Embracing God's Design for Sex and Relationships

Devotional

Day 1: Cherishing God's Design for Sex

Sex is a gift from God, designed to be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman. This design is not restrictive but protective, ensuring that we experience the fullness of God's blessing. When we step outside these boundaries, we cheapen what God intended to be cherished, leading to shame and guilt. Understanding and embracing this divine design allows us to honor God with our bodies and relationships, experiencing the joy and intimacy He intended.

God's boundaries for sex are not meant to limit us but to protect us from the emotional and spiritual consequences of sexual immorality. By adhering to His design, we can avoid the pitfalls of shame and guilt and instead experience a pure and fulfilling relationship with our spouse. This perspective helps us to see sex as a sacred act that reflects God's love and commitment.

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: How can you honor God's design for sex in your current or future relationships? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His protective boundaries? [09:21]

Day 2: Recognizing the Enemy's Goal

The enemy's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, often using sexual immorality to achieve this. We must be vigilant and take captive every thought, making it obedient to Christ. This requires a daily commitment to surrender to God's ways and to draw from His pure supply. By doing so, we can resist the enemy's attempts to lead us astray and instead live in the freedom and purity that God desires for us.

Sexual immorality is a powerful tool that the enemy uses to disrupt our relationship with God and others. By being aware of this, we can take proactive steps to guard our hearts and minds. This involves daily surrender to God's will and seeking His strength to overcome temptation. Through prayer, scripture, and accountability, we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes.

James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What thoughts or behaviors do you need to take captive and make obedient to Christ? How can you incorporate daily practices that help you resist the enemy's temptations? [20:22]

Day 3: Embracing Transformation Through Christ

No matter how we walked into this room or joined online, God has a way forward for all of us. His love and truth can restore and renew us, allowing us to live free from what once bound us. This transformation is not about condemnation but about conviction and a new way of living. Embracing this transformation means accepting God's grace and allowing His truth to guide our lives.

God's love is powerful enough to transform even the most broken parts of our lives. By surrendering to Him, we can experience true freedom and healing. This process involves recognizing our need for change, accepting God's forgiveness, and committing to live according to His truth. It is a journey of continual growth and renewal.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's transformative power? How can you open yourself up to His love and truth today? [05:47]

Day 4: The Power of Covenant in Marriage

Placing our relationships under the covenant of God brings a deeper connection and stronger intimacy. This act reflects God's design for marriage and allows His blessing to flow into our lives. It is a joy to see de facto relationships in our church make the decision to get married and experience this transformation. By honoring the covenant of marriage, we align ourselves with God's plan and invite His presence into our union.

Marriage is more than a legal contract; it is a sacred covenant that mirrors God's commitment to us. When we honor this covenant, we create a foundation for a strong and intimate relationship. This commitment invites God's blessings and strengthens the bond between spouses. It is a powerful testimony of God's love and faithfulness.

Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."

Reflection: How can you honor the covenant of marriage in your current or future relationship? What steps can you take to deepen your connection and intimacy with your spouse? [33:12]

Day 5: Embracing Grace and Redemption

No one is exempt from God's grace. Whether you are struggling with sexual immorality or any other sin, Jesus offers a way forward. He does not condemn but invites us to rise, leave our life of sin, and walk in the fullness of His love and purpose. Embracing this grace means accepting God's forgiveness and committing to live a life that honors Him.

God's grace is available to all, regardless of our past mistakes. By accepting His forgiveness, we can experience true freedom and redemption. This involves turning away from sin and committing to live according to God's will. It is a journey of continual growth and reliance on His grace.

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to accept God's grace and forgiveness? How can you commit to living a life that honors Him today? [41:10]

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into a topic that is often avoided in church but is crucial to our lives: sex, God's way. We began by addressing the over-sexualized culture that society promotes, especially to our younger generations. This culture distorts the purity and perfect design that God intended for sex. As parents, it is our responsibility to educate our children about sex from a biblical perspective, rather than leaving them to be misinformed by the world.

