Embracing Sacred Relationships and Overcoming Destructive Vices

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Godly Relationships

Relationships are vital for spiritual growth. Godly friends encourage and push us to do the right thing, helping us reach new levels in our lives. Being part of a community where iron sharpens iron is essential for becoming spiritually sharp and fulfilling God's plan for us. Godly relationships are not just about companionship; they are about mutual edification and accountability. When we surround ourselves with people who share our faith and values, we create an environment where spiritual growth is nurtured and sustained.

In a godly community, we find support during difficult times and encouragement to pursue righteousness. These relationships help us stay grounded in our faith and provide a network of accountability that keeps us from straying into harmful behaviors. By joining an X Group or similar community, we open ourselves to the transformative power of godly friendships, which can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's will for our lives. [27:10]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Think of a godly friend who has positively impacted your spiritual journey. How can you strengthen this relationship and support each other in your walk with Christ?

Day 2: Sex is Sacred

Sex is a holy act designed by God to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage. Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Corinthians 6:18 make it clear that any sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful and has severe consequences. Understanding the sacredness of sex helps us treat it with the reverence it deserves. When we recognize sex as a divine gift meant to be shared between a husband and wife, we begin to see the importance of maintaining its purity.

Sexual immorality, including pornography, fornication, and adultery, distorts God's design and leads to spiritual, emotional, and physical harm. By honoring the sanctity of sex, we protect ourselves and our relationships from the destructive consequences of sin. Embracing God's plan for sexual intimacy within marriage allows us to experience its true beauty and fulfillment. [34:11]

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: Reflect on your understanding of the sacredness of sex. How can you align your thoughts and actions with God's design for sexual purity?

Day 3: The Destructive Nature of Sexual Sin

Sexual sins like pornography, fornication, and adultery not only harm our spiritual lives but also have significant physical and emotional consequences. These sins can destroy our health, relationships, and even our eternity. Recognizing the gravity of these sins is the first step towards overcoming them. Sexual sin creates a barrier between us and God, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and separation from His presence.

Moreover, sexual sin can damage our relationships with others, leading to broken trust and emotional pain. It can also have long-term effects on our physical health, contributing to issues such as addiction and disease. By acknowledging the destructive nature of sexual sin, we can take proactive steps to seek forgiveness, healing, and restoration through Christ. [38:02]

Proverbs 6:32-33 (ESV): "He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away."

Reflection: Consider any areas of your life where sexual sin may be present. What steps can you take today to seek God's forgiveness and begin the process of healing and restoration?

Day 4: Impact on the African-American Community

The high rates of children born out of wedlock in the African-American community have led to numerous societal issues. Addressing sexual sin and promoting the sacredness of sex within marriage can help restore families and communities. The breakdown of the family unit has far-reaching consequences, including economic instability, educational challenges, and social disparities.

By upholding the sanctity of marriage and encouraging sexual purity, we can work towards strengthening families and creating a more stable and supportive environment for future generations. This involves not only personal commitment but also community efforts to provide education, resources, and support for healthy relationships and family structures. [52:17]

Malachi 2:15 (ESV): "Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth."

Reflection: Reflect on the impact of sexual sin in your community. How can you contribute to promoting the sacredness of sex and strengthening family structures within your community?

Day 5: Practical Steps to Overcome Vices

Overcoming vices requires a commitment to change and reliance on God's strength. Practical steps include agreeing with God about our sins, removing ourselves from tempting situations, immersing ourselves in God's Word, and being accountable to others. These steps help us live a vice-free life and experience the future God has planned for us. Acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness is the first step towards transformation.

Removing ourselves from environments and situations that trigger sinful behavior is crucial in breaking free from vices. Immersing ourselves in God's Word provides the spiritual nourishment and guidance needed to stay on the right path. Additionally, having accountability partners who can support and encourage us in our journey is essential for long-term success. By taking these practical steps, we can overcome vices and live a life that honors God. [01:11:14]

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: Identify a specific vice you struggle with. What practical steps can you take today to remove yourself from temptation and seek God's strength to overcome it?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives and to kick off our next X Group semester. Relationships are a cornerstone of our church because they help us grow spiritually and support one another. We have a variety of groups to cater to different interests and demographics, and I encourage everyone to join one to experience the transformative power of godly friendships.

