LifeGroup Curriculum: August 17, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(Grace-Filled Living)

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
Grace-filled living is being able to experience all that our heavenly Father has for us - His goodness, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, and ultimately, His presence. Grace-filled living also empowers us to live for God in a new manner, choosing His ways over our ways.

Summary:
Jesus told a story about a father and his two sons that paints a vivid picture of God’s grace. This “Prodigal Son” story shows a younger brother who was missing out on an intimate relationship with his father and the grace-filled life because he chased after the trappings of the world. The story also depicts an older brother who was missing out on the full impact of his father’s grace, not because of rebellion, but because he chose to base his relationship with his father primarily on performance rather than intimacy. The younger son represents the person who is looking for love in all the wrong places, but finally finds what he is looking for in the Father. The older son represents those who have already found what they are looking for, but can’t fully receive it because they can’t accept the fact that the Father’s love is unconditional and free. They focus on ways to earn the Father’s love and decline an invitation to the party. Christians too often fall into this trap by becoming ultra-religious and following the rules instead of the Ruler. Honoring and loving God through a life of obedience is critical, but it must flow out of a close, personal relationship with God, not simply a commitment to the rules.

Ultimately, the “Prodigal Son” is a story about us - a story about a Father in heaven who sees humanity bound by sin or bound by religion. God wants us to experience grace-filled living by being free from sin and free from religion. Allowing our hearts to wander away from God’s provision by the enticements of sin or the deception of religion are both destructive. 

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Luke 15:11-24
What was the result of the younger son’s rebellion? How did the Prodigal Son finally experience grace-filled living? Discuss how living for ourselves and the world separate us from God and His grace. 

Luke 15:25-32
How was the older son’s relationship with his father based on performance? (v. 29) How can “mature” Christians intentionally and unintentionally act like the older son toward new believers? How has religion impeded your relationship with God?

Titus 2:11-14
Discuss how this passage expands our definition and understanding of God’s grace. Share examples of how God’s grace has empowered you to live for Him, to love others, and to experience grace-filled living?

Taking Action: Examine your life and your heart. Are you rebellious like the prodigal son? Are you comfortable with the world and sin? Or, have you become a religious Christian who follows the rule book instead of the Ruler? If so, repent and turn back to Him, accept His grace, surrender yourself, and enjoy living solely for Him again.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: August 10, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(Compassionate Living)

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
God is calling us to be a part of a compassionate revolution in which we engage the world around us with kindness, truth, compassion, justice, forgiveness, and restoration.

Summary:
In reading the “red letters” of the gospels, it is clear that Jesus had a mission – to be the Savior of the world and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The ministry of Jesus was primarily one of preaching the good news, the Kingdom of God, and repentance; however, much of the gospels are filled with examples of Christ’s acts of compassion. Jesus had compassion. For example, His ministry was to teach the 5,000, yet He also had compassion on their physical need to eat, so He fed them. His ministry was to preach repentance, yet He healed the sick and raised the dead. His ministry was to share the good news, yet He freed people from demons. He was sent to the Jews, yet He also delivered the Gentiles. His primary concern was the spiritual health of the people, yet he also ministered to their physical needs. We are commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples; however, if you want to be like Jesus, you had better be displaying real compassion by meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of people.

A genuine relationship with Jesus will result in a life that is characterized by compassion, generosity, and service to others. Since helping others is not optional, we cannot allow any of the following excuses to derail us: (1) this is the worst possible timing, (2) maybe these people deserve their fate, (3) I’ll probably get “burned” if I get involved, (4) I’m uncomfortable around these kinds of people, (5) I just know it’s going to cost me, (6) how can I make a real difference if I don’t have my act together? Jesus could have used every one of these objections to avoid serving us. But He chose compassion, and if we truly follow Him, we too will choose compassionate living.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Matthew 25:31-46
Have you ever experienced this kind of compassion? How have you displayed it? Discuss how we can live this out today. What does Jesus say is the result of not showing compassion?

