This message explores the fourth and final chapter of this series with restoration in Jesus Christ. Jesus the Messiah has brought redemption to us through His death, and now His resurrected body is ushering in a new “Now But Not-Yet” kingdom. Pastor Matt discusses how Christ’s resurrection has raised us with new resurrection bodies. In these bodies, we will see the ultimate restoration of all things by God at the end of human history, including in our love, sexuality, and bodies.
SERMON OUTLINE
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23)
The Now and Not-Yet Kingdom of God (Romans 8:23)
Resurrected Jesus and Resurrected Bodies (1 Corinthians 15:1-58)
The Resurrection Community: Living Now with Redeemed Bodies and Sexuality
(Matthew 22:23-32; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
The Promise of Love’s Restoration (Ephesians 5:31-32; Revelation 22:1-5)
Living with Resurrection Hope in Our Love, Sexuality, and Body
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This week we conclude our series, “Love · Sex · Body,” by discussing the ultimate restoration of all things by God at the end of human history. Before you begin this study, ask God to speak to you through His Word and transform you by His Spirit.
- Here’s a quick summary of the previous weeks in God’s Good Story:
- Ch 1: Creation – the world as God created it to be
- Ch 2: Fall – the world as it is; impacted by sin
- Ch 3: Redemption – the world as it can be; bought back for God through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
- Ch 4: Restoration – the world as it will be at the end of human history
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-58. According to Paul, how does the work of Jesus Christ in redemption connect with the future resurrection of our bodies?
- What do you think is the point of Paul’s analogy of the seed and plant in this scripture?
- According to Scripture what are some characteristics of the resurrected bodies we will receive (reference Scriptures you draw these from)?
- Based on what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, why would you say our bodies are significant both now and in relation to the future?
- Between that future resurrection and the present, we live in what some call an “exile” in-between redemption and resurrection. Read Romans 8:18-25 and describe how Paul says both creation and our bodies experience this exile.
- In relation to our bodies and sexuality, this in-between feeling of exile means we still experience temptation, even after redemption in Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; and Philippians 2:12-16. How do these verses instruct us in living in this in-between time?
- How do you personally experience the groaning of exile? How do you feel the tension of exile in your body and sexuality? How might you bring that to Christ?
- Now read Revelation 22:1-5 and Ephesians 5:25-33. What do these verses tell us about the relationship that exists between God and redeemed humanity? What does our future experience of love look like according to these verses?
- How does the hope of the restoration of all things impact the way you live? How does the restoration speak to your daily life in love, sex, and the body now?
- As we’ve journeyed through this series together, exploring the Gospel’s impact on our Love, Sexuality and Body, what is one thing God has been speaking to you about in this area? If you are on your own, write some things down and let this become a source of prayer and action in the days to come. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers aloud together. Close in prayer.