Aligning Sexuality with God's Design and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the topic of sex, God's way, emphasizing the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word and His design for sexual relationships. We began by acknowledging the grace of Jesus, which meets us at our point of reality and transforms us. This transformation is not about adhering to a list of do's and don'ts but about aligning ourselves with the love of our Father. God's Word, being all-loving, provides a stable foundation and clarity amidst the confusion and options the world offers.
We discussed the significance of sex within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman, as designed by God. This design is meant to bring joy, freedom, and unity, contrasting sharply with the world's promotion of uncommitted and experimental sexual behaviors, which lead to destruction and heartache. Personal testimonies highlighted the mess and regret that come from deviating from God's plan, but also the restoration and grace available through Him.
We explored the concept of desires and how they can lead us astray if not aligned with the Spirit. Galatians 5:13-25 was referenced to illustrate the contrast between the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. We emphasized the importance of feeding the right fire—fueling our spiritual desires while containing and controlling our fleshly ones. Practical steps were discussed, such as being mindful of what we consume through our eyes and ears, and the importance of setting boundaries to guard our hearts and minds.
The sermon concluded with practical advice on maintaining purity, such as fleeing from sexual immorality and being cautious about the content we consume. We also highlighted the importance of community and accountability, encouraging participation in groups and courses designed to help overcome struggles with sexual addiction and pornography. The journey towards purity involves discipline, devotion, and ultimately, a deep desire for God's presence and His ways.
### Key Takeaways
1. Grace and Transformation: God's grace meets us at our point of reality and transforms us. This transformation is not about following a set of rules but about aligning ourselves with the love of our Father. His Word, being all-loving, provides a stable foundation and clarity amidst the world's confusion. [01:25]
2. God's Design for Sex: Sex within marriage between a man and a woman is designed by God to bring joy, freedom, and unity. The world's promotion of uncommitted and experimental sexual behaviors leads to destruction and heartache. Aligning with God's design brings fulfillment and strengthens relationships. [04:24]
3. Feeding the Right Fire: We must be mindful of what we consume through our eyes and ears, as these are gateways to our hearts. Feeding our spiritual desires while containing our fleshly ones is crucial. What we listen to and watch can significantly influence our thoughts and actions. [18:03]
4. Practical Steps for Purity: Fleeing from sexual immorality and setting boundaries around the content we consume are essential steps in maintaining purity. This includes being cautious about the media we engage with and ensuring it aligns with God's standards. [27:45]
5. Community and Accountability: Overcoming struggles with sexual addiction and pornography requires community and accountability. Participating in groups and courses designed to help in these areas can provide the support and tools needed for breakthrough. Discipline, devotion, and a deep desire for God's presence are key to this journey. [31:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Part Two
[01:25] - Grace and Transformation
[02:16] - God's Word and Love
[02:55] - Availability and Vulnerability
[03:24] - Personal Reflection
[03:55] - Recap of Week One
[04:24] - God's Design for Sex
[05:27] - Personal Testimony
[06:04] - The Prodigal Son Story
[12:28] - Humorous Anecdote
[15:24] - Desires and Their Consequences
[17:00] - Galatians 5:13-25
[18:03] - Feeding the Right Fire
[19:18] - Practical Steps for Purity
[20:09] - Guarding Our Hearts
[25:07] - Renewing Habits
[27:45] - Fleeing from Sexual Immorality
[31:31] - Community and Accountability
[34:10] - Discipline, Devotion, Desire
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:13-25 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:18 - "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."
3. 2 Timothy 2:22 - "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 5:13-25 say about the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:18, how is sexual immorality different from other sins?
