This week we will explore the essential nature of our sexuality as created by God, and how that fits into our understanding of discipleship and being human before God in a broken world.
SERMON OUTLINE
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
4 Failures of the Church:
- _________________________: failure to speak adequately on these issues
- _________________________: failure to move beyond the “Culture War” mentality
- _________________________________: failure to convey a view of relationships rooted in reality yet hopeful
- _________________________: failure to love those struggling or those with different views
The Image of God, Holy Longing, and Human Sexuality (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:22-25)
Living in Reality about Human Brokenness and Sexuality (Genesis 2:25; Romans 3:22-23; Romans 1:24-32)
Beginning Again with the Savior (Romans 3:24-26; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 7:53-8:11)
The Hope of All Things Being Made New (Revelation 21:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:25)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- As we approach this new series, “Holy Sexuality,” what do you most hope to learn and how do you most hope to grow with God?
- This first week in our “Holy Sexuality” series we will look at God’s view of sexuality. We will explore a number of Scripture passages. Before starting this study, take some time to pray, asking God to clearly speak to you and praying for the Holy Spirit to work in your life.
- In Genesis 1:27-28, we read that Adam and Eve were made “in the image of God.” What do you notice in these two verses about what that means, as well as their responsibilities in the world?
- Genesis 2:21-25 recounts the creation of Eve with Adam. What stands out to you about the purpose and plan of God in this unique female-male relationship?
- Read Genesis, chapter 3. This chapter tells of Adam and Eve’s temptation and the first act of sin – disobedience to God – in human experience. In light of this chapter’s events, look at Genesis 2:25 again. How would you describe the power of sin and shame in these first few chapters of Genesis?
- In what ways do you think that sin and shame affects our sexuality? How have you seen this in others? How have you seen it in your own life?
- The power of the gospel, which literally means ‘good news’, is that in Jesus the Messiah, our sin is forgiven, shame is removed, and brokenness is healed at the Cross. Read the story in John 7:53-8:11. What happens for the woman in this story?
- How does this story provide a picture of Jesus’ work in our own sexual brokenness and sin? What sin in thought, word, or deed needs to be forgiven in your life? Where do you need freedom and release within your sexuality through Jesus today in order to move forward in life?
- Revelation 21 paints a beautiful picture of 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?
- What is one way God is speaking to you through this study? How might your thinking about, words about, or actions with sexuality need to be changed? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray about these things together. If you are studying on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.