We also concluded our series called "Vices," focusing on the importance of living a life free from immoral habits. God has a bright future planned for each of us, but vices like alcohol, drugs, gambling, and pornography can hinder us from experiencing that future. We discussed the necessity of stopping these vices, not playing with them, and avoiding greed and gluttony.

Today's message centered on the sacredness of sex. Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Corinthians 6:18 emphasize that sex is holy and should be enjoyed within the confines of marriage. Any sexual activity outside of marriage, including pornography, fornication, and adultery, is considered sin and has destructive consequences. We explored how these sins can harm our health, relationships, and even our eternity.

We also touched on the impact of sexual sin in the African-American community, highlighting the high rates of children born out of wedlock and the resulting societal issues. The message was clear: sex is sacred, and mishandling it leads to significant harm.

We concluded with practical steps to overcome these vices, emphasizing the importance of agreeing with God about our sins, committing to change, and relying on Jesus for forgiveness and strength. We encouraged everyone to take tangible steps to remove themselves from tempting situations and to immerse themselves in God's Word.

###

Key Takeaways

1. American Community**: The high rates of children born out of wedlock in the African-American community have led to numerous societal issues. Addressing sexual sin and promoting the sacredness of sex within marriage can help restore families and communities. [52:17]
5. Practical Steps to Overcome Vices: Overcoming vices requires a commitment to change and reliance on God's strength. Practical steps include agreeing with God about our sins, removing ourselves from tempting situations, immersing ourselves in God's Word, and being accountable to others. These steps help us live a vice-free life and experience the future God has planned for us.

### [52:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:10] - Importance of Godly Relationships
[28:33] - Joining X Groups
[29:44] - Prayer and Introduction to Vices Series
[30:35] - God's Plan for Our Future
[31:36] - Overview of Vices
[34:11] - Sex is Sacred
[37:18] - Consequences of Sexual Sin
[38:02] - Impact of Pornography
[40:23] - Lust and Adultery
[46:09] - Pornography's Impact on Health
[52:17] - Impact on the African-American Community
[55:13] - Adultery and Its Consequences
[61:03] - Homosexuality and Transgenderism
[71:14] - Practical Steps to Overcome Vices
[79:18] - Celebration of Freedom from Vices