Luke 10:25-37
How did the Samaritan display compassion? What are some reasons we have used, or might use, to avoid taking action and showing compassion? How is compassion related to love?

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
Who has God commanded us to help? What should our attitude be regarding generosity and compassion? What is the outcome of showing compassion versus not showing compassion?

Taking Action: Simplify your lifestyle in order to give your resources of time and money to others. As a LifeGroup, engage in an outreach project or activity sometime within the next 2 months. Contact the City of Grace Outreach Department for ideas.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: August 3, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(The Power of Dynamic Dependence )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
We all depend on something or someone. Some people depend on bank accounts, investments, or careers; while others depend on people or simply themselves. As Christ followers we are called to place our total dependence on Him. We are called to abide and remain in Christ alone.

Summary:
When we place our total dependence in Christ alone and “abide” in Him, our lives reflect the fact that God’s Spirit truly lives in us. The word “abide” simply means: to wait for, to accept without objection, to remain, and to continue. This definition helps us understand that abiding in Christ means four things: (1) believing on Him; (2) trusting in Him; (3) listening to Him; and (4) following after Him. These four dynamics are the core competencies of the Christian life that we have been called to live. The results of truly abiding in Christ are incredible, both for this life and the life to come. We learn to be more selective as God helps us say no to things that do not matter and remove things that distract us from our Kingdom calling and purpose. Our lives become more productive because we live out of His strength and bear much good fruit. And our prayers are more effective because our desires become God’s desires. 

When we enter this dynamic state of dependence, we experience deep change from within, and our wants are completely overhauled, beginning with our motives. So, when we pray for material things, we pray out of need, not out greed, and we can therefore pray with confidence. Our desire to be blessed goes from self-serving to an awareness that God wants to bless us so that we can be a blessing to the world around us. Finally, we must remember that while abiding in Christ produces peace, joy, victory, and favor; the result of not abiding in Christ is painful and ultimately results in spiritual malnutrition and death. The choice is simple – abide in Him and experience the power of dynamic dependence.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

John 15:1-8
What is the result of remaining and abiding in Christ? What is the result of not abiding in Christ? Discuss how God has pruned you over the years. What fruit has come of this?

John 15:9-17
How does Christ say we practically abide and remain in Him? How does abiding in Christ affect and change your relationship with Him? What is one of the amazing results of abiding in Christ? (v.16)

1 John 2:28-29
Why is it important for us to live every day in Christ and for Christ? Discuss what can happen when we don’t.  Give examples of how you are intentionally continuing and abiding in Christ.

Taking Action: Ask God to highlight any area of your life that needs to be pruned. While abiding in Him, cooperate with His will and His powerful work as it is cut off. This process of pruning can be somewhat painful, but it will result in much good fruit for His Kingdom.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: July 27, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(The Promise of the Spirit )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
Who is the Holy Spirit and what is His role in the life of a Christ follower? When many genuine Christians think of the Holy Spirit, they imagine some impersonal force floating around the universe like “The Force” in Star Wars. However, the Holy Spirit is not an “it”; He is a person, He is God.

Summary:
Why is it easier to see God the Father and God the Son as persons, but harder to understand the Holy Spirit as the person of God; a person of the trinity; a member of the Godhead? After all, it is not God in two persons, but God in three persons.

In order to better wrap our minds around the Holy Spirit, let’s take a closer look at God’s Word to see how He is described. The Holy Spirit is called our counselor, comforter, helper, intercessor, advocate, and even friend; One who is called alongside us to offer assistance (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He reminds us of God’s truth and helps us understand how truth changes everything, including us (John 14:25-26). The Holy Spirit is our guide; He walks with us and directs our steps while leading us into the fullness of who we are in God’s kingdom (John 16:13). He helps us stay on the trail; he gives us water when we’re thirsty, rest when tired, a kick in the pants when we grow lazy, and words of encouragement when we feel like quitting. The Holy Spirit is a giver - empowering and gifting us to speak things and do things for God’s glory that we couldn’t do before (Acts 1:8).

