Embracing Gratitude and the Sacredness of Marriage
Summary
In this Thanksgiving season, it's essential to reflect on the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon us. At Village Bible Church, we are witnessing God's work across all ages, from the youngest to the oldest members. As we embark on our annual holiday initiative, we are reminded that the greatest gift we can offer is our gratitude and commitment to God's gospel work. This season, we focus on the hope found in Jesus Christ, encouraging generosity and trust in His promises.
Turning to God's Word, we delve into 1 Corinthians 7, addressing the sensitive topic of sexuality within marriage. The Corinthian church faced cultural influences that distorted their understanding of sex, leading to misconceptions that persist today. Paul responds to their questions, emphasizing that sex is a sacred gift from God, intended for marriage between a husband and wife. This gift is not to be suppressed or misused but celebrated within the boundaries God has set.
Sex within marriage serves multiple purposes: procreation, pleasure, partnership, a picture of Christ's relationship with the church, priority, and protection against immorality. Paul stresses that each spouse has a duty to fulfill the other's needs, fostering a relationship of mutual respect and love. This commitment requires open communication, understanding, and a willingness to prioritize the marriage above all else.
Misconceptions about sex, whether viewing it as selfish or suppressive, can lead to significant issues within marriage. Paul encourages a sacred view, where sex is seen as a divine gift that strengthens the marital bond. He warns against depriving one another, as this can lead to temptation and division. Instead, couples should strive to be hospitable to each other's needs, maintaining an open-door policy of love and intimacy.
For those struggling in their marriages, it's crucial to communicate with God and each other, seek balance, and prioritize the relationship. If challenges persist, seeking help from church leaders and community can provide the support needed to restore and strengthen the marriage. Ultimately, the goal is to glorify God in all aspects of life, including our marriages, trusting that as we draw closer to Him, we will also draw closer to our spouses.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude and Generosity: As we enter the holiday season, remember that the greatest gift we can offer is our gratitude and commitment to God's work. Recognize that every good gift comes from above, and let this inspire generosity and hope in Jesus Christ. [09:16]
- Sacredness of Sex: Sex is a sacred gift from God, intended for marriage. It serves as a means of procreation, pleasure, partnership, and a picture of Christ's relationship with the church. Embrace this gift within the boundaries God has set, acknowledging its divine purpose. [13:26]
- Mutual Responsibility: In marriage, each spouse has a duty to fulfill the other's needs, fostering a relationship of mutual respect and love. This requires open communication, understanding, and prioritizing the marriage above all else. [28:08]
- Addressing Misconceptions: Misconceptions about sex, whether viewing it as selfish or suppressive, can lead to significant issues within marriage. Embrace a sacred view, where sex is seen as a divine gift that strengthens the marital bond. [36:02]
- Seeking Help and Glorifying God: For those struggling in their marriages, communicate with God and each other, seek balance, and prioritize the relationship. If challenges persist, seek help from church leaders and community. Ultimately, aim to glorify God in all aspects of life, trusting that as we draw closer to Him, we will also draw closer to our spouses. [49:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Thanksgiving Reflections
- [01:45] - Holiday Initiative Kickoff
- [03:00] - Prayer and Gratitude
- [04:30] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 7
- [06:00] - Cultural Influences on Sexuality
- [07:30] - Misconceptions in Corinth
- [09:16] - Acknowledging God's Gifts
- [11:00] - Sacredness of Sex
- [13:26] - Mutual Responsibility in Marriage
- [15:30] - Addressing Misconceptions
- [17:32] - The Sacred View of Sex
- [19:37] - Marriage as Protection
- [21:22] - Purposes of Sex in Marriage
- [23:06] - Avoiding Deprivation
- [25:53] - Cultural Challenges
- [28:08] - Mutual Ownership in Marriage
- [31:37] - Hospitality in Intimacy
- [36:02] - Overcoming Barriers
- [49:04] - Seeking Help and Glorifying God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 7:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What cultural influences were affecting the Corinthian church's understanding of sexuality, according to the sermon? [09:16]
2. How does Paul describe the role of sex within marriage in 1 Corinthians 7? [13:26]
3. What are the six purposes of sex within marriage as outlined in the sermon? [19:37]
4. How does Paul address the misconceptions about sex in the Corinthian church? [15:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that gratitude and generosity are connected to our understanding of God's gifts, including the gift of sex? [09:16]
2. In what ways does the sermon describe sex as a sacred gift, and how does this perspective challenge cultural views? [13:26]
3. How does the concept of mutual responsibility in marriage, as discussed in the sermon, impact the way spouses should approach their relationship? [28:08]
4. What are the potential consequences of misconceptions about sex within a marriage, according to the sermon? [36:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on gratitude. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude in your marriage or relationships this Thanksgiving season? [09:16]
2. The sermon discusses the sacredness of sex within marriage. How can you and your spouse work together to view and celebrate sex as a divine gift? [13:26]
3. Consider the idea of mutual responsibility in marriage. What steps can you take to better communicate and meet your spouse's needs? [28:08]
4. The sermon warns against misconceptions about sex. Are there any misconceptions you or your spouse hold that need to be addressed? How can you begin that conversation? [36:02]
5. If you are facing challenges in your marriage, what practical steps can you take to seek help and prioritize your relationship? [49:04]
6. How can you ensure that your marriage glorifies God in all aspects, including intimacy? What changes might be necessary to align your marriage with this goal? [56:05]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to communicate with God and your spouse. What specific prayers or conversations do you need to have this week to strengthen your marriage? [49:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Catalyst for Generosity
In the Thanksgiving season, it's crucial to recognize the abundant blessings that God has given us. This recognition should inspire a spirit of gratitude and generosity, as every good gift comes from above. As we reflect on these blessings, we are encouraged to commit ourselves to God's work, sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ with others. This season is an opportunity to express our thankfulness through acts of kindness and generosity, trusting in the promises of Christ. [09:16]
James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: Who in your life can you bless with an act of generosity today, as a reflection of your gratitude to God?
