Menu

With the push for equality regarding same sex marriages around the western world which is so contrary to God’s design and issues of pornography, people living together outside of marriage becoming more the norm, multiple sex partners, one night stands, etc, etc we need to ask the question, Who knows best, the world or God?

As Christians we can have a standard answer to this question but consider why is the above worldliness in attitude and actions making inroads into some Christians lives? We can say we believe (and intend in our hearts) one thing but our actions can be showing something different! So what do we really believe?

Are there other issues to consider, are we not sufficiently putting in place God’s safeguards and so becoming venerable or has our thinking been influenced and our standards been diluted?

Share in your group your thoughts.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

Our Freedom in Christ.

How would you describe what it is and what it means to you?

What are we free from and free to do?

Discuss the following questions:

  1. How could we abuse our freedom in Christ?
  2. Could we use it and cause another Christian to stumble?
  3. What were the Corinthians doing wrong that Paul had to address?
  4. What are some examples of: ‘I am allowed to do anything but not everything is good for you? (‘helpful’ R.S.V.)
  5. What are principles we need to be mindful of to guide us and ensure we stay within the boundaries God intends?

Freedom is a mark of the Christian faith-freedom from sin and guilt, and freedom to use and enjoy anything that comes from God. But Christians should not abuse this freedom and hurt themselves and others. Drinking too much leads to alcoholism; gluttony leads to obesity. Be careful that what God has allowed you to do doesn’t grow into a bad habit that controls you.*

Who Do Our Bodies Belong To?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:13,19-20 and 1 Peter 1:18-19, Titus 2:14 and answer the above question.

What should our goal be according to Romans 14:7-9, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Titus 2:14?

Who lives in your body with you?

Sexual Holiness

Discuss Paul’s points in 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Read and discuss Joseph’s response to temptation. Genesis 39:6-21.

Read and discuss David’s response to temptation. 2 Samuel 11:1-5.

Considers Michael’s comments:

“Joseph recognized sin before it happened and said, “How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” (Genesis 39:9) David confessed his sin afterwards when he couldn’t hide it any longer: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13)

Though David was a man after God’s own heart he failed in this area. He was forgiven but the consequences of his sin were great. Read 2 Samuel 12:7-14.

Read Paul’s sobering words in Galatians 6:7-8 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.

Conclusion

What practical steps do/can you take to put safeguards in place to protect you from the influence and temptation of the world, your flesh or the devil (and his wicked spirits)?

Read again Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and Job’s in Job 31:1.

Soon the five week Conqueror Series will begin at church. It teaches about purity, training men to fight and win against sexual sin. This course will take you out of your comfort zone, so expect to be challenged. It is highly recommended.

Read what Peter said about the importance of continually reminding ourselves of the Truth, the things of God even though we already know them, 2 Peter 1:12-15.

“Sexual immorality is a temptation that is always before us. In movies and on television, sex outside marriage is treated as a normal, even desirable part of life, while marriage is often showed as confining and joyless. We can even be looked down on by others if we are suspected of being pure. But God does not forbid sexual sin just to be difficult. He knows its power to destroy us physically and spiritually. No one should under-estimate the power of sexual immorality. It has devastated countless lives and destroyed families, churches, communities and even nations. God wants to protect us from damaging ourselves and others, and so He offers to fill us-our loneliness, our desires-with himself. Christians are free to be all they can be for God, but they are not free from God. God created sex to be a beautiful and essential ingredient of marriage, but sexual sin-sex outside the marriage relationship-always hurts someone. It hurts God because it shows we prefer following our own desires instead of the leading of the Holy Spirit. It hurts others because it violates the commitment so necessary for a relationship. It often brings disease to our bodies. And it deeply affects our personality, which responds in anguish when we harm ourselves physically and spiritually.”*

* taken from, Life Application Study Bible

Share

This post filed under

Bible Study 1 CorinthiansHolinessSexuality