Re: Is it a sin to pleasure yourself?

Question

I intially responded to this earlier posting and then looked in my Bible. Here is my conclusion: Colossians chapter 3 : Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Then verses 5-7 states: Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. I believe that this does imply towards things such as masturbation. There was no word for self gratification during those times. Or else it would have probably appeared in the Bible. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Judeo-Christian tradition has taught for thousands of years:
1. Single people should be celibate.
2. Married people should be faithful to each other (adultery is wrong).

The Catholic Church recognizes the power of sex when it teaches, "Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person in the unity of his body and soul."

Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person. A chaste person's body and spirit lives in unity and opposes any behavior that would impair that unity.

Masturbation is contrary to the human dignity of the person and anyone about whom the person has lustful thoughts, and the dignity of human sexuality.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

No, I don't think it's inherently sinful.

It can be sinful though if one is obsessed by it.

1 Corinthians 6:12
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything.

It all depends on the nature of the heart,

Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, are the things that consume people that have no desire for God or His Word and do not have the Spirit of God to lead them.

I think that is what Col. 3, is talking about.

Answer 3

The my flesh: Yes.
The my spirit: No.