Myths and Realities of Passion

in our Marriages

and in our Relationsh

ips with God

First of all, what is Passion?

• Aside from “the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and His death,” passion is

• “ardent affection.” But it is also defined as• “the emotions as distinguished from reason,” and as an• “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling.” But it is

also• “a strong liking for or devotion to some activity, object,

or concept.” (all from Webster’s)• And of course, it is also defined as “sexual desire.”• Biblical usage (NT, KJV): Acts 1:3; 14:15; and Jas.5:17;

NASV 8 occurrences, all negatively of sinful desires

The Myths and Realities of Passion

Myth #1 about Passion: It is “kindled” not “ignited.”• Igniting conjures the notion of simply providing a spark to

already present and prepared combustible materials.The reality?• Passion doesn’t just happen. • Planning and preparation may sound counter-intuitive to

passion, but are necessary for a “fire” to be more than a short-lived flash.

• Physical Marriage, Titus 2:4-5• Spiritual Marriage, Acts 19:8-10 > 11-20

The Myths and Realities of Passion

Myth #2 about Passion: It is “founded” not “found.”• Finding bolsters the concept that each individual must

travel the world trying everything to “find” his particular passion.

The reality?• Passion is where you make it. • “Flash-fires” are random and short-lived. We build fire

“places” for a reason- to heat a certain space. • Physical Marriage, Heb.13:4; 1Pet.3:7• Spiritual Marriage, Acts 9:26; 17:32-34 > Rom.12:4-16

The Myths and Realities of Passion

Myth #3 about Passion: It is “led” not “followed.”• Following passion is based on “If it feels right, it must be

right” (supposes your heart is always your best guide).The reality?• Passion must be controlled.• If we follow our passions instead of leading them (or

abandoning them if they take us away from God), we are no more than unreasoning animals.

• Physical Marriage, Prov.7:6-23 > 5:15-23• Spiritual Marriage, Rom.10:1-3; 2Pet.2:10b-22

The Myths and Realities of Passion

Myth #4 about Passion: It is “preserved” not just “pursued.”• Pursuing passion(s) supports the idea that when one

“fire” goes out, you simply look for another one.The reality?• Passion must be maintained.• Our society constantly speaks of finding or rekindling

“passion” because we are unwilling to maintain it.• Physical Marriage, Eph.5:22-31• Spiritual Marriage, Acts 19:8-20 > Rev.2:1-5

The Truths of Passion

1. It should be “kindled” with preparation, not just haphazardly “ignited.”

2. It should be “founded” in truth, not just “found” wherever our fickle hearts wander.

3. It should be “led” in paths of righteousness, not just “followed” in lust.

4. It should be “preserved” with constancy, not just “pursued” after after we neglect it to death.