Embracing God's Authority in Our Sexuality

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Authority in Sexuality

Sexuality is not merely a personal choice or a search for pleasure; it is a sacred gift that operates under the authority of the Creator. The struggle with sexuality often stems from a desire for autonomy, a belief in self-rule that conflicts with the divine design. Recognizing that true human authority is an illusion and that every individual is owned by God is the first step towards sexual purity. This acknowledgment is not about losing freedom but about finding it in its truest form, by living according to God's design and purpose for sexuality.

The lies of autonomy and self-sufficiency are pervasive, leading many to believe they are the ultimate authority over their bodies and sexual choices. However, this mindset rejects the rightful place of God as the sovereign over all creation. It is in the submission to God's authority that one finds the path to true freedom and the ability to wield the power of sexuality responsibly and joyfully.

[47:38]

"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 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." - 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 ESV

Reflection: How does recognizing God's authority over your sexuality change the way you view and manage your sexual desires and actions?

Day 2: Counteracting Culture with Biblical Sexuality

The cultural narrative often treats sex as a casual commodity, devoid of spiritual significance and lasting impact. This view is in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of sex as a profound union, a gift from God intended to be cherished within the covenant of marriage. The truth is that sexual relationships have deep emotional and spiritual consequences, shaping the heart and mind in ways that casual attitudes fail to acknowledge.

Scientific research supports the biblical view, showing that multiple sexual partners can rewire the brain, making it more challenging to form lasting, selfless relationships. This understanding calls for a rejection of the casual and experimental approach to sexuality promoted by figures like Woody Allen and Katy Perry, and an embrace of the sanctity and lasting significance of sexual union as designed by God.

[41:25]

"But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." - Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV

Reflection: In what ways have cultural messages about sex influenced your views, and how can you align your perspective more closely with the biblical understanding of sexuality?

Day 3: The Destructive Grip of Pornography

Pornography is a pervasive issue that distorts the sacredness of sexuality, commodifying individuals and fostering unrealistic expectations. It leads to a rewiring of the brain that can diminish one's capacity for genuine intimacy and sexual fulfillment within the context of a committed relationship. The consumption of pornography is not a victimless act; it dehumanizes others and damages the consumer's ability to engage in healthy, God-honoring relationships.

The call to confront and eliminate pornography from one's life is a call to honor God with one's body and to preserve the sanctity of sexuality. It is an imperative step towards healing and restoration, allowing individuals to experience the fullness of sexual relationships as intended by God, free from the distortions and false expectations set by pornographic material.

[43:45]

"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." - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take today to confront and eliminate the influence of pornography in your life, and how can you seek accountability within the community of faith?

Day 4: The Unshakable Love of Christ and Sexual Purity

The love of Jesus Christ is a powerful and unshakable force that assures believers that nothing, including sexual struggles, can separate them from His love. This love is the foundation upon which a life of sexual purity can be built. It is not about freedom from sexuality but freedom from sexual sin, as sexuality itself is a gift from God. The assurance of Christ's love provides the strength to face sexual struggles with honesty and hope, knowing that Jesus came to free us from sin's bondage.

The journey towards sexual purity is a matter of the heart, where idolatry is the real issue. Seeking satisfaction in creation rather than the Creator leads to a distorted view of sexuality. The love of Christ invites individuals to turn away from these idols and find fulfillment in the love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out.

[50:46]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:13-14 ESV

Reflection: How does the assurance of Christ's unshakable love impact your approach to sexual purity, and what steps can you take to ensure that your sexuality is an expression of that love?

Day 5: Community and Divine Support in the Pursuit of Purity

The battle for sexual purity is not meant to be fought alone. God's presence and the community of the church are divine provisions to aid in this struggle. By embracing these gifts, individuals can find the strength and support needed to pursue a life of purity. The transformative power of the gospel is not limited to one area of life but extends to every aspect, including sexuality.

The church community offers accountability, encouragement, and practical support for those seeking to live out their sexuality in a way that honors God. It is within this community that individuals can step out of hiding and into the light of Christ's grace, taking tangible steps toward a life of purity, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

[01:05:29]

"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." - James 5:16 ESV

Reflection: How can you engage with the church community to find support in your pursuit of sexual purity, and what specific action can you take this week to seek accountability and encouragement?

Sermon Summary

In my sermon today, I addressed the complex and often misunderstood topic of sexuality from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the power and responsibility that come with it. I began by welcoming the congregation to Compass Christian Church and introduced our series "I've Got the Power," which explores the power inherent in all of us and the responsibility that accompanies it, as highlighted by the famous line from Spider-Man. I pointed out that this power can be used destructively or for good, and I posed the question of how we are wielding our power in life.

I then delved into the issue of authority, explaining that our struggles with sexuality are deeply rooted in a rejection of God's authority and a desire for self-rule. I emphasized that true human authority is an illusion and that every human being is owned by God, the Creator, who alone has the right to dictate how His creation is to be used. I highlighted the lies of autonomy and self-sufficiency that we often believe, which are contrary to our created purpose of dependence on God.

Next, I tackled the cultural messages surrounding sex, referencing quotes from Woody Allen and Katy Perry that reflect a casual and experimental approach to sexuality. I countered these views with scientific research that shows how multiple sexual partners can rewire the brain, making lasting, selfless relationships more difficult. I stressed that sex is not just an experiment or a product of nature, but a reality that cannot be undone.

