Embracing God's Design: Faith, Intimacy, and Purity

Devotional

Day 1: Make Room for God’s Outpouring

God calls us to stretch beyond our comfort and make room for more people to encounter His love and salvation. Just as the widow in 2 Kings 4 poured her little oil into every jar she could find, trusting God to multiply what she had, we are invited to offer what we have—our time, our willingness, our hearts—so that God’s Spirit can flow and fill every available space. When we step out in faith and create space for others, God’s blessing and presence increase, not just for us but for all who are seeking a spiritual home. Let us not settle for convenience, but embrace the adventure of faith, believing that God will use our obedience to reach more souls and transform our city. [02:29]

2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV)
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Reflection: Where is God asking you to “put out another jar” in your life—what step of faith can you take this week to make room for someone else to encounter Jesus?

Day 2: God’s Design for Intimacy Protects and Blesses

God’s design for sex and intimacy is not about restriction, but about protection, flourishing, and blessing. The world and the enemy distort God’s good gift, promoting counterfeits that lead to brokenness, insecurity, and regret. But when we honor God’s boundaries—such as the commandment not to commit adultery—we find that His ways lead to trust, security, and lasting joy. God’s heart is for us to experience intimacy in the context of covenant, where love is self-giving, safe, and deeply fulfilling. Embracing His design brings life, strengthens families, and builds healthy communities. [13:26]

Exodus 20:14 (ESV)
“You shall not commit adultery.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can honor God’s design for intimacy in your relationships this week, choosing His protection and blessing over the world’s counterfeits?

Day 3: The Power of Words to Build Up and Bless

Words have the power to shape identity, heal insecurities, and build trust in relationships. In Song of Songs, Solomon spends time speaking words of affirmation, value, and beauty over his bride before any physical intimacy occurs, showing us the importance of honoring and uplifting one another with our words. Whether in marriage, friendship, or family, intentionally speaking life and encouragement can transform hearts and strengthen bonds. Let us be people who use our words to deposit love, dignity, and hope into those God has entrusted to us, rather than tearing down or cheapening their worth. [28:11]

Song of Songs 4:1-7 (ESV)
Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young. Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, that graze among the lilies. Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense. You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage with words of affirmation today, and what specific truth can you speak over them?

Day 4: Set Boundaries and Pursue Holiness

God calls us to set clear boundaries in our relationships, especially regarding physical intimacy, so that we do not awaken love before its proper time. The world offers instant gratification and cheap substitutes, but God’s way is to wait for the right context—marriage—where intimacy becomes a powerful, holy, and lasting bond. Setting boundaries is not about missing out, but about preserving the fullness of God’s blessing and avoiding regret. Even if we have made mistakes, God redeems and restores, inviting us to pursue holiness and wholeness in Him. [38:12]

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 boundary do you need to establish or reinforce in your life to honor God’s call to holiness, and who can help you stay accountable?

Day 5: God’s Grace Redeems and Empowers Freedom

No matter our past or present struggles, God’s grace is sufficient to redeem, purify, and empower us to live in freedom. Where we have fallen short, Jesus has paid the price and offers forgiveness, healing, and a new future. We are not left to strive alone—God gives us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to walk with us. When we bring our weaknesses and failures into the light, God meets us with mercy and strength, enabling us to live whole and free. Let us not be condemned, but come boldly to God, trusting Him to make all things new. [41:42]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to bring something into the light and receive God’s grace—who can you talk to or pray with this week to begin that journey?

Sermon Summary

What a joy it is to gather as a church family and witness God’s ongoing work among us. As we continue to grow, both in numbers and in depth, it’s clear that God is calling us to stretch further, to make more room for those who need a spiritual home. This is not about convenience or comfort, but about the cause of Christ—making space for more souls to encounter Him. Just as the widow in 2 Kings 4 poured out what little she had and saw God’s provision multiply, we are called to offer what we have, trusting God to fill every vessel we set before Him. Our willingness to embrace change and step out in faith is a testimony to our desire to see God’s kingdom advance in our city and beyond.

Turning to the topic of godly sex, it’s vital to remember that sex is God’s idea—He designed it, and His ways are not just right, but better. The enemy seeks to distort and cheapen what God created for intimacy, trust, and covenant. In a world that normalizes sexual brokenness and promotes counterfeits, we must be vigilant not to let our consciences grow dull or our standards be lowered. God’s design for sex is not about restriction, but about protection, flourishing, and deep joy. If we truly lived by His command to honour sex within marriage, so much pain and brokenness in our world would be avoided.

Song of Songs gives us a beautiful picture of how intimacy is meant to be cultivated—with words of affirmation, gentleness, patience, and honour. Men and women are wired differently, and understanding how to speak life and value to one another is crucial. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, not just in marriage but in every relationship, including with our children. True intimacy is not instant or transactional; it requires intentionality, effort, and the right boundaries. Like a fire, sex is powerful and life-giving within its proper context, but destructive when misused.