So, how can we become more intimate with the Holy Spirit and allow Him complete access in our lives? We must be born of the Spirit. This occurs when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior; putting our faith in Christ alone, dying to self, and living wholly for Him (John 3:4-6).  We must be baptized in the Spirit. There is an experience with God that is available to every believer who has been born into the Kingdom of God and it involves being filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). We must be led by the Spirit and not our selfish desires (Romans 8:14).

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

John 14:15-26
According to these words of Jesus, who is the Holy Spirit? To whom will the Holy Spirit come (v.15-16)?  Share with the group examples of how the Holy Spirit has been your counselor, friend, teacher, guide, and/or strength.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Which Christians receive gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit (v.7)? Why are we given these gifts (v.7)? How have you benefited from others properly exercising their gifts?

Romans 8:9-17
What is the mark or sign that one is owned by Christ? What will prevent the Holy Spirit’s access and power in your life? How might you respond to someone who thinks the Holy Spirit is merely optional for Christians?
 
Taking Action: If you have restricted the Holy Spirit’s access in your life or discounted Him in any way, ask for forgiveness and repent. Cry out to the Holy Spirit this week and present Him with an invitation to have His way in your life and ask to be filled with His overflowing presence.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: July 20, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(The Present Reign of Christ )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
Everyone wants to be blessed, but not everyone is willing to bow their knees to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and lay down their lives for His Kingdom purpose. It’s much easier to call Jesus Savior than it is to know Him as Lord.

Summary:
Jesus is Lord and He has brought His Kingdom. There is no middle ground for the Christian: unless you acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all, you can’t claim Him as Lord at all. He is called Lord over 600 times in the New Testament. You can’t make Him Lord; He has already claimed the title. What does the lordship of Jesus Christ mean to us? It means that we must recognize Him for who He is, we must offer Him total obedience, and we must give Him the honor that He is due. He has earned it; He is worthy of it. So, will you recognize His Lordship and will you submit to it?

Let’s remember that as Lord, Jesus brought with Him the Kingdom of God. Simply put, the Kingdom of God is the way things should be. It is the way God originally intended things to be before sinful man messed it all up. But, when do we get to begin experiencing this kingdom? When will things be as they were intended to be? Some religious people tell us it happens in the “sweet by and by” when we die. However, Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Not once did Jesus ever subject the Kingdom of God along with all of its promises and possibilities to a futuristic millennial age. He threw wide open the door of Heaven’s provision for our lives today. He demonstrated the presence of His Kingdom as He performed miracle after miracle. You see, not only did He declare the Kingdom to be “at hand”, but He performed miracles to show them just how close it was.

We must be careful not to miss the Kingdom of God due to ignorance, disbelief, or because we don’t understand the signs of His Kingdom. In our carnality, we must not look for personal signs to prove to us the reality of His Kingdom among us. Jesus is Lord and His Kingdom is here and now. In light of this reality, it’s time to change our thinking about everything. We can’t afford to miss the present reign of Christ.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Luke 6:46- 49
What does Jesus expect of those who call Him Lord? What does this parable teach should be the foundation of a life surrendered to Him? Contrast the results of submitting to His Lordship through obedience with not submitting.

Luke 19:11-27
What does verse 12 tell us about why Jesus came to earth? To whom does Jesus give kingdom responsibility until He returns, and what does He expect them to do until He returns? What is the difference between the outcome for the negligent servant and those who didn’t surrender to His lordship?

Philippians 2:5-13
We are to have the same attitude as Christ. How does this passage describe His attitude? In what ways do you see your attitude becoming more like Christ’s as you grow in your faith? Why will “all things” confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ? What is the relationship between Christ’s attitude and His kingdom authority?
 
