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Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Matthew 25:34-46; Genesis 39:9; John 13:34, 35
Concept
Ever since Eden, Satan has tried to corrupt the pure things that God created. Sexuality in today’s society is one of these areas.
Materials Needed
Paper and pencils
Connecting with the Scripture Topic
- Choose two members to do an impromptu skit. Read together 1 Thessalonians 3:13. One person will act out what a self-proclaimed “blameless” person talks like. The other person will act out what a blameless person who is covered by Christ’s righteousness talks like.
- Separate the women from the men. Have each group list attitudes they wish the opposite sex would have when it comes to sex. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. When finished, share both lists with the whole group.
Sharing and Receiving Scripture
- Some Christians feel that sex is somehow taboo and isn’t meant for married couples to enjoy. How does Paul work at getting people to view sex the way God created it to be?
- Thought Questions
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 and 4:1-8. In the context of these two passages, what is Paul talking about when he refers to “blameless and holy” living that “pleases” God?
- He’s taking about true, pure, overflowing love for each other.
- He’s speaking against all forms of sexual immorality.
- He’s encouraging them to be in control of their bodies when it comes to sexual relations.
- He’s drawing a contrast between pure love and pagan lust.
- He’s telling them that if they’re involved in sexual sin, they’re sinning against God.
- Other...
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7. Considering that Paul was talking about sexuality, how should we interpret these texts?
- “Sanctified” and “sex” cannot go together—you have to choose one or the other.
- It’s been said that sanctification is the work of a lifetime; it’s not a short-term solution.
- We can be impure in areas other than our sexuality.
- What we watch and read can make us sexually impure, too.
- Holy is the opposite of impure—we can’t be both at the same time.
- Other...
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:4, 5. How should Christian sex differ from pagan sex?
- Sex was created for procreation only, so sex at any other time would be “pagan.”
- Sex is okay as long as you can “control your own body” as the text suggests.
- Pagan sex is selfish, out of control, and dishonorable to both parties.
- A holy life and sex can go together if we have a healthy view of sex as God intended.
- Controlling our bodies sexually will help us control other areas of our lives.
- Other...
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:6-8. Does a “holy life” include more than just being sexually pure?
- If we control ourselves sexually, we’ll be able to control ourselves in other areas.
- A holy life isn’t only about sexual purity.
- A holy life includes how we talk about the opposite sex.
- A holy life includes what we read, watch, and listen to.
- A holy life includes how we treat our spouse sexually.
- Other...
Applying the Message of Scripture
Gather in groups of two or three. Choose one of the following options and work on a solution. Report back to your group when your facilitator says time is up.
- Option 1: When God created sex in the Garden of Eden, it was pure and beautiful. When do you think sex started to become self-centered and impure? What led to this?
- Option 2: Make a list of the ways both single and married people can guard their hearts against sexual impurity. What is needed on their part?
- Option 3: How would you describe to a new believer God’s intention for sex? If someone has been living a life of sexual impurity, what steps would you recommend to him or her to follow what God intended?
Valuing Scripture in Your Life
- If you’re single, how do you view sex? Are you wrapped up in pornography or reading romantic novels to fill the void? Begin to live God’s intention for you as a single person. And if you choose to get married in the future, invite God to prepare your mind and body even now to love unselfishly then.
- If you’re married, take a look at yourself as a sexual partner. Are your motives toward your spouse unselfish and pure? Are you be wrapped up in pornography or reading romantic novels rather than engaging your spouse in marital pleasure? Recommit yourself to God’s intention for you and your spouse.
Next Week’s Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 17:3; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 51-58; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:4-6