3. What practical advice does 2 Timothy 2:22 give for maintaining purity?
4. In the sermon, what were some of the practical steps mentioned for maintaining purity? ([27:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "feeding the right fire" from the sermon relate to Galatians 5:16-17? ([18:03])
2. Why is it important to set boundaries around the content we consume, according to the sermon and 1 Corinthians 6:18? ([27:45])
3. How can community and accountability help in overcoming struggles with sexual addiction and pornography, as discussed in the sermon? ([31:31])
4. What does it mean to align our desires with the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:24-25?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current media consumption. Are there specific types of content that you need to set boundaries around to maintain purity? ([27:45])
2. How can you practically "feed the right fire" in your life this week? Consider specific actions you can take to fuel your spiritual desires. ([18:03])
3. Think about a time when you felt the grace of God transforming you. How can you align more closely with His love and Word in your daily life? ([01:25])
4. Are there areas in your life where you need to flee from sexual immorality? What steps can you take to ensure you are guarding your heart and mind? ([27:45])
5. How can you engage in community and accountability to help overcome personal struggles? Identify one person or group you can reach out to for support. ([31:31])
6. What specific desires do you need to align with the Spirit? How can you practically work on this alignment in the coming week? ([15:59])
7. Reflect on the importance of discipline, devotion, and desire in your spiritual journey. What new discipline can you commit to this week to grow closer to God? ([34:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Grace and Transformation
God's grace meets us at our point of reality and transforms us. This transformation is not about following a set of rules but about aligning ourselves with the love of our Father. His Word, being all-loving, provides a stable foundation and clarity amidst the world's confusion. When we embrace this grace, we experience a profound change that goes beyond mere behavior modification; it touches the very core of our being, leading us to live in alignment with God's will.
This transformation is a journey, not a destination. It requires us to continually seek God's presence and allow His love to shape our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we begin to see the world through His eyes, understanding that His commands are not burdensome but are given out of love to guide us into a life of true freedom and joy. [01:25]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you need transformation. How can you invite God's grace into this area today and allow His love to guide you?
Day 2: God's Design for Sex
Sex within marriage between a man and a woman is designed by God to bring joy, freedom, and unity. The world's promotion of uncommitted and experimental sexual behaviors leads to destruction and heartache. Aligning with God's design brings fulfillment and strengthens relationships. When we understand and embrace God's purpose for sex, we can experience the deep intimacy and connection that He intended.
God's design for sex is not restrictive but protective. It safeguards our hearts and minds from the pain and regret that come from deviating from His plan. By honoring this design, we can build strong, healthy relationships that reflect His love and commitment. Personal testimonies often highlight the mess and regret that come from ignoring God's plan, but they also reveal the restoration and grace available through Him. [04:24]
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV): "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of God's design for sex. How can you honor this design in your current or future relationships?
Day 3: Feeding the Right Fire
We must be mindful of what we consume through our eyes and ears, as these are gateways to our hearts. Feeding our spiritual desires while containing our fleshly ones is crucial. What we listen to and watch can significantly influence our thoughts and actions. By being intentional about what we allow into our minds, we can nurture our spiritual growth and align our desires with God's will.
Galatians 5:13-25 illustrates the contrast between the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. It reminds us that our desires can lead us astray if not aligned with the Spirit. Practical steps, such as setting boundaries and being mindful of our media consumption, can help us feed the right fire and cultivate a life that reflects God's love and holiness. [18:03]
Philippians 4:8 (ESV): "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Reflection: Consider the media you consume daily. Are there any changes you need to make to ensure that what you watch and listen to aligns with God's standards?
Day 4: Practical Steps for Purity
Fleeing from sexual immorality and setting boundaries around the content we consume are essential steps in maintaining purity. This includes being cautious about the media we engage with and ensuring it aligns with God's standards. By taking these practical steps, we can protect our hearts and minds from the influences that lead us away from God's design for our lives.
Maintaining purity requires discipline and intentionality. It involves making conscious choices to avoid situations and content that can lead us into temptation. By setting clear boundaries and seeking accountability, we can create an environment that supports our commitment to purity and honors God in our thoughts and actions. [27:45]
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV): "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God."
Reflection: What boundaries can you set today to help you maintain purity in your thoughts and actions? How can you ensure that the media you consume aligns with God's standards?
