Sexting

Definition Sexting is the sending of nude or partially nude pictures or videos via text messages on a cell phone for any number of reasons. Reasons can stem from self esteem, sexual addiction, challenge of authority, or simple attraction. Motivation -Sexting has become an epidemic- In 2009 20% of student polled said to have either sent or received a text message with sexual content. -Ability to send sexts in such a private manner is producing a culture where sexuality is exposed in middle school but put into practice in high school. Impact of Innocent Sexting Sex is intended for the deep connection created between the marriage of husband and wife, but if the physical side of sexuality is aroused without the deep commitment, nothing good is produced. Song of sSolomon. 2:7; 3:5 and 8:4-Do not stir or awaken love -Girl seeking to attract boy & sends a sext and boy humiliates girl by sending to whole schoolGirl hangs herself -Young teens tricked into a false sense of sexuality that devastates their future spouse Law of Diminishing Returns What use to excite their sexuality no longer does. Gate-way to other sexual sins. Sexting Counters Biblical Teaching Scripture is mans guide to living. It is Gods Word and expectation for man and is the ultimate authority in righteous living, counter how one feels or what they have learned or experienced. We are to look to Gods Word and see what it has to say on the topic. In these verses we find that sexting, while not explicitly stated in Scripture is condemned and not to be practiced. Heb 13:4-Sex is a gift, given from God and is intended for those whom are married Eph 5:3-17-All sexual immorality is forbidden. Walk as children of light and be careful. Matt 5:27-28-Even looking at a woman lustfully is adulterous 1 Cor 6:12-20-Sexual immorality described as sin against God, your body, & Holy Spirit 1 Cor 6:9-10-The sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. Sexual Sins (including Sexting) Comes from the Heart The heart of an individual is the trust version of that person. What the heart desires will be expressed in the actions of the flesh. Scripture teaches that just like other sins, it is a matter of the heart that produces sexual immoral behavior. Prov. 4:23-27-You can overcome sins of sexual immorality Matt 15:19-20 Out of the heart comes those that are evil.

Scripture Says Put to Death Sexual Immorality Scripture says and teaches that we as believers with the aid of the Holy Spirit and help of the local church have the ability to put to death what is necessary to cease sinning against God. Paul teaches that we are to be at war with our members that allow us to sin to Him. A constant struggle but strength is offered none the less. Matt. 5:29-30-Spiritual surgery may be needed to avoid sexual immorality Col 3:5-7 -Put to death sexual immorality Hope & Final Instruction 1 Cor 6:11-God can cleanse you from the sin of sexual immorality Gal 5:16-18-You can overcome sexual immorality through the aid of the Holy Spirit John 8:31-36-Jesus can set you free of your sexual behavior 1 Thess 4:3-6-God wants all of us to avoid sexual immorality and to learn to control our bodies.

Homework to Battle Sexting -Given this action is mostly committed by students I would ask to speak to a parent or guardian about a means of keeping their child accountable and removing temptation. -Texting ability on the phone of the child should be turned off during the counseling period. -If counseling every week, the child should report texts sent/received to the parent the day before the next counseling session. -Parents to seek 3 opportunities this week to engage and interact with your child. Ask if they have sent, or received any sext messages. Encourage them and occasionally ask them to say back to you why this behavior is wrong. While doing these alone would serve no purpose, the vehicle of temptation if can be removed, should be removed. All of these actions would need to be explained and justified according to Scripture. A parent who pays for the phone bill and is responsible for their child has a right to have these expectations. Homework for the Student -Study Romans 7:14-25 Write how this applies to you -Write down every time you have the urge or impulse to send a sext message. -Next time tell me who it was and why you wanted to -Write down the names of your friends that ask you to dialogue with them in this way or who press you to send a sext. -Memorize Col 3:5-7