Taking Action: This week, daily ask God to reveal any areas in your life that are not subjected to His Lordship. Repent, submit those things to God, and ask God for His grace to walk in newness of life – free from compromise and treason.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: July 13, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(Pray like this )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
So, do you know how to pray? How we pray matters. In fact, Jesus instructed His disciples about prayer on more than one occasion and we call these instructions “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Summary:
Too often Christians can find themselves stuck in a rut of selfish prayers where God is reduced to a genie who is supposed to grant the three wishes of health, wealth, and personal happiness. Other times, prayer can be used by the spiritually puffed-up as a tool to impress others. Jesus corrected these misuses of prayer when he unpacked what we call, “The Lord’s Prayer”. This prayer is our Lord’s teaching and our Lord’s pattern concerning prayer and life. Let’s be very clear that the Lord’s Prayer was not given as a literary masterpiece to be merely admired; nor, was it designed to simply be recited as a rote prayer. Rather, it was given to be a pattern and basis of prayer for real people in the real world. It is intended to help us understand how to talk with God and how to live for Him.

The Lord’s Prayer is comprised of four distinct components: adoration (praising God’s attributes and character), confession (confession of our sins to God), thanksgiving (thanksgiving for the blessings we have received from Him), and lastly supplication (requests for ourselves and others). These vital components of prayer can be best remembered by the use of the acrostic ACTS:  adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

Finally, prayer is vital because it is our opportunity to commune directly with God, celebrate His glorious attributes, and praise Him for His marvelous works. Jesus actually spoke of prayer very presumptuously when He introduced the topic of prayer with the statement,”When you pray.” Notice, He didn’t say if you pray. Jesus was a man who prayed, and He understands the essential role it plays in our lives. So, let’s take Jesus’ lead and pray His way.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Matthew 6:5-8 (this week, also read The Message version of this passage)
(1) Does our motivation for prayer matter? (2) Discuss what can make some prayers wrong. (3) How do you respond to the suggestion that the Lord’s Prayer is more than a prayer to recite, rather it is a model for communicating with God.

Matthew 6:9-15 (this week, also read The Message version of this passage)
(1) What significance is there in the use of the words “our” and “us” in this prayer? (2) Why should our heavenly Father’s name be held in awe and in the highest honor? (3) How can we hold his name high? (4) Discuss why it can be hard to accept the will of our heavenly Father. (5) How do you react to the suggestion that we should pray for our daily bread, forgiveness and deliverance from temptation, rather than for our comfort and happiness? (6) Finally, discuss the importance of asking for forgiveness and forgiving others.

Taking Action: Put Jesus’ pattern of prayer into action by making a conscience decision while in prayer to spend time adoring God, confessing your sins, thanking Him for His blessings, and lastly asking Him for help.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: July 6, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(The Beatitudes = happiness that lasts forever )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
Happiness in God’s economy is measured and acquired very differently than the happiness advanced by this world. The happiness of this world is achieved through self promotion and indulgence, while the blessings of God are the result of a surrendered life. The happiness of this world is fake and fleeting, while God’s prescription for happiness goes deep and lasts forever. 

Summary:
Jesus has reversed human values; He has turned this world inside-out and claims that happiness (true fulfillment and blessing) is not the result of fame, pleasure or money. Rather, happiness is the residue of a holy life that is submitted to God and His values. Here’s the worlds list of happy people: [1] the proud, [2] the boisterous, [3] the beautiful, [4] those who seek pleasure, [5] the rich and powerful, [6] the fun-loving and wild, [7] the bold, and [8] the popular. Now, let’s take a look at Jesus’ list of happy people: [1] the poor in spirit - someone that is spiritually humble; [2] those who mourn - grieve over their own sinfulness; Godly sorrow; [3] the meek - considerate, gentle, unassuming; [4] those who hunger and thirst for righteousness - desiring an obedient life. Jesus says, “ if you love me, you will obey me”; [5] the merciful - showing pity; [6] the pure in heart - personal purity, trying to live a life without sin; [7] the peacemakers - those who work toward friendly relations; [8] the persecuted - those who suffer for Christ’s sake.
 