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 13:4, how should marriage and the marriage bed be regarded? What are the consequences mentioned for those who are sexually immoral? [34:11]
In 1 Corinthians 6:18, what specific instruction does Paul give regarding sexual immorality, and why is it unique compared to other sins? [38:02]
What does Jeremiah 29:11 reveal about God's intentions for our future, and how does this relate to living a life free from vices? [30:35]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of marriage being "honorable" and the marriage bed being "undefiled" in Hebrews 13:4 shape our understanding of sexual purity within marriage? [34:11]
Why do you think Paul emphasizes fleeing from sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6:18? How does this reflect the seriousness of sexual sin? [38:02]
How can understanding God's plan for our future, as described in Jeremiah 29:11, motivate us to overcome vices and live a life that aligns with His will? [30:35]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current relationships. How can you foster godly friendships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability? [27:10]
What practical steps can you take to honor the sacredness of sex within your marriage or future marriage? How can you ensure that your actions align with Hebrews 13:4? [34:11]
Identify any sexual sins or vices that you struggle with. What steps can you take to flee from these temptations, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 6:18? [38:02]
How can you support and encourage others in your community, especially within the African-American community, to understand and uphold the sacredness of sex? [52:17]
What are some tangible actions you can take to remove yourself from tempting situations and immerse yourself in God's Word? How can these actions help you overcome vices? [01:11:14]
Reflect on the impact of sexual sin on your health, relationships, and spiritual life. How can recognizing the gravity of these sins motivate you to seek change and healing? [38:02]
How can you commit to being accountable to a friend or a small group about your struggles with vices? What steps can you take to build a support system that encourages you to live a vice-free life? [01:11:14]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You know, my favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29 11. And it talks about how God knows what he's doing. He has our future planned out. It's a plan to give us the future that we long for. And you may not even know God or believe in God. You might be kicking the tires on your faith, but you have a future that you long for. You've got things you want to see happen in your future. And yet, we're learning the Bible teaches that you'll never experience the future that you long for if you are not living a life free of vices." [30:35](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "Right is right, even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. And it's true. God's word is truth. He created the world. He's the one that knows what's right and what's wrong. And when God says something is wrong, we need to go ahead and accept that and adjust our lives, live according to it, so that we can have the life we want." [32:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "Sex is sacred. Turn to your neighbor and tell them, sex is sacred. Sex is sacred. Somebody's thinking, I can't believe I just said sex in church. Come on, find somebody and tell them, sex is sacred. Find one more person and tell them, I said sex is sacred. Well, what do you mean sacred, pastor? Well, the word sacred means regarded with reverence. It's holy. So sex is, not it should be, it is sacred. Which means there's a way we ought to treat it." [34:11](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "If you look at the Bible, and you look in the Bible, you'll see a couple of cases where people mistreated sacred or holy things. So, for example, in the Old Testament, there was a time where the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the presence of God himself, was supposed to be moved. And one young man didn't have the right heart about the Ark. He became a little too familiar with it. And the Bible says he reached out to steady it and died on the spot. Why? He mistreated a holy thing." [39:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "If you're saying well I'm gay I want to challenge you. Ask God is being gay okay? Just take a moment and ask him that. And let him tell you what the Bible teaches. One more scripture here and it's and in fact I'll give you a couple more just to give you the scriptures on it. Leviticus 18 22 says do not practice homosexuality. Notice it's a practice not an orientation. Our world they're great at reframing things. Using different terms so that people will accept bad behavior." [01:06:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And one of the reasons why is because our lives change in relationships. There's something about, having godly friends who are there to encourage you, who are there to push you to do the right thing that helps you reach the next level in your life. And so that's one big reason why we have groups, why we encourage and really expect every member of this church to be in a group so that God can help you and God can use you to help other people." [27:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "You cannot have that life playing secret agent Christian, pretending to be a Christian. You also can't play, have that life being a loner as a Christian. You know, the Bible says iron sharpens iron as a man sharpens his friend. So that says to me that you can never be spiritually sharp alone. You've got to have Godly friends. You've got to have people in your life that are going to help you to grow and be all God wants you to be. And so that's why we have groups. So you can get those relationships, those friendships, and then God can use you to help others." [28:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "So the Bible is showing us here, and there's a number of other scriptures that say something very similar. We'll see a couple of them today. That sex outside of marriage, sex which is outside of God's design, can destroy your life. It can destroy your health. It can take away your wealth. It can cost you your reputation. It can cost you your peace. It can cost you your eternity. If you decide to live a life that is where you're constantly committing sexual sin." [38:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "So the Bible is clear on this issue. I know people argue all kinds of things. But the Bible is very clear that this is taking sex and perverting it. And there are negative consequences from doing that. Just like the other ways that you perverted as well. One other one Deuteronomy 22 5 says a woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man nor shall a man put on a woman's garment for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God what are you talking about here cross-dressing transgenderism well I was born in the wrong body the Bible doesn't teach that common sense doesn't teach that that sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie if you think about it doesn't make sense." [01:08:13](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "So in this series we've been giving you God's 12-step plan it's the best way to say this to freedom that'll help you get free from any of the vices we've been talking about I want to walk through these and then give you the last couple and then we're done number one agree with God about your vice if God says it's sin agree with him all right it's sin it's wrong number two commit to turning away from your vice make a decision I'm gonna do whatever it takes to stop I'm done with this number three accept that Jesus has washed away your guilt don't hear a message like this and start feeling condemned no just come to God get it right and then you're done and believe that he's washed away my sin I am clean before God God looks at me as though I have never sinned before." [01:11:14](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

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