I shared my personal journey of living a worldly life before coming to Christ and how God's love and truth restored me. This restoration allowed me to stand at the altar on my wedding day, pure and whole. This message is not about condemnation but about conviction and transformation. God has a way forward for all of us, no matter how we walked into this room or joined online.

We discussed the importance of understanding that sex is a gift from God, designed to be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman. This design is not meant to be restrictive but protective, ensuring that we experience the fullness of God's blessing. When we step outside these boundaries, we cheapen what God intended to be cherished, leading to shame, guilt, and a distorted view of love.

The enemy's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, and he often uses sexual immorality to achieve this. We must be vigilant and take captive every thought, making it obedient to Christ. This requires a daily commitment to surrender to God's ways and to draw from His pure supply.

We also celebrated the joy of seeing de facto relationships in our church make the decision to get married, placing their commitment under the covenant of God. This act brings a deeper connection and a stronger intimacy that reflects God's design for marriage.

Finally, we emphasized that no one is exempt from God's grace. Whether you are struggling with sexual immorality or any other sin, Jesus offers a way forward. He does not condemn but invites us to rise, leave our life of sin, and walk in the fullness of His love and purpose.

###

Key Takeaways

1. God's Design for Sex: Sex is a gift from God, designed to be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman. This design is not restrictive but protective, ensuring that we experience the fullness of God's blessing. When we step outside these boundaries, we cheapen what God intended to be cherished, leading to shame and guilt. [09:21]
2. The Enemy's Goal: The enemy's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, often using sexual immorality to achieve this. We must be vigilant and take captive every thought, making it obedient to Christ. This requires a daily commitment to surrender to God's ways and to draw from His pure supply. [20:22]
3. Transformation Through Christ: No matter how we walked into this room or joined online, God has a way forward for all of us. His love and truth can restore and renew us, allowing us to live free from what once bound us. This transformation is not about condemnation but about conviction and a new way of living. [05:47]
4. The Power of Covenant: Placing our relationships under the covenant of God brings a deeper connection and stronger intimacy. This act reflects God's design for marriage and allows His blessing to flow into our lives. It is a joy to see de facto relationships in our church make the decision to get married and experience this transformation. [33:12]
5. Grace and Redemption: No one is exempt from God's grace. Whether you are struggling with sexual immorality or any other sin, Jesus offers a way forward. He does not condemn but invites us to rise, leave our life of sin, and walk in the fullness of His love and purpose. [41:10]
### [41:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Prayer for Missing Daughter
[02:26] - Introduction to Topic: Sex, God's Way
[03:31] - Over-Sexualized Culture
[04:26] - Importance of Biblical Education
[05:47] - Personal Testimony of Restoration
[06:46] - Sensitivity and Conviction
[07:27] - Challenging Worldly Views
[08:12] - Unconditional Love and Acceptance
[09:21] - God's Design for Sex
[10:04] - Holy Spirit's Conviction
[19:18] - Shame-Free Marriage
[20:22] - Enemy's Goal
[22:10] - Surrender to the Holy Spirit
[23:19] - Put to Death Earthly Desires
[24:51] - Clothe Yourself with Christ
[33:12] - Power of Covenant in Marriage
[41:10] - Grace and Redemption
[42:43] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Genesis 2:24, what is the significance of a man leaving his father and mother to be united with his wife?
In Matthew 19:4-6, how does Jesus affirm the original design for marriage?
What specific behaviors does Colossians 3:5 instruct believers to put to death? How do these behaviors relate to the sermon’s message on sexual immorality? [23:19]
What personal testimony did the pastor share about his journey from a worldly life to being restored by God's love and truth? [05:47]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of becoming "one flesh" in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6 reflect God's design for marriage and sexual intimacy?
Why is it important to understand that God's design for sex is protective rather than restrictive? How does this perspective change the way we view sexual boundaries? [09:21]
What does it mean to "put to death" the earthly nature as described in Colossians 3:5? How can this be practically applied in our daily lives? [23:19]
How does the enemy use sexual immorality to steal, kill, and destroy according to the sermon? What are some practical steps we can take to guard against this? [20:22]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own understanding of sex and marriage. How has society's over-sexualized culture influenced your views, and how can you align them more closely with God's design? [03:31]
As parents, how can you effectively educate your children about sex from a biblical perspective? What specific steps can you take to ensure they are informed by God's truth rather than the world's distortions? [04:26]
