Sexual Integrity

Passage

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Sermon Summary

Paul’s shift into practical instruction starts with holiness, challenging the faithful Thessalonians to continue pleasing God with lives marked by sexual integrity. In the process he addresses five common objections that are prevalent in our world today: That God’s design for sex is arbitrary, cruel, invasive, repressive and unrealistic. Instead, he demonstrates that in Christ and by the power of the Spirit, it is actually proven, safe, protective, liberating and doable.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. Which of the five objections do you tend to believe about sex? When and from whom did you learn them?
3. Which of the five realities is especially meaningful to you today? Why?
4. What situations tend to activate the “passion of lust” in your heart? How can you avoid or mitigate that temptation?
5. How dos the Gospel of Grace cast off your guilt and cover your shame and empower you to new obedience?
6. How do you need help to pursue sexual integrity? Think of a specific person who might be your next step toward finding it. Reach out to that person today.

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Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, Father, for __________ (some aspect of his design for sexuality)
• Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for not beleiving that _________ (asome spect of his design for sex) is truly good for me and for others.
• Help me, Holy Spirit, to “master my vessel” by _____________ (specific habit or discipline)

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Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land: An African-American New Testament Commentary, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Thessalonians for Everyone, NT Wright
• Cornerstone Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, Philip W. Comfort
• The Bible Speaks Today Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, John Stott
• IVP Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, GK Beale
• Tyndale Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, Leon Morris
• The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, Louise Perrry
• From Shame to Sin: The Christian Transformation of Sexual Moraliy in Late Antiquity, Kyle Harper