Matthew 19:1-12
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This is the seventh sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Sexual”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is one way that you can show your appreciation to a friend this week?
Warm-Up
- When it comes to identity, how important is sex/sexuality in our culture? What are some of the effects?
- In what way is sexual restraint sometimes viewed as a form of “repression of self” or “denial of identity”?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-7
- How is life in sex-saturated society a challenge for us all? Was it also a challenge in Corinth?
- According to Paul (and Jesus), how is it clear that marriage is the context for sex? Was that a countercultural idea in Corinth? Is it a counter-cultural concept today?
- In what way is Paul’s view on sex in keeping with the purposes set out in creation? How did Jesus confirm this view? How does the context of marriage also point forward to the future which awaits?
- If married, how does sex only between the husband and wife honour God? If single, how does abstinence from sex also honour God?
- If the Bible doesn’t give Christians the option of expressing sexual intimacy outside of marriage between a man and a woman, how can we best care for Christians who are same-sex attracted?
- If someone was single, would it be right for them to grieve longings (e.g., for sexual expression or to be a parent) that cannot be expressed outside of the context of marriage?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:8-16
- How can we best care for and love those who experience the brokenness of a marriage? How can we help support healthy marriages in the context of our local church?
- Do you think our culture ever diminishes single people? What are some of the common ways?
- If single, do you think it’s ever possible to idolise marriage? How might this be a distraction?
- In what way can marriage and singleness both be gifts to God? How can we nurture this?
- Whether married, single, divorced, or widowed, what is our purpose? How do you approach relationships in such a way that demonstrates devotion to the Lord?
- How can we spur one another on in our devotion to the Lord no matter our circumstance?
- How is it good news that Christ is enough for all of us?
Apply Is there a way in which you could more closely align your sexuality in line with God’s purposes?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the circumstances in which you have placed us. Whether married or single, help us to find our ultimate satisfaction in you, and devote our whole lives to your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
What opportunities do you have this week to demonstrate kindness? Pray for opportunities to show God's kindness.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (Sermon): “Marriage, Divorce, and Abuse” by Mike Paget:
- Listen (Sermon): “Sexuality and Christian Hope” by Tim Keller:
- Listen (Sermon): “Marriage and Singleness” or “Tough Questions” by Adam Lowe
- Read (Book): “True Friendship: Walking Shoulder to Shoulder” by Vaughan Roberts
- Read (Book): "Married for God" by Christopher Ash
- Read: A Better Story: "God, Sex, and Human Flourishing" by Glynn Harrison
- Read (Article): "Can we live without sex?" by Dani Treweek
- Read (Book): "Seven Myths of Singleness" by Sam Allberry
Series Resources
- Read: “You’re Only Human” by Kelly Kapic (also available in the library)
- Read: “Between the Tick and the Tock” by Michael Jensen
- Read: “Becoming Friends of Time” by John Swinton (also available in the library)
- Listen: “Whole” Series by St Barnabas on Broadway
- Listen: “Being Human” by Redeemer
- Watch: “Being a Body: With Sam Allberry” by Single Minded Conference
