Godly Sexuality: Healing, Redemption, and Love in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound and often challenging topic of godly sexuality, especially in the context of Father's Day and Mother's Day. These days can be difficult for many due to strained or painful relationships with parents. However, we are reminded that God is a loving and redemptive Father who lifts us up when our earthly parents let us down. We also delved into the importance of teaching our children about sexuality from a godly perspective, rather than allowing secular sources to shape their understanding.
Sexuality is a significant aspect of our lives and is meant to reflect the intimate relationship between Christ and the Church. This intimacy, while sometimes daunting, is a beautiful mystery that God invites us to explore within the boundaries of marriage. The Bible is clear that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with our bodies, including our sexual behavior.
We also discussed the cultural attacks on godly sexuality and the importance of adhering to biblical principles despite societal pressures. Sexual sin uniquely affects our bodies and souls, causing deep wounds that only God can heal. Whether we have been victims of abuse or have committed sexual sins ourselves, there is redemption and healing available through Jesus Christ.
Finally, we addressed the sensitive issue of LGBTQ+ topics within the church. It is crucial to approach these conversations with love and redemption, rather than condemnation. The goal is to offer a transformative relationship with Jesus, who can heal and change hearts. My personal testimony of overcoming same-sex attraction and finding healing in Christ serves as a testament to God's power to transform lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God as a Redemptive Father: Even if our earthly parents have failed us, God is a loving and redemptive Father who lifts us up. He is safe, calm, and good, offering healing for the wounds inflicted by our parents. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of Father's Day and Mother's Day with a sense of divine comfort and hope. [35:02]
2. The Importance of Godly Sexual Education: Teaching our children about sexuality from a godly perspective is crucial. Secular sources often provide distorted views on sex, leading to confusion and brokenness. By grounding our understanding in Scripture, we can guide our children towards a healthy and holy view of sexuality. [38:28]
3. Sexuality Reflects Christ and the Church: The Bible describes the union between a husband and wife as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. This intimacy involves commitment, love, and vulnerability. Understanding this helps us see the sacredness of sexual relationships and the importance of honoring God with our bodies. [39:58]
4. Healing from Sexual Sin and Abuse: Sexual sin uniquely affects our bodies and souls, causing deep wounds. However, Jesus offers redemption and healing. Whether we are victims of abuse or have committed sexual sins, we can find forgiveness and restoration in Christ. This process involves opening our hearts to God and allowing Him to transform us. [49:31]
5. Approaching LGBTQ+ Issues with Love: When addressing LGBTQ+ topics, it is essential to approach with love and redemption rather than condemnation. Building relationships and offering a transformative relationship with Jesus can lead to heart changes. The goal is not to discriminate but to invite everyone into a life-transforming relationship with Christ. [52:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:03] - Personal Connection to Paradox Church
[35:02] - God as a Redemptive Father
[36:02] - The Pain of Parenting
[37:29] - The Birds and the Bees
[38:28] - The Importance of Godly Sexual Education
[39:58] - Sexuality Reflects Christ and the Church
[41:28] - Honoring God with Our Bodies
[42:58] - The Impact of Sexual Sin
[44:28] - Godly Sexuality in Marriage
[46:28] - Jesus' Teachings on Marriage
[49:31] - Healing from Sexual Sin and Abuse
[52:31] - Approaching LGBTQ+ Issues with Love
[56:02] - Transformation in Christ
[57:02] - Addressing Conversion Therapy
[59:04] - Understanding Temptations
[01:00:04] - The Myth of Being Born That Way
[01:01:04] - Personal Testimony
[01:09:36] - Invitation to Know Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."
