After reading Sex in a Broken World, I was reminded that most of Paul Tripp’s books repeat the same basic idea. “The desire for even a good thing becomes a bad thing when that desire becomes a ruling thing.” Tripp develops a God-focused, big-picture view of sex and helps us see the problem is a heart/worship problem. I need to be reminded of this idea over and over again because I continue to have worship problems.
God has blessed me with opportunities to minister in many different locations (the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) and in several different settings (Bible college, Christian high school, rescue mission, and churches). In each of these situations, it is amazing and saddening to see how true Tripp’s statements and observations about our broken world are. In helping others and myself, I have needed to remind others and myself that the biggest problem I have is my heart and desires. What I appreciate about this and many other Tripp books is the Biblical focus and repetitiveness, both of which drive the main points into my mind and heart.
One of the strengths of Sex in a Broken World is that while it addresses a specific issue, it does not address a specific problem. This book can be used to help with general discipleship or a variety of different sin issues.
Chapter six, “Sex: The Big Picture,” was especially helpful. The case studies were realistic and honest. The little picture sex vs. big picture sex contrast helped put things in a proper perspective. Sex needs to be thought about, talked about and practiced in a way that is Biblical and God-glorifying. I need to think through how to disciple my church, my children and myself in a way that helps develop a proper view of sex in this confusing, broken world.
Sex in a Broken World has reminded me that sex is not something that needs to be discussed in shameful, hushed tones. It needs to be proclaimed in a clear, respectful, God-glorifying way.
Crossway has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book to the reviewer through their Blog Review Program.
