Embracing Sexuality: A Journey of Faith and Understanding

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding Sexuality Through History

The journey through the historical shifts in sexuality from Freud's theories to the digital age highlights the profound impact of cultural changes on personal and societal well-being. It's crucial to recognize that while society evolves, the foundational truths of scripture provide a constant guide. Understanding this history helps us navigate the present landscape with wisdom and discernment. [43:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW2-qfr3XPM&t=2595s)
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 says, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us."
Reflection: How can understanding the historical context of sexuality enhance your approach to contemporary issues in your community?

Day 2: Honoring God with Our Bodies

Apostle Paul's teachings remind us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, not merely vessels for fulfilling desires. This perspective challenges us to view sexual morality not just as a set of rules, but as a call to honor God with our whole being. This understanding is vital for fostering a life that reflects our spiritual convictions. [48:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW2-qfr3XPM&t=2936s)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "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: In what ways can you better treat your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

Day 3: The Church's Healing Role in Sexuality

The church must be a safe space for open dialogue about sexuality, where people feel respected and loved regardless of their perspectives or struggles. Our discussion today reiterates the importance of addressing these topics with grace and truth, aiming to heal wounds and bridge divides within our community. [51:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW2-qfr3XPM&t=3102s)
Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: What steps can you take to make your church community a safer space for conversations about sexuality?

Day 4: Community Support and Personal Transformation

Sharing personal struggles with sexuality serves as a powerful testament to the healing and transformative power of a supportive community. This takeaway underscores the importance of vulnerability and mutual support within the church as we journey towards greater wholeness and sanctification together. [54:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW2-qfr3XPM&t=3276s)
James 5:16 encourages, "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."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in fostering a supportive community that encourages openness and healing?

Day 5: Embracing Sexuality as a Divine Gift

Recognizing sexuality as a divine gift and a fundamental aspect of our identity as image bearers of God enriches our understanding and respect for ourselves and others. This broader view encourages us to approach discussions and teachings on sexuality with a holistic perspective that values dignity and sanctity. [55:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW2-qfr3XPM&t=3356s)
Genesis 1:27-28a declares, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them."
Reflection: How does viewing your sexuality as a divine gift change your perspective on your interactions and relationships with others?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon at Menlo Church, we embarked on a profound exploration of the body, gender, and sexuality, a topic that resonates deeply within our community and culture. We began by acknowledging the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this discussion, emphasizing the need for respect and understanding regardless of differing views.

We delved into the historical context, tracing the evolution of societal attitudes towards sexuality from the early 20th century through the sexual revolution of the 1960s, to the advent of the internet and the proliferation of digital technology. This historical overview set the stage for a deeper examination of the current cultural landscape, where the promises of sexual liberation seem increasingly unfulfilled.

Central to our discussion was the biblical perspective on sexuality, particularly as articulated by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the early churches. We explored the concept of sexual immorality and its unique impact on the individual and community, highlighting Paul's advice to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit.

We also addressed the painful and often divisive issues surrounding the church's engagement with the LGBTQI+ community. Acknowledging past harms, we reaffirmed our commitment to love and respect all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, as we strive to embody Christ's love and compassion.

The personal testimony of my own struggles with sexuality provided a candid backdrop to our conversation, illustrating the transformative power of community and the redemptive love of Christ. This personal element underscored the message of hope and healing available to all, regardless of past experiences or current struggles.

As we concluded, we reflected on the broader implications of our sexuality, which transcends the physical act of sex to encompass how we love and relate to one another. This led to a call for a renewed understanding of sexuality as a divine gift, meant to be expressed within the boundaries of God's design for human flourishing.

Throughout the sermon, we interwove a call to action, inviting the congregation to engage in personal reflection and community dialogue, to seek healing and reconciliation, and to embrace a holistic understanding of sexuality that aligns with our faith and values.

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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."

2. Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
> "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'"

3. John 13:34-35 (ESV)
> "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

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Observation Questions

What does Paul mean when he says that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? How does this impact our view of sexual immorality? ([48:56])
According to Genesis 2:18, why did God create a helper for Adam? How does this relate to our understanding of human relationships and sexuality? ([30:56])
How does Jesus' command in John 13:34-35 to love one another serve as a foundation for our interactions and relationships? ([36:25])
What historical shifts in societal attitudes towards sexuality were discussed in the sermon, and how have they impacted our current cultural landscape? ([41:55])

Interpretation Questions

How does viewing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit change the way we approach sexual morality and our daily lives? ([48:56])
In what ways does the creation of Eve as a helper for Adam in Genesis 2:18 illustrate the importance of community and interdependence in human relationships? ([30:56])
How can the command to love one another in John 13:34-35 be applied to our approach to sexuality and relationships within the church? ([36:25])
What are the implications of the historical context provided in the sermon for how we understand and navigate modern issues of sexuality? ([41:55])

Application Questions

Reflect on the idea that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. What specific steps can you take this week to honor God with your body? ([48:56])
How can you foster a supportive and loving community within your small group or church that helps individuals navigate their struggles with sexuality? ([54:36])
Think about a time when you felt judged or misunderstood regarding your views on sexuality. How can you extend grace and understanding to others who may have different perspectives? ([23:36])
In what ways can you contribute to making your church a safe space for open dialogue about sexuality, where people feel respected and loved? ([51:42])
Identify one area in your life where you have struggled with sexual immorality. What practical steps can you take to flee from this temptation and seek accountability within your community? ([50:16])
How can you embody Christ's love and compassion towards the LGBTQI+ community, while holding to your biblical convictions? ([51:42])
Reflect on the personal testimony shared in the sermon. How can you use your own experiences to support and encourage others in their journey towards healing and wholeness? ([54:36])

Sermon Clips

1. "Sometimes the question isn't, can I do something, but should I do that thing? He expands and references another part of a popular saying when he says, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated. I will not be mastered. I will not be controlled by anything. Just because I can doesn't mean I should or that it's good." [45:53]( | | )

2. "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. See, long before Freud and Reich would enter the scene, Paul acknowledges our physical appetite and the difference between our physical appetite and our true hunger." [48:56]( | | )

3. "Every other sin a person commits is outside of 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." [48:56]( | | )

4. "I want to personally apologize for the massive harm that this has caused and once again commit that Menlo is a place where we want you to belong before you believe. That no matter what you've done or what's been done to you, God loves you and he has not given up on you." [51:42]( | | )

5. "For me, I was first introduced to pornography as a young child in an abusive home. I didn't ask for it, I didn't want it, but it was really challenging, and it would set the next several years of my life up to have a very distorted view of relationships and sexuality and women, and it was painful." [54:36](Download raw clip | | )

6. "In Jesus, there is no condemnation. Jesus is not looking at your life if you're a follower of him, and he's looking at something you did, something that you carry deep, deep shame about. He's not looking at that and going, well, I loved you until. No, no, no, no. God loves you for all of eternity." [55:56]( | | )

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