So, which list best describes you – the worlds list or Jesus’ list? Which characteristics of happiness are you pursuing? (Feel free to stop and discuss in your group.)

Pursuing God’s definitions of happiness and blessing should not be intimidating, causing us to give up, or feeling that it is beyond our feeble efforts to achieve. God has given us all we need to be Beatitude happy – His powerful grace is enough. He is looking for our desire to strive for these characteristics and implant them in our daily lives. Remember, don’t worry, be HAPPY!

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Matthew 5:1-12
Discuss why we experience true happiness and blessing when we live our lives like this. Which of these characteristics is hardest for you to exhibit? What can you do to make that characteristic part of your life? Discuss as a group. 

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
How does this passage depict a life lived purely for personal gain and the happiness promoted by the world? What kind of things do we pursue that will ultimately bring disappointment and emptiness rather than happiness? 

2 Peter 1:3-4
What excuses do people give for not living-out the Beatitudes?  How does this passage encourage you? Discuss why it is possible to be truly happy.
 
Taking Action: Begin each day next week by meditating on the Beatitudes. Ask God to reveal to you a practical action that you can take in order to grow in one or more of the Beatitude characteristics today. Go for it and become Beatitude happy. 

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: June 29, 2008

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RED LETTER SUMMER
(The revolution has begun)

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship

Big Idea:
Jesus came into this world to start a revolution driven by repentance and the changing of the human heart, not by civil unrest or military action. We are called to join the revolution. But be warned, everything about your life will and must change.

Summary:
Jesus began His earthly ministry with the words, “Repent! For the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” In other words, people needed to think differently because everything was about to be turned upside-down. Jesus was initiating the greatest revolution ever seen, by bringing the kingdom of Heaven to earth. This kingdom wasn’t going to expand by force, but by the transformation of the human heart. God’s revolutionary agenda is here, and it advances by servanthood, humility,  obedience, faith, hope, and love – beginning with the poorest, weakest, and meekest, and growing to become a movement that topples the power structures of this world. 

Are you ready to join the revolution? Are you ready to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God rather than this world? If so, here are four Kingdom essentials you must embrace and live-out. First, you must align yourself with Kingdom values. In every facet of life, you must know God’s way and live it. Second, you must accept Kingdom purposes. Your reason for living goes beyond worldly agendas and motives. You were created to love without limitation, to serve without hesitation, to worship without intimidation, and to share the gospel without fear of man. Third, you must embrace Kingdom relationships. You become a member of God’s family, not based on social status or physical DNA, but by choosing to accept and obediently follow Christ. Fourth, you must adopt kingdom priorities. What matters most to God must ultimately matter most to you. This stuff is revolutionary!

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Matthew 5:3-10
How can we incorporate these kingdom values into our daily lives? Discuss the changes you need to make for this passage to describe you. Encourage each other to go for it, and hold one another accountable.

Matthew 6:33
What happens when we put God’s plans before ours? Share personal experiences.

Romans 12:1-2
How do we change our thoughts and actions to line up with the Kingdom of God? Discuss how reading God’s Word has renewed your minds and changed your thinking.
 
Taking Action:

  1. Deepen your understanding of God’s Kingdom by reading through the gospel of Matthew with your family or friends.
  2. Make every effort to attend the weekend services and bring someone with you to experience the “Red Letter Summer” at City of Grace.
  3. Memorize the Beatitudes, and begin to implement Kingdom practices. Start by sharing Jesus with others. 

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: June 22, 2008

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THE PROVING GROUND
(The importance of perseverance )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship (optional)

Big Idea:
Testing is a part of life and trials are inevitable. In fact, God uses trials in order to strengthen us, mature us, perfect our faith, and prepare us for His holy purposes. 

