Embracing Biblical Sexuality: A Call to Purity
Summary
Today, I addressed a topic that is often shrouded in discomfort and silence, especially within the church: sexuality. I began by sharing a personal anecdote about my father's attempt at "the sex talk," which paralleled my intention to openly discuss this sensitive subject with you, not just as a pastor but as a spiritual father to our community.
We delved into the teachings of 1 Thessalonians, particularly focusing on how the Apostle Paul instructs the church in Thessalonica to live out their faith in everyday matters, including sexuality. Paul's message was countercultural at the time, challenging the prevailing sexual norms of the Greco-Roman culture, which were permissive and exploitative, especially towards women and slaves.
I highlighted the stark contrast between the societal norms of Thessalonica, where men like the hypothetical "Thessalonian Joe" engaged in sexual relationships without boundaries, and the call for Christians to live a life of holiness and honor. This call to sexual purity is not about repression but about living in a way that honors God and respects others, avoiding the exploitation and objectification that were rampant.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of understanding God's will for our lives, which includes sanctification and living out a holy and honorable existence. This is particularly pertinent when it comes to our sexual behaviors and attitudes. We explored how the modern context mirrors Thessalonica in many ways, with pervasive influences like pornography shaping societal views on sex, often in violent and dehumanizing ways.
I also addressed the challenges faced by individuals in our congregation, from singles and those struggling with sexual temptation to those identifying as LGBTQ, stressing the church's role as a supportive community that upholds biblical teachings while extending love and acceptance.
In conclusion, I called on our church to be a model of the countercultural love and transformation that Paul envisioned, a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where our sexualities are aligned with God's design for holistic, sacrificial love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Biblical Sexuality: The Apostle Paul's instructions to the Thessalonians provide a blueprint for understanding how Christians are to view and handle their sexuality. Unlike the cultural norm which prioritizes personal gratification, Christian sexuality is about honoring God and others, avoiding behaviors that exploit or degrade. This understanding is crucial for living out our faith in today's sexually charged culture. [07:20]
2. The Role of the Church in Sexual Ethics: As a community, we are called to be a safe space for confession and transformation. This involves addressing sexual issues openly and providing support for those struggling with sexual sin or temptation. The church must be a place where the hard conversations can happen in an atmosphere of grace and truth. [38:14]
3. Sexual Purity as Countercultural: In a world that often celebrates sexual freedom without boundaries, the Christian call to sexual purity stands as a countercultural witness. This purity is not about repression but about living in a way that truly frees us to love and be loved, reflecting the self-giving love of Christ. [28:09]
4. Healing and Redemption: It's important to remember that Jesus redeems all aspects of our lives, including our sexual failures. The church should be a community where stories of redemption are common, helping those who feel trapped in shame to find hope and healing through the gospel. [35:50]
5. Discipleship and Sexuality: Discipleship must address every area of life, including sexuality. This involves older Christians mentoring younger ones, helping them navigate their sexualities in a way that honors God. It's about moving from brokenness to wholeness, from shame to dignity. [32:46]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:18] - Introduction to the Sermon Topic
- [04:25] - Historical Context of Thessalonica
- [07:20] - Countercultural Christian Sexuality
- [10:09] - Authority in Christian Life
- [14:39] - God's Will for Our Sanctification
- [17:28] - Avoiding Sexual Immorality
- [20:53] - The Impact of Pornography
- [25:00] - The Psychological and Spiritual Effects of Addiction
- [28:09] - The Joy of Sexual Purity
- [31:28] - Training in Sexual Self-Control
- [35:07] - Data on Sexual Satisfaction
- [38:14] - Closing Prayer and Call to Transformation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NIV)
> "As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions does Paul give to the Thessalonians regarding their sexual behavior? (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
2. How does Paul describe the difference between Christian and pagan approaches to sexuality? (1 Thessalonians 4:5)
3. What are the consequences mentioned for those who commit sexual sins according to Paul? (1 Thessalonians 4:6)
4. How does Paul emphasize the authority behind his instructions on sexual purity? (1 Thessalonians 4:2) [10:09]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul stress the importance of living a holy and honorable life in terms of sexuality? How does this relate to our identity as Christians? (1 Thessalonians 4:7) [13:01]
2. How does the concept of sanctification play a role in Paul's teaching on sexual purity? What does it mean to be sanctified in this context? (1 Thessalonians 4:3) [14:39]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern society mirrors the sexual norms of Thessalonica? How should Christians respond to these similarities? [06:21]
4. How does the church's role as a supportive community help individuals struggling with sexual sin or temptation? What practical steps can the church take to fulfill this role? [38:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle with sexual purity? How can you seek God's help and the support of your church community to overcome these struggles? [20:16]
2. How can you practice self-control in your daily life to honor God with your body? What specific actions can you take to avoid sexual immorality? [16:52]
3. Think about the influence of modern media and pornography on societal views of sex. How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from these harmful influences? What steps can you take to promote a healthy, biblical view of sexuality? [22:31]
4. How can you contribute to making your church a safe space for confession and transformation regarding sexual issues? What can you do to support others in their journey towards sexual purity? [38:14]
5. If you are mentoring someone younger in the faith, how can you guide them in navigating their sexuality in a way that honors God? What specific advice or resources can you offer them? [32:46]
6. For those who identify as LGBTQ or struggle with sexual temptation, how can the church extend love and acceptance while upholding biblical teachings? What practical steps can you take to be a supportive and loving member of your church community? [36:25]
7. Reflect on the concept of sacrificial love in relationships. How can you embody this kind of love in your interactions with others, especially in the context of dating or marriage? [28:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring God Through Our Sexuality
Understanding and embracing Biblical sexuality is foundational to living a life that honors God and respects others. The Apostle Paul's teachings to the Thessalonians challenge us to view our sexuality through the lens of God's design, which contrasts sharply with today's culture of personal gratification. This approach calls for a lifestyle that prioritizes holiness and the well-being of others over our own desires, aiming to avoid behaviors that exploit or degrade. By aligning our sexual behaviors with Biblical principles, we not only honor God but also foster genuine respect and love in our relationships. [07:20]
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: "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: How does your current understanding and practice of sexuality reflect a commitment to honor God and respect others?