3. Ephesians 5:31-32 - "As the Scriptures say, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 34:18 say about God's relationship with those who are brokenhearted? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God being a redemptive Father? [35:02]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, why should we honor God with our bodies? How does this passage connect to the sermon’s discussion on godly sexuality? [41:28]
3. How does Ephesians 5:31-32 describe the relationship between a husband and wife? What does this passage reveal about the significance of marriage in reflecting Christ and the Church? [39:58]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can understanding God as a redemptive Father help someone navigate the complexities of strained relationships with their earthly parents? [35:02]
2. What are the implications of viewing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit in the context of sexual behavior? How does this perspective challenge societal views on sexuality? [41:28]
3. In what ways does the union between a husband and wife serve as an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the Church? How does this understanding affect our view of marriage and intimacy? [39:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt let down by your earthly parents. How did you experience God’s redemptive love during that period? How can you share this experience to comfort others? [35:02]
2. What steps can you take to ensure that your understanding of sexuality is grounded in Scripture rather than secular sources? How can you guide your children or younger people in your community towards a godly perspective on sexuality? [38:28]
3. How can you honor God with your body in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you feel challenged to live out this principle? [41:28]
4. Have you or someone you know experienced healing from sexual sin or abuse? How did Jesus’ redemption play a role in that healing process? How can you support others who are seeking healing? [49:31]
5. When discussing LGBTQ+ issues within the church, how can you ensure that your approach is characterized by love and redemption rather than condemnation? What practical steps can you take to build transformative relationships with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community? [52:31]
6. Think about your own marriage or a marriage you admire. How does the relationship reflect the intimacy and commitment between Christ and the Church? What can you do to strengthen this reflection in your own marriage or support it in others? [39:58]
7. How can you create a safe and loving environment in your church or community for those struggling with sexual sin or identity issues? What role can you play in offering redemption and transformation through Jesus Christ? [52:31]
Devotional
### Day 1: God as a Redemptive Father
Even if our earthly parents have failed us, God is a loving and redemptive Father who lifts us up. He is safe, calm, and good, offering healing for the wounds inflicted by our parents. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of Father's Day and Mother's Day with a sense of divine comfort and hope. God’s love is unconditional and His arms are always open to us, ready to provide the comfort and healing we need. Reflecting on this can help us see beyond our earthly experiences and embrace the perfect love of our Heavenly Father. [35:02]
Isaiah 49:15-16 (ESV): "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt let down by your parents or guardians. How can you invite God into that memory to bring healing and comfort?
### Day 2: The Importance of Godly Sexual Education
Teaching our children about sexuality from a godly perspective is crucial. Secular sources often provide distorted views on sex, leading to confusion and brokenness. By grounding our understanding in Scripture, we can guide our children towards a healthy and holy view of sexuality. This involves open, honest conversations that align with biblical principles, helping them to see sexuality as a gift from God meant to be enjoyed within the boundaries He has set. [38:28]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you start or improve conversations about godly sexuality with the young people in your life? What steps can you take to ensure these discussions are rooted in Scripture?
### Day 3: Sexuality Reflects Christ and the Church
The Bible describes the union between a husband and wife as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. This intimacy involves commitment, love, and vulnerability. Understanding this helps us see the sacredness of sexual relationships and the importance of honoring God with our bodies. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live in a way that reflects this divine truth. [39:58]
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: In what ways can you honor God with your body and your relationships? How does viewing your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit change your perspective on sexuality?
### Day 4: Healing from Sexual Sin and Abuse
Sexual sin uniquely affects our bodies and souls, causing deep wounds. However, Jesus offers redemption and healing. Whether we are victims of abuse or have committed sexual sins, we can find forgiveness and restoration in Christ. This process involves opening our hearts to God and allowing Him to transform us. It is a journey of healing that requires vulnerability and trust in God’s redemptive power. [49:31]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: Are there areas of sexual sin or abuse in your life that need healing? How can you invite Jesus into these areas to begin the process of redemption and restoration?