The pastor shared his personal journey of restoration through Christ. Have you experienced a similar transformation in any area of your life? How can you share this testimony to encourage others? [05:47]
How can you take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ, especially in the area of sexual purity? What practical strategies can you implement to maintain this daily commitment? [20:22]
If you are in a de facto relationship, what steps can you take to place your commitment under the covenant of God? How can this decision impact your relationship and intimacy? [33:12]
Reflect on the concept of grace and redemption. How can you extend God's grace to yourself and others who may be struggling with sexual immorality or other sins? [41:10]
What specific actions can you take this week to surrender more fully to God's ways and draw from His pure supply? How can you support others in your small group to do the same? [22:10]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I just pray that us as a church, that we'd be big enough in spirit, grace-filled enough in mindset and accepting enough in action, that everyone who walks into the doors of life would realize, despite their current lifestyle or beliefs, that you would know that you are unconditionally loved, that you are absolutely welcomed." [08:12] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You are loved, you are valued, first and foremost, not ever by what you do, but by who you are. You are a child of God. You have just as much value as anybody else in the room or in the world. He sees you, He loves you, and He gave His all for you. Whether you ever believe it or not, He loves you. And in that, we wanna say, we love you." [11:15] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The truth of it is, is that we have a Saviour. The Bible talks about a woman who was caught in adultery and she was brought into the middle. And under the law, she was rightfully, the consequence was she would be stoned. She'd be stoned to death because of what she was caught in. I have to ask the question, where was the men in that picture?" [39:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The good news of the Gospel is that you can. Nobody is exempt from the grace of God. No one's exempt from the peace that He provides. No one's exempt from the freedom that He can give. That we don't earn it, but we receive it. The Bible actually talks about it and says, Hey, whoever, anyone, that's anyone and everyone, whoever believes in Me and confesses with our mouth that God didn't come to judge the world, but He sent His Son to save the world. That's God." [44:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It's time to rise. It's time to realise my grace is sufficient. It's time to realise the cross was enough. It's time to realise that there's a way forward. There's a way forward from here. And He says, would you stand? And in that, He doesn't then just forget what's happened. He actually says to her, now go, leave your life of sin." [41:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "But we have to be and live decisively open for God to lead in every area of our lives. So I'm going to ask for us to have a real maturity today. And say to us, if this does start to want to cause offense in our life, please arrest that thought, arrest that feeling, because that's not the heart of God, nor is it our heart." [06:46] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And because we truly love God, and from that we love people, we can't commend or encourage actions in our lives that contradict God's Word, therefore limiting His purpose, and ultimately causes damage in our lives. We can't, we can't compromise God's Word because it seems somewhat compassionate, to the season that we're in. His ways are higher, and they are so much better than ours." [10:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The truth of it is, it's not selfless, but it's selfish. And while eros within agape marriage builds an increasing bond, outside of this, the core driver is not a Christ-like love, but a self-seeking lust. And what God designed to be cherished fundamentally starts to become cheapened. And it gets cheaper and cheaper. Remember, the enemy's only goal in our lives is to steal, kill, and destroy. We must remember that." [20:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "See, when we're driven by sexual desire rather than selfless devotion, we distort love. We damage ourselves, and we use and misuse others, and we wreak habit with our own worth. Proverbs 19.22 says this, what a person desires actually is unfailing love. That's what we're actually looking for. That's what we're wanting, but the world just says, that's where you get it, that's how you feel it, and the truth of it is, it doesn't matter. It doesn't work." [21:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The more I was filled with my Father's love, the less I desired it. The greater then the vision I became in my own heart of who I wanted to be for my future wife. And a greater revelation came of what do I wanna pass on to my one-day children. There became a legacy, not just a how do I get through this moment? No, there's a legacy I'm living for. I'm gonna be the one that breaks this addiction. I'm gonna be the one that draws a line in the sand. And with God's help, He made that possible." [25:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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