Day 2: Embracing the Sacredness of Sex
Sex is a sacred gift from God, intended for marriage between a husband and wife. It serves multiple purposes, including procreation, pleasure, partnership, and as a picture of Christ's relationship with the church. Embracing this gift within the boundaries God has set allows couples to acknowledge its divine purpose and celebrate it as a means of strengthening their marital bond. Misconceptions about sex can lead to significant issues, but viewing it as a sacred gift helps to foster a healthy and fulfilling relationship. [13:26]
Hebrews 13:4 (ESV): "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
Reflection: How can you and your spouse cultivate a deeper understanding of the sacredness of sex in your marriage?
Day 3: Mutual Responsibility in Marriage
In marriage, each spouse has a duty to fulfill the other's needs, fostering a relationship of mutual respect and love. This requires open communication, understanding, and a willingness to prioritize the marriage above all else. By embracing mutual responsibility, couples can strengthen their bond and create a partnership that reflects the love and commitment God desires for them. This commitment involves being attentive to each other's needs and maintaining a balance that honors both partners. [28:08]
Ephesians 5:21 (ESV): "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize your spouse's needs today, demonstrating mutual respect and love?
Day 4: Overcoming Misconceptions About Sex
Misconceptions about sex, whether viewing it as selfish or suppressive, can lead to significant issues within marriage. Embracing a sacred view of sex, where it is seen as a divine gift, helps to strengthen the marital bond. Couples are encouraged to maintain an open-door policy of love and intimacy, being hospitable to each other's needs. By addressing these misconceptions, couples can foster a healthier and more fulfilling relationship that honors God's design for marriage. [36:02]
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (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."
Reflection: What misconceptions about sex might be affecting your marriage, and how can you work with your spouse to overcome them?
Day 5: Seeking Help and Glorifying God in Marriage
For those struggling in their marriages, it's crucial to communicate with God and each other, seek balance, and prioritize the relationship. If challenges persist, seeking help from church leaders and community can provide the support needed to restore and strengthen the marriage. Ultimately, the goal is to glorify God in all aspects of life, including our marriages, trusting that as we draw closer to Him, we will also draw closer to our spouses. [49:04]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one area in your marriage where you need to seek help or guidance, and how can you take a step towards addressing it today?
Quotes
"In this week of Thanksgiving, it is good and right for us as the people of God here at Village Bible Church to give thanks for all that God has done. God is doing exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask for or imagine, and he's doing it in the youngest of our kids and our teenagers to the oldest of our church members, and we are so excited to be a part of that journey, and we look forward to what God is going to do in the days to come." [00:02:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so what Paul is going to teach us today is what Village Bible Church needs to know and understand from his word, that God has given a great gift and he has given it to the married couples in this place for them to acknowledge God's great good in it, to appreciate the gift is just perfect for what we need and what we want, and we are to actively participate in it by using that gift for our good and for God's glory." [00:11:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So, Paul writes back to these people, and he says, we need to work through some things. The first thing we need to do is recognize the many messed up misconceptions surrounding sex. And there's a lot. In chapter six, we saw all of the misconceptions of what bad sex looks like, and that all falls under the misconception that sex is selfish. Write that down, that sex is a selfish thing." [00:13:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so the church at Corinth was Corinthianizing the word that spoke of they were living in debauchery, and there was a group of individuals who said that can't be the right approach to sex. There's got to be a better one, and these are the ones that write the question, and they write what I would like to call not the selfish view of sex, but the suppressive view. They want to suppress it, and they say it is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." [00:14:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Marriage is saying to the other, I am yours, and you are mine. Now, this is talked about in what is called the conjugal rights in the ESV, the conjugal rights. Literally, it's your duty. It's your responsibility." [00:28:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so the Christian relationship in the sexual realm should look like an open door with a welcome mat. But I'm talking to a group of people who may not be there. And maybe in your marriage, there's not a welcome door, but instead, instead of seeing that door, you see this one. And maybe someone might even say, where's the no trespassing sign?" [00:33:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Satan loves cold marriages. Satan loves when you sleep on the farthest edges of your bed. Satan loves it even more when you don't live or sleep in the same room. Satan loves roommates. Satan loves sexless marriages. Because that is where Satan can do his most damage. And I will tell you, he probably is." [00:36:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Your spouse is due sexual intimacy, not because they demand it, but because God commands it. You became one flesh with them. You made that commitment, but you're like, but they're a jerk. They're a lousy spouse. Well, I think that's under the clause in bad times." [00:38:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We need to show our children not what it means to be successful in work and in play or activities. But to be successful in honoring God and loving their spouses." [00:44:11] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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