We must also confront the reality of pornography and sexual sin, which damages individuals, marriages, and communities. Yet, there is hope—God’s grace is sufficient, and He offers freedom, healing, and restoration. No matter our past, Jesus has paid the price and offers us a new future. Through His Word, His Spirit, and the support of community, we can walk in purity and wholeness. Let’s raise the standard, not lower it, and trust God to redeem every area of our lives for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s call to “put out another jar” is a call to faith and generosity, not comfort. When we make room for others, we participate in God’s multiplying work, just as the widow did in 2 Kings 4. Our willingness to embrace change and stretch beyond our preferences is essential for the growth of God’s family and the advancement of His kingdom. [02:29]
2. God’s design for sex is rooted in covenant, trust, and self-giving love. The enemy’s strategy is to distort this design, offering counterfeits that promise pleasure but deliver brokenness and insecurity. Embracing God’s boundaries is not about restriction, but about experiencing the fullness and flourishing He intends for us. [12:44]
3. The power of words in intimacy cannot be overstated. Speaking life, value, and affirmation over our spouse (and our children) shapes their identity and strengthens the bond of trust. True intimacy is cultivated through intentional encouragement and honour, not just physical acts. [21:47]
4. Sexual purity requires intentional boundaries and honest communication. God never designed us to awaken love before its time, and setting clear limits in dating honours both God and each other. Even if we have failed in the past, God’s grace restores and makes us whole, allowing us to give ourselves fully in marriage. [38:12]
5. God’s standard for sexuality is holiness, but His response to our failure is grace and empowerment. Jesus paid the price for our sin and offers purification, freedom, and a new start. Through the Holy Spirit and the support of community, we can live free from shame and walk in the wholeness God desires for us. [41:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Celebrating Growth and God’s Work
[02:29] - Making Room: Adding a Fourth Service
[04:57] - Praying for God’s Wisdom and Guidance
[07:00] - Introduction to Godly Sex
[10:38] - The Enemy’s Distortion of God’s Design
[11:45] - Cultural Counterfeits and the Need for Holiness
[12:44] - God’s Boundaries: Protection and Flourishing
[13:26] - The Blessing of God’s Design
[17:03] - Understanding and Serving Each Other
[20:28] - The Power of Words in Intimacy
[25:52] - Speaking Life and Value
[28:11] - Gentleness, Patience, and Honour in Marriage
[32:26] - The Fire of Intimacy: Intentionality and Boundaries
[35:02] - Freedom from Sexual Brokenness
[36:45] - Setting Boundaries in Dating
[38:12] - God’s Grace and Restoration
[41:42] - Holiness, Grace, and Empowerment
[44:00] - Responding in Worship and Surrender

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV) — > Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

2. Song of Songs 4:1-7 (ESV) — > Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young. Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, that graze among the lilies. Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense. You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

3. Exodus 20:14 (ESV) — > “You shall not commit adultery.”

Observation Questions

In 2 Kings 4:1-7, what did the widow do with the little she had, and what was the result? How did her willingness to act in faith impact her situation? [02:29]
According to Song of Songs 4:1-7, what kind of words does the man use to speak to his beloved? What do you notice about the way he affirms her? [21:47]
The sermon mentioned that God’s design for sex is rooted in covenant, trust, and self-giving love. What are some ways the world distorts this design, according to the message? [10:38]
What is the purpose of God’s commandment “You shall not commit adultery” as discussed in the sermon? Is it about restriction or something else? [13:26]

Interpretation Questions

What does the story of the widow in 2 Kings 4 teach about faith and making room for God to work? How might this apply to the church’s call to “put out another jar” and make space for others? [02:29]
Why does the speaker emphasize the power of words in building intimacy, both in marriage and in other relationships? How can words shape someone’s identity and trust? [21:47]
The sermon says that God’s boundaries for sex are not about restriction but about protection and flourishing. How does this perspective challenge or affirm common cultural views about sex? [12:44]
How does the message address the reality of sexual sin and brokenness, and what hope does it offer for those who have failed in this area? [41:42]

Application Questions

The widow in 2 Kings 4 offered what little she had, and God multiplied it. Is there an area in your life or in our church where you sense God is asking you to “put out another jar” and make room for others, even if it’s uncomfortable? What might that look like for you personally? [02:29]
The sermon challenges us to speak words of life, value, and affirmation over our spouse, children, and others. Think of a recent conversation—did your words build up or tear down? What is one specific way you can intentionally encourage someone this week? [25:52]
God’s design for sex is rooted in covenant and trust, not just physical pleasure. If you are married, how can you cultivate deeper intimacy through gentleness, patience, and honour? If you are single or dating, what boundaries can you set to honour God and others in this area? [28:11]
The message warns about the dangers of pornography and sexual sin, saying it damages individuals and relationships. Are there any habits or influences in your life that you need to bring into the light or seek help with? What step could you take this week toward freedom and healing? [35:02]
The sermon says, “God’s standard for sexuality is holiness, but His response to our failure is grace and empowerment.” Have you experienced shame or regret in this area? How can you receive God’s forgiveness and walk in a new start? [41:42]
The church is growing and making changes to reach more people. How do you personally respond to change in church life? Is there a way you can help make room for others, even if it means stretching beyond your preferences? [02:29]
The message highlights the importance of community and support in walking out purity and wholeness. Who in your life can you be honest with about your struggles, and how can you support each other in pursuing God’s best? [41:42]