I then addressed the damage caused by pornography, explaining how it commodifies the opposite sex and rewires the brain, leading to a distorted view of women and a diminished capacity for sexual fulfillment. I challenged men to confront and eliminate pornography from their lives, as it sets unrealistic expectations that no partner can meet.

Moving to the heart of the sermon, I read from Romans chapter 8, verses 35-39, a passage that speaks of the unshakable love of Jesus Christ and the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love. I connected this to our sexuality, explaining that Jesus came to free us from sexual sin, not from sexuality itself, which is a gift from God. I emphasized that our sexual struggles are a matter of the heart and that idolatry is the real issue when we seek satisfaction in creation rather than the Creator.

I then offered hope and good news, assuring the congregation that change is possible through the cross of Jesus Christ. I encouraged everyone to reject hopelessness and to believe that sexual sin can be defeated because Christ fights on our behalf. I reminded them that God's presence and the community of the church are gifts to help us on our journey to sexual purity.

I concluded by inviting the congregation to step out of hiding and into the light of Christ's grace, to seek help from our care ministry, and to take a step toward a life of purity, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Romans 8:35-39, what are some of the things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ?
In Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies, and how is this related to worship?
The sermon mentioned cultural messages about sex from figures like Woody Allen and Katy Perry. What were these messages, and how do they contrast with the biblical perspective on sexuality? ([40:04])
What are the two pervasive lies concerning sex and sexuality mentioned in the sermon, and how do they affect our understanding of authority? ([48:17])

Interpretation Questions

How does the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39) provide hope in the struggle for sexual purity? ([50:46])
What does it mean to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice according to Romans 12:1, and how can this be seen as an act of worship in the context of our sexuality? ([39:19])
The sermon discusses the impact of pornography on individuals and relationships. How does this align with the biblical call to honor God with our bodies? ([43:45])
How does the concept of rejecting autonomy and self-sufficiency relate to submitting to God's authority in our sexual lives? ([48:17])

Application Questions

Reflect on the cultural messages about sex that you encounter daily. How can you counter these messages with the truth that sex is a gift from God meant to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage? ([40:04])
The sermon emphasized the importance of confronting and eliminating pornography from our lives. What practical steps can you take to address this issue if it is a struggle for you? ([43:45])
Romans 8:35-39 assures us of Christ's unshakable love. How can this assurance help you face your sexual struggles with honesty and hope? ([50:46])
The sermon mentioned the importance of community in the battle for sexual purity. How can you engage more deeply with your church community to find support and accountability? ([01:05:29])
The sermon highlighted the need to step out of hiding and into the light of Christ's grace. Is there a specific area of your life where you need to seek help and step into the light? ([01:00:59])
How can you practically submit to God's authority in your sexual life, recognizing that true freedom and purity come from living according to His design? ([47:38])
The sermon concluded with an invitation to take a step toward a life of purity, empowered by the Holy Spirit. What is one specific step you can take this week to move toward sexual purity? ([01:09:45])

Sermon Clips

1. "Friends, you can. [57:09]( | | )

Cry out for help when you're tired, when you're distressed, when you feel like you're losing the fight. It's right at those moments to be angry. And it's right at those moments to be sad that things around you are as broken as they are." [57:45](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

2. "Hiding from someone you say you love. [59:07]( | | )

Never a good sign, friends. Hiding because of guilt and fear. That's a red flag that something has gone very wrong. Hiding a problem seldom leads to the solution for the problem. Lying to others about your problem never leads to their understanding and their assistance." [59:48]( | | )

3. "The cross of Jesus Christ welcomes you out of hiding because on the cross, Jesus endured your punishment. [01:00:24]( | | )

He carried your guilt. He bore our shame. He endured your rejection. He did all this so you wouldn't have to hide from God." [01:00:59]( | | )

4. "You don't have to fight your battle alone. [01:01:29]( | | )

You know the dark secrecy of sexual sin can make you feel alienated, misunderstood, rejected, and you feel alone big time. You can fall into thinking that nobody's ever going to understand." [01:02:01]( | | )

5. "Our hope for change is a person, the Lord Almighty. [01:02:32]( | | )

You'll notice as you read the Bible, every time you see God's people facing seemingly insurmountable odds, difficulty beyond their own power, you know what God does? He reminded them of His presence." [01:03:06]( | | )

6. "Friends, if you want to gain ground, you need people who will confront you when you're rebelling [01:04:53]( | | )

or some verse showing you what you're doing wrong. I wanna read to you a hope-filled passage about the love of Jesus. For sinners like you and sinners like me." [01:07:18]( | | )

7. "Friends, you don't have to believe the lie that change is impossible. Because all that has been said above, because of all that we've talked about, all that Jesus has done, all these beautiful promise and truths [01:07:41]( | | )

that we've studied, listen, you are free to quit thinking of sexual sin as impossible to defeat." [01:08:01]( | | )

8. "You don't have to be ashamed of your sexuality, but you got to guard your heart as you live out your sexuality. [54:00]( | | )

Here's the second piece of good news in the gospel and how we can connect it to sex. You don't have to deny you're a sinner." [54:41]( | | )

9. "The sexual struggle and the sexual insanity of the culture are rooted in something deeper than sex. They're rooted in a rejection of the authority of God over every area of human existence. [46:17]( | | )

They're rooted in a deep desire for self-rule." [47:38]( | | )

10. "The doctrine of creation itself blows this away. Since God created all things, he owns all things. This means there's simply no such condition as human autonomy. Every human being is owned. [48:57]( | | )

We talked about this last week by the one who created him or her and the creator alone has the right to say how what he has created is to be used." [49:28]( | | )

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