Do we trust God to have authority over our sex lives?
As we continue through 1 Thessalonians, Paul pivots away from the thankfulness and exhortations of the first three chapters and begins to get practical. This week, Ben Stuart walks us through Paul’s teachings about sex and the implications it has for our modern culture and encourages us to fully trust God’s design for sexuality.
Key Takeaway
The lie that the sexual revolution of the 60s has taught us is that we will experience freedom when we are sexually liberated. True freedom comes from intimacy within the confines of commitment.
We were adopted into sonship because of His sacrifice on The Cross. We now conform to the family values because He cares for us.
Embrace the message of the gospel and walk within it by pleasing God. It isn't oppressive, it's freedom.
His desire is your sanctification—a movement away from things that isolate us from God and moving toward things that promote intimacy with God.
Abstain from sexual immorality. We need to possess our sexuality in a way that communicates honor, value, and respect to those around us. Sexual liberation promotes unrestrained impulses and leaves you feeling unfulfilled.
Discussion Questions
Ben Stuart reminds us that we don't have to earn our place in God's family. Do you truly believe that you are a son/daughter of Christ? Why/why not?
Have you looked at boundaries within the Christian life as freeing or oppressive in the past? Why do you think you felt that way?
How do you define sanctification?
How can one abstain from sexual immorality well?
How can we show culture the better way: treating each other with dignity and love for God's glory and our good?