SEX: god or gift

BIG IDEA

Jesus is the Author of sex and has given it as a gift to be enjoyed inside the covenant of marriage. He has a lot to say about sex. Sex is created by Jesus (Genesis 2, Col 1:16 “by him all things were created”). Sex is good (1 Tim. 4:4 “everything created by God is good”). Sex is meant to be enjoyed within the context of heterosexual marriage (Gen 2, Rom 1, 1 Cor. 7). Sex is to be sanctified by the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim. 4:4-5 “everything . . . is made holy by the word of God and prayer”). We are to thank Jesus for sex (1 Tim. 4:4 “nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving”). We are not to grumble about sex (Phil. 2:14 “do all things without grumbling”). We are to rejoice in the Lord for sex (Phil. 4:4 “rejoice in the Lord always”). We are to be content in sex (2 Cor. 9:8 “[have] all contentment in all things at all times”). We are to practice and pursue sex in holiness and honor (1 Thess. 4:4 “each one of you [is to] know how to control his own body in holiness and honor” [KJV: “possess his vessel”; RSV: “take a wife for himself”]). When we have sex, we are to do it for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31 “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”). How do you approach sex? Is it god, gross or a gift? There are least 6 ways that sex is a gift from Jesus: Sex is for pleasure (Song of Solomon), producing children (Psalm 127:3-5), knowledge (Gen. 4:1) protection (1 Cor. 7:2–5), comfort (2 Sam. 12:24), and oneness (Gen. 2:24).

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 2:18-25 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So theLord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

DISCUSSION

1. Was there anything from the sermon or the big idea that stood out to you or challenged you? Was there anything new? Was there anything confusing?

2. What stands out to you in Genesis 2:18-25 and why?

3. Which way do you lean: sex as god, gross, or gift? Explain your answer and try to get to the heart of why you lean which way you do. Spend time praying for one another specifically about each persons answer.

4. Spend some time praying for the lost to be saved by Jesus, praying for your city, and praying for God to provide for the future church plant in Checotah (launches May 4th).

GOOD WORD

Sex is a fantastic gift. But there’s a better gift yet—knowing Jesus. And unless we see Him and trust and treasure Him as our Savior-King, there’s no way we’re going to have the correct approach to sex. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus—receive Him as the ultimate treasure of your life. He will forgive you, cleanse you, and give you a new life with Him. He’s who you were created for.

BIG IDEA

SCRIPTURE

DISCUSSION

GOOD WORD

DOWNLOADS

MORE CONTENT FROM GOD OR GIFT