### Day 5: Approaching LGBTQ+ Issues with Love
When addressing LGBTQ+ topics, it is essential to approach with love and redemption rather than condemnation. Building relationships and offering a transformative relationship with Jesus can lead to heart changes. The goal is not to discriminate but to invite everyone into a life-transforming relationship with Christ. This approach requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to sharing the love of Jesus with all people. [52:31]
1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: How can you show Christ’s love to someone in the LGBTQ+ community today? What steps can you take to build a relationship that reflects Jesus’ transformative love?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When my mother and father let me down, the Lord my God will lift me up. And so as was said already so beautifully, God is a beautiful Father. And that again freaks some of us out, right? Because we just naturally attribute the qualities of our earthly mother and father on God. But it's not that way. God's safe. God's calm. God's good. And He is redemptive. He's not harsh. He's redemptive and loving." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God was a perfect parent and His kids rebelled. He's the only one that can say that, that He was a perfect parent. Us? Yeah, sorry guys. We're human, you know. It's the way it is. But I love Psalm 34, 18. For those of us who are parents who have that grief in our heart, who have that pain in our heart of a lost child, or maybe a child we're not going to see for a few decades until we get to heaven. Psalm 34, 18. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sexuality is important to God. It's an example of Christ in the church. Ephesians 5, 31 through 32. As the scriptures say, a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. I'm glad it says this part. This is a great mystery, but it's an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Honor God with my body. And let's face it, our sex drive is strong. The younger we are, the stronger it is. But it doesn't die when we're 90. Right? That sex drive is pretty strong. And even there, God made our sex drive. He knows it's intense. And He's asking us to honor Him with our body. To really live a pure holy life as a temple of the Holy Spirit." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus took the punishment for our sins. He who knew no sin became sin for us so that we could have the righteousness of Christ in us." (9 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I just want to share with you that it's okay if for you Father's Day and Mother's Day is kind of rough. Because when my mother and father let me down, the Lord my God will lift me up. And so as was said already so beautifully, God is a beautiful Father. And that again freaks some of us out, right? Because we just naturally attribute the qualities of our earthly mother and father on God. But it's not that way. God's safe. God's calm. God's good. And He is redemptive. He's not harsh. He's redemptive and loving." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need God to teach us. And that's really what today is all about. Lord, help us. And we can get and grow up with so many broken thoughts. And, you know, we can even know what theology says, but when somebody in our family all of a sudden says, well, no, this is really where I'm at, and this is how I see myself, our theology gets tested. It gets tested pretty intensely. And it's such a very, very hard, difficult thing." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, sexuality is important to God. It's an example of Christ in the church. Ephesians 5, 31 through 32. As the scriptures say, a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. I'm glad it says this part. This is a great mystery, but it's an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Again, I'm glad it says it's a great mystery, because that verse, kind of, to be honest with you, it freaks me out a little bit. Really, marriage, sexual intimacy, a husband and wife joining, becoming one, is an example of Christ in the church. That's intimacy." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to truly speak the truth in love. We don't want to be on our spiritual high horse and be like the Pharisee that's saying, thank God I'm not like those people. And go just stand out there with signs condemning gays. We need to reach out in love and offer a redemptive course. Whenever we speak to someone, we should be redemptive. Offering. Look, there's another way. I understand. And I know that you feel like you're locked into this. But the Holy Spirit's still in the business of heart transformation." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, I want to share just a little bit about my story. And we all have a story. We all have one. Everyone's story is different. We're all knit together in my mother's womb. For me, that's where it got dicey. I was born the last of the five kids with a paranoid, schizophrenic mother and a just overloaded dad. I was kind of like the, your what? Yeah, I'm pregnant. And I don't think they were happy to see me. Later on, they liked me. But I tell you what, when I was in the womb, they were not happy that I was in the womb. And if you know that, you know, John the Baptist leapt for joy when Mary showed up to see Elizabeth and Jesus was in her womb. Our spirits are active. We can sense stuff. Even as a little baby, we may not have the words or the cognitive awareness. But my spirit knew, I am not happy. They're not happy that I'm around. So I felt like I was born with this sense of rejection." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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