Day 5: Community and Accountability
Overcoming struggles with sexual addiction and pornography requires community and accountability. Participating in groups and courses designed to help in these areas can provide the support and tools needed for breakthrough. Discipline, devotion, and a deep desire for God's presence are key to this journey. By surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can find strength and encouragement to overcome these challenges.
Community and accountability are vital in our walk with God. They provide a safe space to share our struggles, receive guidance, and celebrate victories. By being open and vulnerable with trusted individuals, we can experience the healing and restoration that comes from walking in the light and allowing others to support us in our journey towards purity. [31:31]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Who can you reach out to for accountability and support in your journey towards purity? How can you actively participate in a community that encourages and strengthens your walk with God?
Quotes
1. "But I always love to set these moments up, and sharing a bit of heart, because at times it can seem like when we talk about this, that there's a real sense of judgment, a real sense of like, it's works-based. And if we haven't got a story that looks pure, or sounds like I want to tell people about it, then we live with a sense of shame and guilt. But I want to tell you that is not God's heart, and that is not the culture of this house." [00:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth of it is, is really grace, God's grace meets us all at that point of reality. But then also the truth of it is, is as we step into His grace, it changes us and it transforms us. And we come closer aligned to not wanting to go, what's the do's and don'ts, but how do I become aligned to the love of my Father who met me and live under that incredible grace." [01:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reality is, it's challenging, it's counterculture, it's opposite to what the world promotes. And therefore, people go, well, then the church is against us. No, no, no, God is not against you. He so loved you, He sent His one and only Son to come and to do this. He's not against you, He sent His one and only Son to die and pay a price that just the chance, we would open our heart to Him." [02:16] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The truth is, as well as we always say in these moments, let's come with an availability and a vulnerability. You know, again, it's not about putting on a mask, saying, look at me, how good I'm doing it. But it's about going, God, is there areas that You wanna sharpen my life? Is there areas You wanna get stronger? Is there areas that I can break through so the generations break through behind me? But it takes an element of going, God, I'm open to You to speak." [02:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's always a meaningful exchange. And so as much as the world would say, hey, the uncommitted is what you want, the experimental's what you like, go after the fantasy, have this affair, try that, risk this, I'm telling you, that's a whole lot of the desires of the world, but I tell you what, it only leads to a destruction in our heart. And so we gotta keep coming back. God, what does your word say? What does your love say?" [04:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The fire of self leads to sabotage, but the fire of the Spirit leads to significance. We all have desires. We all desire different things. Having desires isn't wrong, but if it's not in step with the Spirit, then it's gonna lead to self and self-destruction. Unguided will lead, sadly, to destruction, but led by the Spirit, we always go forward." [18:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How much of the world are we consuming? If His ways are different, He says be in the world, but not of the world, how much of the world are we consuming? Just wanna be kinda practical for the next few minutes because ultimately what we consume will consume us. Be it be either for the good or the good. all for the bad." [19:18] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When I got saved, Christ renewed my heart, totally renewed my heart. But the truth of it is, is that I had to commit to renewing my habits. He renewed my heart. I had a fresh desire. But the same thing, I had years of practice. I had years of default thinking that was going on. And I had to say, I don't want to think that anymore." [25:07] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Discipline is to train, to coach, to order and create strictness in our life, right? The reality is then is devotion takes consistency, faithfulness and commitment, but then desire kicks in, right? And it's longing and a craving. And I remember that years ago getting into the Word more than ever before. It was discipline, discipline. But I remember I would miss a moment or have a couple of days where I just didn't get there. And the desire, it wasn't a guilt. It was like this, man, I miss being with him." [34:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I miss hearing his words. I miss drawing from a bread that's got the purest of ingredients. I miss living water. And it was the desire that drew me back. It wasn't a sense of command. It was a conviction that came from desire. So I just encourage us, create fresh disciplines, be committed to the devotion of it. And you watch a new desire. Maybe you've never had that purity desire before. I want to tell you, desire will come as we keep working together in this area." [34:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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