The Bible tells us that we live in a deeply broken world and that there is brokenness within us. That brokenness is nowhere more evident these days than in the realm of human sexuality.
In this book, Paul Tripp hammers home the message that the sexual struggles we experience are essentially a problem of the heart. The current sexualization of society doesn’t help, but the real problem is inward. Tripp says, ‘You always give your heart away before you surrender your body to what is wrong’ (p.58). Our hearts should be ruled by God, not by pleasure.
Tripp describes sex as a good gift from God. Sex, when enjoyed within biblical boundaries, should point us towards the greater delight and eternal joy that is found only in God: he who alone truly satisfies our hearts.
Tripp argues that sex must be considered in relation to God — it’s not just about us. He encourages us to think of sex as a means to honour God, to obey him and to show our love for him and for another. Tripp presents a theocentric view of sex, helping to reorient our hearts.
The subtitle of the book is How Christ redeems where sin distorts. Throughout, our attention is drawn to the amazing grace of God in Jesus. We do not have to hide in guilt and fear as sexual sinners, because the cross welcomes us out of hiding. The book ends with the encouragement that Jesus understands our struggles, that his love is faithful and forever, that change is possible and that one day all our sexual struggles will be over.
David Magowan
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