This week we will talk through what it means to be single – young or old – and live as a follower of Jesus in a sexualized society out of 1 Peter 2, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Peter 1.
SERMON OUTLINE
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12)
Single Christians: 2015
- Living in __________________________
- Living looking towards __________________________
- Feeling of living __________________________
God’s Message to Singles on Sexuality (1 Corinthians 6:12-19)
- Reality of Temptation (1 Peter 1:13-14)
- You Are Valuable (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- Pursue God
- Honor God
Redeeming Singleness in the Church
- God’s Plan
- God’s Calling is Greater than a Relationship Status
- People Matter
- Hope in Christ Alone
Pursuing Holiness as a Church (1 Peter 1:13-16)
- Command is Holiness
- Command to the Church is Obedience
- Pursuing Holiness Together (1 Peter 2:11-12)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- We are in the third week of our series, “Holy Sexuality.” What have you learned so far?
- This week we will look at God’s view of singleness 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 pray for the Holy Spirit to work in your life.
- 44% of adults in our country are single. Think about that statistic. Nearly ½ of the adult population is not married. What challenges (in regard to sexuality) face a single person of faith in our culture? Now think about this—are those challenges limited to those that are single?
- Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 aloud. Nearly 2000 years ago, culture was waging war as it relates to sexuality. Should it be surprising to us that it is still taking place? Why are many people in the church silent about the issues?
- Read 1 Peter 1:13-14. What can we learn from this passage about facing temptations? How we help one another, regardless of marital status, to remain obedient?
- The church has elevated marital status in many ways: the feeling of happiness being dependent on being married, the idea that when you get married you are now complete, the fairy-tale story children are told as kids. What message can and does this portray to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are single?
- Jesus. Single. Think about this—in our world today, Jesus would not be considered by most churches for the Senior Pastor position. How does that make you feel?
- The church needs to redeem this fact: singles belong. One of the ways is by simply beginning to do life with one another. What are some practical steps that we can begin to do life together?
- Read 1 Peter 1:15-16. We are called, as the body of Christ, regardless of marital status, to pursue holiness. What does it mean to pursue holiness in our sexuality? Pornography is a click away. Cheating websites are a click away. Technology provides multiple avenues that challenge our call to holiness. Are we doing enough to provide support, encouragement, mentorship and accountability in our lives?
- What is one way God is speaking to you through this study? How might your thinking, words, 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.