Summary:
This life is a proving ground of sorts; a place where our faith is tested on a daily basis. How we respond to the trials and temptations of life will either strengthen our faith or destroy it. As Christians, we must realize that trials are still inevitable and actually necessary for us in order to develop perseverance. Perseverance is the act of bearing-up under trials and living for God every day, even when it is hard. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be perfected and our faith may be proven genuine. This process is similar to the tempering of steel: the heat, rather than destroying the steel, actually makes it stronger and more useful.

The military demonstrates this principle as they take a new recruit and build them into a soldier. They put the recruit through a series of very difficult tests: physical, emotion, mental, and relational. If the recruit perseveres, rather than “washes out”, they are fashioned into a lean, mean, fighting machine. They become “one of the few” because they have completed the training now stronger and tougher - proven for the field of battle.

Trials are the essential means God uses to develop Christian character. And, perseverance through trials gives evidence of true saving faith. How does going through tough times strengthen and prove our faith? It requires us to trust in God. It requires sincere dependence on God that is made evident in self-control and godly action. What is the result? God uses those who stand, even when times are tough, and He promotes those who persevere.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss – use different translations)

James 1:2-4 & James 1:12
How does James say we should respond to the trials and temptations of life? Why is perseverance so important? What is the ultimate reward for those who persevere?

Hebrews 12:1-11
How does the writer of Hebrews say we should persevere (v.1-2)? Discuss how Christ’s perseverance should motivate us. Why does God discipline us and allow us to encounter trials? Share personal experiences of perseverance or discipline that resulted in maturity and growth.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
What does Paul say our current struggles and trials are actually achieving for us? How does the temporal aspect of this life help us endure tough times?
 
Taking Action: Recognize the unique trials God brings into your life, consider why He may be bringing these times of testing, and ask Him for wisdom to face them in a way that will build perseverance and bring Him glory.

Ministry Time

LifeGroup Curriculum: June 15, 2008

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EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER
(Part 5: The Bedroom )

Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship (optional)

Big Idea:
We live in a culture that shamelessly promotes and engages in a distorted view of sex. The world has taken what God created for good and has used it for evil. As Christians, we are called to not conform to this world, but instead follow God’s guidelines.  

Summary:
God created sex and therefore, it is good. Let’s look at why God created sex. Genesis tells us that God told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply.” He also said that, “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh.” So, we see that God created sex for procreation, but He also used it to create a special intimacy between man and woman like nothing else could. This intimacy creates a powerful bond at all levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. And this is why scripture is so clear that sex is designed only for the marriage relationship between one man and one woman. The boundaries are very simple and straightforward: do not have sex while not married, do not have sex outside your marriage, and do not selfishly withhold sex or force sex within your marriage.

However, to his own destruction, man has made a practice of venturing outside of God’s boundaries. Sexual sin has serious consequences spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Sexual sin is extremely hurtful because it is a sin against God, against others, and against our own bodies. Intentional disobedience of God’s command not to commit adultery dishonors and displeases Him. Conversely, God is pleased when His children choose obedience and self-control instead of the immediacy of pleasure outside of His wise, protective boundaries.

So, where sex is concerned, we can either choose God’s way and experience the incredible benefits and beauty of His plans or we can choose the world’s way, which leaves a huge wake of pain, destruction, and separation.

Discussion Questions: (You may want to discuss these questions in two separate groups: men only & women only.)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Why is sexual sin so bad? Who is it hurting? Give examples of how you can avoid sexual immorality.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Contrast how the world views sex with how Christians should view sex. How can improper physical intimacy harm others? Is there a possibility of “getting away” with sexual sin?

1 Corinthians 7:2-5
Why can it be dangerous to withhold sex for long periods of time? How can sex be used selfishly in marriage?

Taking Action: Repent from any past sexual sins. Ask God to break any unhealthy emotional and spiritual ties created by past sexual sin.  Commit to remaining pure from this day forth so that you can honor God with your whole being. Ask God to forgive you and to give you the grace to live in victory.

Ministry Time