Topic: Addiction

Title: Battle Plan Against Porn
Text: Various

Porn is addictive, accessible and increasingly acceptable. How can we take a stand against its dangerous and destructive effects?

Perspective Questions:

  1. What are some lies that may lead believers to be sexually tempted or to fall into sexual sin?

  2. What are some truths from the Word that motivate or inspire believers to choose to pursue holiness? 

Application Questions:

  1. How can we support believers who are trying to overcome a porn addiction or other sexual sins?

  2. Parents, what are some ways to guide your children in an age where porn is easily accessible and may even become acceptable?

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?