Reach4Life- Journey 3: LiveSample

DAY 5: SEXUALITY

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3, NIV

LISTEN

Sex is God’s idea. It’s a gift he gives us that is more than only a physical union. It unites people spiritually. For this reason it requires a lifetime-commitment as its context.

When you stick two pieces of sticky tape together, the bond is very strong. Pulling the tapes apart usually tears them. Then if you try to use the same tapes again, they don’t stick as well. Sex is a lot like that sticky tape. It’s the bonding agent that God designed to bind a man and woman together for life. That’s why separating from a sexual partner is often so painful.

Sex before marriage lessens its power to bond you to your future life-partner one day. So resist the hectic pressure that comes from friends, the media, and your own hormones to have sex.

LOOK

1 Thessalonians 4:1-9

LEARN

How can we control our sexuality in a God-pleasing way?

· We must do whatever we can to avoid all sexual immorality (v3). The things to avoid include sex and foreplay before marriage, adultery, and looking at pornography

· We must learn how to control our bodies (v4). Our sex drive is very strong. So learn to control it, don’t have it control you

· Don’t take advantage of anyone sexually (v6). This includes sexual harassment, rape and sexual abuse

· It’s important that we link sex with real love (v9). Sex that’s selfish or hurtful isn’t based on real love.

Why please God with our sexuality?

· Jesus commanded it (v2)

· God wants us to be holy and honourable (v4)

· We need to be different from people who don’t know God (v5)

· God punishes disobedience (v6).

Let’s please God, benefit others and ourselves by avoiding all sexual sin!

LIVE

· In what ways have you fallen short of God’s will for you sexually?

· What has caused or causes this?

· What choices can you make to please God with your sexuality?

LINK

For more on Sexuality, read:

1 Corinthians 6:12-20