Day 2: The Church as a Sanctuary for Sexual Ethics
The role of the church in addressing sexual ethics is crucial in today's society. As a community, we are called to be a safe space where individuals can discuss and find support for their struggles with sexual sin and temptation. This involves creating an environment where grace and truth coexist, allowing for open conversations and transformative experiences. By doing so, the church not only upholds Biblical teachings but also extends love and acceptance to all its members, fostering a community of healing and growth. [38:14]
Galatians 6:1-2: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: What steps can you take to contribute to creating a supportive and transformative environment in your church community?
Day 3: Embracing Sexual Purity as a Countercultural Act
Living out sexual purity in a world that often celebrates boundary-free sexual freedom is a powerful countercultural statement. This purity is not about repression but about freedom to love in the self-giving way that reflects Christ's love for us. By choosing purity, we are not only setting ourselves apart from societal norms but also demonstrating the transformative power of living according to God's design. This commitment to purity allows us to experience love and intimacy as God intended, free from exploitation and selfishness. [28:09]
Titus 2:11-14: "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, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you practically demonstrate sexual purity in your life as a countercultural statement of your faith?
Day 4: Finding Redemption in Our Sexual Failures
Jesus offers redemption and healing for all aspects of our lives, including our sexual failures. The church should be a place where stories of redemption are common, providing hope and encouragement for those trapped in shame. By focusing on the redemptive power of the gospel, we can help individuals move from shame and guilt to a place of healing and wholeness. This transformative journey is supported by the community of believers who share their own experiences of grace and redemption. [35:50]
Isaiah 43:18-19: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in creating a redemptive community in your church that supports healing from sexual failures?
Day 5: Discipleship Focused on Holistic Sexuality
Discipleship that addresses every area of life, including sexuality, is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This involves experienced believers mentoring younger ones, guiding them to understand and navigate their sexuality in a way that honors God. Through discipleship, we move from brokenness to wholeness, and from shame to dignity, reflecting the holistic transformation that the gospel offers. This journey of discipleship strengthens not only individual believers but also the entire community as we grow together in understanding and living out God's design for our lives. [32:46]
Ephesians 4:22-24: "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: Who in your life could you mentor or be mentored by to better navigate your sexuality in a way that honors God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sex is doing with your body what you've done with your life. That's where psychological safety comes in. And joy comes in for those with the gift of marriage which isn't for everyone." [34:31]
2. "Sexual desire is a gift from God. That's not the problem. The problem is we live in a fallen world. It's fallen people. And we've lost perspective and power to channel ourselves. Our sexuality rightly. So instead we become slaves to our desires." [19:41]
3. "If you're hearing me and you're like, oh snap! I done did that! Hey, Jesus can redeem everything. This is the research. I've experienced the power of God redeeming fallenness in my own life and I've seen it repeatedly in your lives." [35:50]
4. "We control our bodies. In many, many ways. You can be trained. We train children at a very young age. And this is also trainable with the fruit of the Holy Spirit of self-control. Our body is a gift from God." [31:28]
5. "If we take care of following God's will in the tier one issues, tier two emerges as we walk in union with God through the Holy Spirit. You just align with God's will and heart in the tier one. And God, the tier two, takes care of itself." [15:23]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Christian call to sexual purity stands as a countercultural witness. This purity is not about repression but about living in a way that truly frees us to love and be loved, reflecting the self-giving love of Christ." [28:09]
2. "The church must be a place where the hard conversations can happen in an atmosphere of grace and truth. We need to be a peer mentoring tribe of followers of Jesus. It takes older men to younger men, older women to younger women." [32:46]
3. "The Apostle Paul's instructions to the Thessalonians provide a blueprint for understanding how Christians are to view and handle their sexuality. Unlike the cultural norm which prioritizes personal gratification, Christian sexuality is about honoring God and others." [07:20]
4. "Jesus redeems all aspects of our lives, including our sexual failures. The church should be a community where stories of redemption are common, helping those who feel trapped in shame to find hope and healing through the gospel." [28:52]
5. "Discipleship must address every area of life, including sexuality. This involves older Christians mentoring younger ones, helping them navigate their sexualities in a way that honors God." [32:46]
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