Thank you so much, our friends, for staying with me and following this teaching series that focuses on a young man’s sexuality.

If this is your first time reading this post, we kindly ask that you first read the past two posts so that you can find it easy to follow today’s post.

In our previous discussion, we emphasized the importance for the young man to understand that he and the things he observes in this universe are not arbitrary and random. There is a Creator, a Rational Creator, behind this life and universe. According to Proverbs 8, this Creator fashioned the universe with wisdom.

The Being responsible for creating this universe has specific purposes and meanings for everything He brought into existence. For example, every action has its own inherent effects or consequences.

Touching fire results in getting burned. However, if you understand how to use fire as it was created, wisely employing it to cook your food and warm your house during the winter season, you can have both nourishing meals and a cozy home.

For example, Proverbs states,

“Can a man carry fire next to his chest
    and his clothes not be burned?
Or can one walk on hot coals
    and his feet not be scorched?
So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
    none who touches her will go unpunished.” Proverbs 6:27-29 ESV

If a man sleeps with another man’s wife, wisdom asserts that his action is akin to “carrying fire to his chest” or “walking on hot coals.” While he may derive momentary pleasure from this act, sleeping with another man’s wife inevitably entails a costly consequence, much like embracing fire or walking barefoot on hot coals.

Therefore, wisdom advises, “If you desire to undertake this action, be aware that it carries its own significant cost, and you cannot escape it without paying the full price.” Who established this principle? The Creator of this life and universe.

To groom or guide a young man toward a “shalom” life, especially one aspiring to lead a sexually pure life, he must wholeheartedly commit himself to the established order and principles of life set by the Creator. This adherence to wisdom is essential. Going against these established principles renders the young man foolish, leading to inevitable hardships in life. Joy, rest, and contentment become elusive for him when he deviates from this wisdom.

Why do many young people today not pursue wisdom? One reason could be that they may not have been raised to appreciate wisdom, or they simply choose to disregard it and live according to their feelings.

James Montgomery Boice said this when he comments on Psalm 111, as it is quoted on Enduringword.com:

“It is probably a safe bet to say that most people today are not much interested in wisdom. They are interested in making money and in having a good time. Some are interested in knowing something, in getting an education. Almost everyone wants to be well liked. But wisdom? The pursuit of wisdom is not a popular ideal.”

This observation holds true!

To understand the God-ordained wisdom of life, a young man must establish a relationship with the Creator of life, as He is the sole source of knowledge and wisdom essential for leading a “shalom life.” This Creator has made Himself known to us, humans, through His Word.

God’s word reveals to the young man how to live in harmony with the already established order of life. Through God’s word, the young man develops a relationship with God. This relationship, in itself, instructs the young man on how to live wisely. The cornerstone of this relationship with the Creator of the universe is the fear of God.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
    fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 ESV

For a young man, folly or foolishness lies in disregarding God and the wisdom and instruction provided by the Creator of life. True wisdom and knowledge commence with the fear of God.

According to Allen P. Ross, “‘The fear of the Lord’ ultimately expresses reverential submission to the Lord’s will and thus characterizes a true worshiper.”

Understanding the will of God is crucial for a young man, and this knowledge is attained by knowing and comprehending the word of God. When a young man dedicates himself to God’s will, it is referred to as the fear of the Lord. Many individuals profess to know and fear God, yet they lack any connection with the word of God or the Bible.

Do you know what this implies? It signifies that they worship a god of their own creation, which is biblically referred to as an idol. An idol does not lead to life but to death- – – Contd. ///