Sex The Elephant In The Room

MORE THAN FEELING GOOD
1 Cor 6:12-20
Series: Sex, The Elephant in the Room

Knowing that sex is a gift from God, how can we manage our sexual desires in a way that honours Him?

Discussion Guide

1) I Do Not Live To Fulfil My Desires (12-14)

The Corinth church had certain sayings and justifications for sexual immorality. Which one do you think applies the most to society today? Why do you think so?

I can do what I want, I’m a free man Just like eating, sex is a desire to be satisfied Sex is just physical, YOLO (you only live once) as long as it hurts no one

Underneath each justification is the belief that “I live to fulfil my desires”. However, as Christians, we live to fulfil God’s purposes, which means that our body has a different purpose! What then is the compass of your life today? Why do you think it is important to first acknowledge God’s word as our compass before we can learn how to manage our sexual desires?

Why do you think people might feel like they are missing out if they are not able to experience sex? How does knowing that God has a higher purpose for each person help believers to cope with unfulfilled desires? How does taking our struggles one day at a time and trusting that God gives us enough grace to go through each day help believers who are struggling?

2) I Belong To Christ (15-17)

Why is it important that we recognise our body as belonging to Christ? How would the way we see our body affect the way we express our sexuality? Sexual behaviours of the past may not be forgotten, but they can be forgiven in Christ. How would this truth encourage believers seeking a fresh start?

In addition, how do you think confession to trusted individuals supports one in his or her journey of healing and restoration? How can the Life Group become a safe place for openness and accountability to support one another in this journey?

3) I Live To Honour God (18-20)

For those of us who are singles, how can we honour God with our sexuality? How can we tap His divine power, which enables us to live a godly life (2 Pet 1:3), to honour Him with our bodies? How can we look out for one another? If we stumble, how can we help one another to stand up where we fell? How can we develop healthy relationships that are fulfilling and meaningful?

For those of us who are marrieds, how can we honour God with our sexuality? What does it mean to mutually yield your bodies to serve and honour one another (1 Cor 7:3-5)? What barriers do you face in developing intimacy with your spouse? What are some practices you can establish to deepen your intimacy?

As a Life Group, how can we support singles and marrieds to honour God with our sexuality?

Reflection Questions

1) I Do Not Live To Fulfil My Desires (12-14)
Why do you think it is important to first acknowledge God’s word as our compass before we can learn how to manage our sexual desires?

2) I Belong To Christ (15-17)
Why is it important that we recognise our body as belonging to Christ? How would the way we see our body affect the way we express our sexuality?

3) I Live To Honour God (18-20)
As a Life Group, how can we support singles and marrieds to honour God with our sexuality?

MORE THAN FITTING IN
Text: 1 Cor 7:25-35
Series: Sex, The Elephant in the Room

Whether single or married, how should we respond to pressures and expectations regarding issues of sexuality?

Discussion Guide

1) Recognise The Value Of Singleness (26-28)

Society today places pressure on people who have ‘come of age’ to get involved in sexual relationships such as marriage. Do you agree? Explain your answer. What are some situations where a person may feel pressured? For instance, a married couple may feel pressured to conceive. A single may feel pressured to settle down. How would you respond if you were in the situation?

What do you think is the value of being a single Christian? In Paul’s view, singles could more easily adapt to hardships and sudden changes in life compared to marrieds. Why do you think this is so? What are other advantages of being single?

What do you think are some of the challenges of being a single Christian? How would you encourage singles who feel they are incomplete or think they are missing out because they are not experiencing physical sexual intimacy? How would you help the Life Group to see singles as a gift to the community of God? At the same time, how can you avoid giving the impression that being single is more spiritual than being married?

If your Life Group has a mix of marrieds and singles, can you share ideas on how you can better enfold and embrace one another?

2) Hold Lightly To The Things Of The World (29-31)

What are some things of the world that many, even Christians, hold tightly to? Why do you think it is hard to relax our grip on these things? Do you think our reluctance to let go has anything to do with our perspective of eternity? Explain.

Marriage, as sacred and good as it is in this earthly life, will be unnecessary at the resurrection of believers (Mt. 22:23-32). When we have glorified bodies that will not die, we will have no more need for procreation, which is one main purpose of marriage. How does fixing your eyes on the future eternity affect your view of marriage? How does keeping eternity in mind help you to deal with the pressures and problems of the present?

Knowing that we have eternity ahead of us puts our present struggles (and breakthroughs) in perspective. To the marrieds, how should you approach your marital struggles with eternity in mind? For instance, how should you perceive the perennial sexual issues that have been troubling you and your spouse? What if, after you have tried all ways to find solutions, the problem persists? To those single and desiring to get attached, how should you make sense of your desires? What if, after you have tried all means to find a partner, your desire remains unfulfilled?
In times of struggles, how can the Life Group encourage one another to persevere in faith and glorify God through unfulfilled desires? In times of breakthroughs (such as when a married couple finally conceives or when a single finds her partner) how can the Life Group celebrate while remind one another to live with a healthy detachment to the things of this world?

3) Have Undivided Devotion To The Lord (31-35)

Singleness can be maximised for God or squandered away. What are some temptations singles may face that would deter them from being completely devoted to God? Being single does not mean we automatically have undivided devotion to the Lord. How can singles grow to be single-minded for God?

Why do you think it is important that Christians, whether single or married, are committed to grow in Christ and serve Him? What do you think are some challenges married Christians face in this area? Brainstorm creative ideas married couples can adopt to keep growing and serving while managing their family responsibilities.

Reflection Questions

1) Recognise The Value Of Singleness (26-28)
What do you think is the value of being a single Christian? How would you help the Life Group to see singles as a gift to the community of God? If your Life Group has a mix of marrieds and singles, can you share ideas on how you can better enfold and embrace one another?

2) Hold Lightly To The Things Of The World (29-31)
Knowing that we have eternity ahead of us puts our present struggles (and breakthroughs) in perspective. What are some specific, sex-related struggles that marrieds and singles may face? How should we look at these struggles with eternity in mind? How can the Life Group be there for one another?

3) Have Undivided Devotion To The Lord (31-35)
Why do you think it is important that Christians, whether single or married, are committed to grow in Christ and serve Him?