DON’T FOLLOW SOCIETAL TRENDS FOLLOW THE BIBLE

Introduction
In the 50’s it was called Sin.

In the 60’s it was called living in sin.

In the 70’s it was called slacking up.

In the 80’s it was called cohabitation.

Negative connotation was being removed gradually.

In the 90’s upward it is called alternate lifestyle.

In Jesus day it was called other things.

Matthew 5:27, Jesus called it adultery even if you imagine it.

Matthew 15:19, Jesus called it adultery and fornication (KJV word style for
premarital sex).

In 1 Corinthians 5:9 God said that the Christians are not to associate with those
that indulge in this sin.

1 Timothy 1:10 says the practice of cohabitation is contrary to sound doctrine.

Marriage is the union of man and a woman after they have gone through all the
laid down procedures in the society and therefore legally, religiously and
customarily recognized as husband and wife.

Marriage is God’s plan. Marriage provides intimate companionship for life

(Genesis 2:18).
It provides a context for the procreation and nurture of children (Ephesians 6:12).
Marriage provide a godly outlet for sexual desires. (1 Corinthians 7:2).

Rainbow

REASONS FOR COHABITATION

1. Divorce rates are all the time rising so it makes sense to test for
compatibility before legally married.
2. Economic reasons are second on the list (Peer for youth).
3. Escape clause – easier to separate than marriage.
4. Fear of loneliness
5. People who cannot marry legally.

EFFECTS OF COHABITATION

 Contrary to perception of many adolescents and young adults who view

cohabitation as a substitute for marriage or as a stepping stone to a more
secure marriage, it is proven that it not true more likely to be involved in
infidelity.

More likely to involve violence.

 Children are at increased risk of negative sequelae – including premature

birth:
 School failure
 Lower education
 More poverty during childhood
 Lower incomes as adults
 More behaviour problems
 Single parenthood
 Medical neglect
 Chronic health problems i.e. medical and psychological
 More substance, alcohol and tobacco abuse
 Child abuse
Cohabiting women are more likely to end the child life prior to birth.

Just like the rainbow serves as a tangible reminder of God’s covenant with Noah
that He will not destroy the earth by flood again, the sexual relationship between a
husband and a wife demonstrates the exclusive, permanent union of marriage.

It is so intimate that Genesis 2:24 say the man and woman shall be one flesh.

Those who cohabit participate in the pleasures of relationships without the

covenantal commitment. This stands in direct violation of God’s plan for marriage
that He establishes in Genesis 2.

How does the church address the issue of cohabitation (Church Victim Kiss)?

We need to work with cohabiting Christian to help them confess and repent of this
sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 6: 11).

Ideally the confession and repentance should have public element within the
church.

If cohabiting couples are heading towards marriage, then we know they are
heading toward disaster.

We need to encourage them to change their living arrangements. Woman moves

back home or parent, man moves to friends. 2 Timothy 4:2b

Romans 15:14 - I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are
full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about
them.
1Thessalonians 5:14 - Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are
lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be
patient with everyone.