I read your previous comments on this topic but couldn't find an answer to my two-part question. I know the definition of celibacy, but: (1) What does it look like in the life of a disciple, and (2) Does celibacy mean one doesn't struggle with temptations of the sensual kind, considering that men usually have a natural desire for this? -- Ed Favela
Celibacy means that
(1) you are content to live without a life partner -- you have a low emotional need for a spouse, and
(2) you are content to live without a sexual partner -- whether this is easy for you or not is hard to specify.
I think it is the combination of the two factors that is significant. Some disciples of Christ are accurately described by (1), but not by (2). For others, it is the other way around. When both converge, we have a candidate for the N.T. gift of celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7, referring to Jesus' comment in Matthew 19).
