This message will introduce the entire series, engaging with cultural discussion, questions within the church, and the need for an overarching (not simplistic) biblical framework for love, sexuality, and the body. The starting point will be God’s Triune identity and the starting point of God’s definition of love, sexuality, and the body. The roadmap for the series will be shared, providing some insights into the ways in which this is an example of approaching any variety of issues biblically.
Text: Genesis 1-3; Romans 1:25-26a, 3:22b-25a; Revelation 22:1-5
SERMON OUTLINE
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
Cultural Change and Love, Sexuality, and the Body
Pain in Love, Sexuality, and the Body
The Stories We Live By and the Story of God Creation (Genesis 1:27-28)
- Fall (Romans 1:25-26a; 3:22b-23)
- Redemption (Romans 3:24-25a)
- Restoration (Revelation 21:1-15)
3 Ways to Live God’s Good Story in Love, Sexuality, and the Body:
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Before starting this study, ask God to speak to you and work in your life.
- As we approach this new series, “Love – Sex – Body,” what do you most hope to learn and how do you most hope to grow with God?
- Why do you think it is important for us as a church to discuss topics like this?
- This first week in the series begins with an exploration of five “tectonic shifts” over the past sixty years in relation to love, sexuality, and the body. Which of these do you find most confusing or concerning? Why?
- disconnecting sex from procreation
- disconnecting sex from marriage
- the rise of hook-up culture
- shifts in understanding of same-sex relationships and gender
- the influence of technology on sexuality
- The framework for this series will follow God’s Good Story in four chapters: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. In Genesis 1:27-28, we read about creation and how Adam and Eve were made in God’s image. In reading these two verses, what do you think this means for their identity and responsibility?
- Considering what you read above and in Genesis 2:18-25, what would you say are some of the creational purposes of love, sexuality, and the body?
- In Genesis 3, we read about Adam and Eve’s temptation and the first act of sin in human experience. After reading the Apostle Paul’s summary of the results of sin in Romans 1:18-32, how do you think sin impacts our love, sexuality, and bodies?
- How have you seen this in our world?
- Redemption, the third chapter of the story, tells us how Jesus brings good news of forgiveness from sin, removal of guilt and shame, and healing from brokenness. Paul describes this new reality in Romans 3:22-26. What do you think this means for our love, sexuality, and body life?
- Are there areas in your life that you feel you need to experience forgiveness, removal of shame, or healing? How might you reach out to God with others for that today?
- Revelation 21 describes the ultimate restoration of the cosmos in Jesus. Read verses 1-5 aloud. How does this give you hope today? What hopes do you have about the new heaven and new earth related to sexuality?
- How does seeing love, sexuality, and the body as vital parts of discipleship to Jesus change how you approach those areas of life?
- What is God speaking to you about through this study? If you are on your own, write these things down and pray about them in the days to come. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers aloud together. Close in prayer.