Theme: Strengthening our Faith.
Topic: Dealing with Sexual Temptation.
Main Texts: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Corinthians 10:13
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13a – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (NIV).
Introduction:
Today, we delve into a challenging subject for many Christians – sexual immorality. This is a tremendous temptation today. We live in a hyper-sexualized world where we must continually fight to overcome sexual temptation. It is a world that constantly depicts sex as love and normalizes sex
outside God’s will. The internet has made sexual immorality even more pervasive – pornography is one of the biggest industries in the world and our nation is no exception. Attitudes to sex are often shaped at an early age in ways that makes a Biblical view on the matter seem restrictive, oppressive, and out of date. Human rights but little is said about responsibility; “alternative” lifestyles, choice without consequence, and being your “authentic self” with no thought of self-control are actively promoted. But, as one writer observed, “Christ does not set us free so that we can do whatever we want; Christ sets us free so that we can do what God wants us to do”. In our main text, Paul addresses a widely held but erroneous view of Christian freedom – that a Cristian has the absolute freedom to live life as he/she pleases.
Q1. (1a) Paul asserts that in as much as we may have the liberty to do anything, not everything is beneficial. How does this apply to sexual relations? (1b) Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 and 1 Peter 2:11 Why are Christians called to a different standard when it comes to matters of sex?
Paragraph 2:
God has put guardrails around sexual intimacy because it is a gift that is worthy of being guarded and protected. One of the myths around sex that existed in both the ancient and modern world is that sex is just a physical action either for procreation or pleasure. Paul warned against sexual intimacy with a prostitute is because sex is inherently a unifying activity. 1 Corinthians 16:16 tells us that sex is a joining of two people and they become one flesh. Paul speaks of the believer’s relationship with God upon encountering the new birth as a union of his body with that of Christ. He says, “the body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (1 Cor 6:13b). It is akin to the union that exists between man and woman in marriage – the two, united as one, are completely knit together. “The two shall become one” (see Genesis 2:24). Neither one claims ownership of his or her body. Our bodies are members (parts) of Christ Himself (embodiment of holiness), and so we cannot afford to join those bodies with “prostitutes”, which is a metaphor for anyone to whom we are not married. My individual body is not mine. It is God’s creation to be used for God’s purposes.
Q2. (2a) Read 2 Cor 7:1, Eph 4:22-24, Gal 5:19-21 and discuss what God expects of us as believers. (2b) Knowing what God expects, what do think makes so many fall short even as married believers? (2c) How can you assist someone who asks for your help to deal with self-guilt and condemnation for a past life of sexual immorality?
Paragraph 3:
Paul reminds us about the true owner of our bodies – God Himself, and that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The temple, as we know, is the dwelling place of God. Having been born again, we are to glorify God even with our bodies. This means that our bodies must be kept chaste, free from defilement – if we are to align with the nature of our Master – whose appearing we await, for an eternal togetherness. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 makes it clear that Christians are not exempt from serious temptations. Paul is aware of such temptations in his churches, especially sexual temptations. Paul, however, is confident that God is more than able to aid those who are fighting temptation. God’s Word promises that he is faithful to aid us, even when we are tempted.
Q3. (3a) Hebrews 13:4, Galatians 5:19-21 and similar Bible verses leave no one in doubt about the consequences of living in sexual immorality. Discuss these consequences and suggest practical steps the individual believer should take to deal with sexual immorality (hint: God’s word, friendships, location, technology, dressing, self-focus, mind, eyes, prayer, etc). (3b) Is there anything you should be doing differently?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have reminded me today that sexual immorality is not in line with Your nature of holiness. Help me to deal with sexual temptation according to Your word. Thank You for the assurance that You are faithful to help me deal with this temptation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.