Read 1 Corinthians 5 incarnationally. What is the primary implication for you as you read this text?
How do you currently view your sexuality through the Gospel?
Reflect and respond to the overview from our friends at the Bible Project:
“Remember first of all, Jesus died for your sins, including the ruin of broken relationships that’s caused by sexual misconduct. Sexual integrity is one of the main ways in that we respond to Jesus’ love and grace. Paul also reminds us that, just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so our bodies will be raised from the dead. Which means this: If your body is being redeemed by Jesus, now and in the future, then what you do with your body matters. It matters a lot. And it’s not yours to do whatever you want with. Paul is being super clear. Being a follower of Jesus involves no compromise when it comes to sexual integrity. ” – The Bible Project.
In your own words define the following phrases:
Sexual integrity –
Sexual immorality –
The flesh –
Read Romans 7.14-25. How does this passage resonate with you? Where do you find yourself currently as it relates to the struggle with the flesh? Who in your life is aware of this struggle?
Read 1 Corinthians 5.1-5. What are the two primary problems Paul addresses in these verses?
How would you encourage Sanctuary leaders to respond to sexual immorality in our church?
How would your encouragement to Sanctuary leaders align with the way you engage sexual immorality in your family, or with friends? How is it different?
What does Paul mean when he says, “hand this man over to Satan?” How does verse 4, and the end of verse 5 help make sense of this phrase?
What’s the implication of the following phrase, “Sometimes God has to let things die before there can be resurrection”? How have you seen this truth lived out in your life?
Read John 12.23-26. How have you tried other ways to live rather than living in Jesus’ Truth?
How tempted are you to be an enabler? What is at the core of your choice to enable?
On Sunday the question was asked, “Are you trying to please God, or play God, or do you simply trust God?” If your closest friend was asked to answer this question for you, how would they answer? How are you growing in your trust of God?
Zach Eswine wrote:
“Mark this down, won’t you? One of the first signs that we are approaching the borders of attempting omnipotence is this: We believe that another is choosing a course of action because he or she simply isn’t clear on what is right. Therefore, we believe that if we just work hard enough to explain what is right, then he or she will obviously and immediately do the right thing. No one was more plain, true, reasonable, and clear than Jesus, and they crucified him. Clarity matters a great deal. But clarity can’t always solve or fix the broken things.”
“You were never meant to repent because you can’t fix everything. You are meant to repent because you’ve tried. Even if we could be god for people and fix it all, the fact remains that Jesus often does not have the kind of fixing in mind that you and I want.” – Zach Eswine, The Imperfect Pastor
What part of these paragraphs resonate most deeply with you? What kind of “fixing” does Jesus have in mind for you, your family, and our Faith Family?
On Christmas Eve, we celebrated the Truth, “H.W.L.F.” He would love first. If God loves first, He would also love last. “H.W.L.L” How does knowing God’s love change the way you approach sexual immorality in your own life and in the lives of those you love the most?
Spend a few moments praying, inviting God to speak deeper truths to you regarding your sexuality integrity. Give Him praise for His prevailing love.