Sermon Clips

Can I encourage us? Do not say negative things about your spouse's body. Don't do it. It will dominate her thinking and it will take every other positive thing you ever say out. Don't do it. You know, women love to hear the value of who they are. For men, for us, we love to hear the value of what we do. [00:25:20] (22 seconds) #SpeakValueAlways

Can I encourage us, guys, never, ever cheapen your spouse. Never just treat it like something you're going to get. Never just treat them like just an object ever in. No, no, be gentle, be tender, be caring, be loving. You know, when it comes to what's appropriate in a marriage bed, you know, the truth of it is, is that there should never be pressure. There should never be the sense of force. There should be never something that would cheapen the other person. And so I'd encourage us. That's why there needs to be the art of communication, healthy communication that has the ability to talk openly. Why? Because then there's respect, then there's clarity, and there's an ability to care at a very deep level. [00:29:58] (37 seconds) #CherishWithRespect

It's more like a natural fire where you've got to go and collect, and you've got to gather, and you've got to set up, and you've got to store, and then the warmth it brings to the house is a whole different level. The smell, the aroma is a whole different level. But it creates, sorry, it comes from intentionality. It comes from work. Don't just look for the click of a button. And the sad thing about it is, is that we are settling. Society is settling for a click of a button. It's on tap. You can just watch whatever you want. You can Google whatever you want. You can stream whatever you want. And it's cheapened. Right? It's not the real thing. And what happens is it brings so much damage to our lives. It brings damage to the intimacy in the areas of our marriage. [00:32:37] (41 seconds) #IntentionalLoveBuilds

Pornography has no place in society. It has no place. You know, it's, in fact, it can be even in people's lives and in males' lives, it can be like a cocaine hit. The strength of the same drug. And who knows, cocaine never builds anything positive. It destroys everything it touches. And it's the same with pornography. It can seem like, oh, it doesn't matter. It's not that big a deal. No, no, no. If we feed that, it grows and it grows and it grows. And the sad reality is, is it's messing young people up, right? It's distorting their view of what true sexual relationships look like. It promotes dominance. It's perverse rather than pure, and it's damaging them. It's the same with adults. It's hurting marriages. It's robbing purity, and it's wounding people's worth. [00:34:11] (51 seconds) #PornDestroysPurity

Can I just say to us that His grace is sufficient? As someone who's walked through the journey of just knowing God's freedom in every area and relationships and purity, can I just say God's grace is sufficient? Come on, do not be in this weight of like, well, I just better live with this. I just better hide this. I just better, no, no, no. What does He say? Boast all the more gladly. What is He saying? Bring it out into the light. Bring it to those who can walk alongside you. Get yourself into a course. Get yourself into a marriage environment where you can expose the things that are going, you know what, I just don't think this is helping us. It's hurting us. And you know what? God can make a way. He's in the business of taking the weak areas and making a way. [00:35:02] (40 seconds) #GraceTransformsFreedom

You'll never get to your wedding night wishing you had pushed the boundaries more when you were dating. You'll wish, if anything, I wish I had less regrets. The good news is I stood on my altar, giving my whole life wholly to Nadia, because God redeems and he restores and he makes all things new. I didn't give parts of me to Nadia, I gave all of me to Nadia, because God put it all back together. [00:38:34] (21 seconds) #WholeLifeCommitment

Any sexual activity outside the confinements of marriage between one man and one woman, the Bible calls it sin. And you might go, yeah, yeah, but we love each other. It's all good. We're happy with it. We feel fine. As someone who's been on both sides of the fence, can I tell you, when you are whole in God and it's wholly under God, I want to tell you, it's just so much better. It's so much better. There is no guilt. There is no shame. There's no justifying it. There's no like, yeah, yeah, but it's different for us. No, no, you've got God's smile. You've got His presence. You've got His delight upon that area in our lives. [00:42:05] (38 seconds) #GodsWayIsBetter

He did two things. He paid the price for the penalty and then He purifies us, right? So where we are broken, where there is an element of sin attached due to things that we're engaged in. No, no, He says, buy my stripes. Come on, I want to purify that. I want to pay the consequence of that. Now you can have a whole new freedom and a whole new future. [00:43:09] (21 seconds) #FreedomThroughChrist

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