LEADER’S GUIDE

– The Sex Series –
GOD’S DESIGN  .  DANGER  .  REDEMPTION  .  HEALING

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Student Notes

The BIG IDEA

Sex brings brokenness when it happens outside of God’s design.

The PROBLEM
Sex is so attractive that it tempts us to experience it outside of God’s will.

Our RESPONSE
Ask God for the power to line up our lives with his word about sex.

Why THIS MATTERS
Sex within God’s will brings freedom from guilt, regret, and heartache. Yet many don’t know about or pay attention to God’s design and experience brokenness in the sexual area of their lives.

I WANT MY STUDENTS TO:

• KNOW: Sex has the power to destroy our lives when we depart from God’s design.
• EXPERIENCE:  The joy and safety that come from experiencing sex within God’s design.  
• DO: Trust God for the power of his Spirit to listen to his word and not let our hearts turn away from his design for sex.

The idea box is a place where you can find some creative ideas for leading this study. You might find videos, activities, or great illustrations that really bring the main point home. The ideas come from small group leaders like you, so if you have an idea that isn’t in there, click below to share it with the community!

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

*When we see a “Danger” sign, we know we’re supposed to be careful and stay away. But sometimes the sign can have the opposite effect: it can make us curious and draw us in. Why do you think that is?

Allow the group to discuss. We’re curious and drawn in because we want to come to our own conclusion. Is it really dangerous? There’s something in us that finds it hard to take someone else’s word for it.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?

*1. Read Proverbs 7:6-27, which describes how an unwise person responds to a “Danger” sign warning against sexual immorality. How do verses 6-7 describe this person?
Young (naive) and lacking sense. In this example, the unwise person is male, and the sexually immoral person is female. But the unwise person could just as easily be a female and the sexually immoral person a male.

2. How does the unwise person handle it when he realizes where the sexually immoral person’s house is?
He goes to it (“He takes the way to her house” verse 8). He knows there could be consequences, but all he is thinking about is his immediate pleasure.

*3. What stands out to you about the sexually immoral person from verses 10-21?
Allow the group to discuss. She’s aggressive, attractive, and persuasive. She persuades him to be with her by saying no one will find out.

*4. How do verses 22-23 describe what happens when he goes along with her?
Even though it seems so inviting, the unwise person who gives in to sexual immorality is actually like an animal being taken away to be killed.

*5. What advice is given in verses 24-27?  What do you think of this advice?
Listen. Pay attention. Protect your heart against getting tied up in the trap of sexual immorality. Allow the group to discuss. This might be an appropriate time for you to share your experience of how guarding your heart has helped you – or how not guarding your heart has hurt you.  

*6. According to what we just read, we know that engaging in sexual immorality is unwise, but is it a sin?   

• What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 tell us about this?

It is a sin. God wants us to avoid sexual immorality, which means any kind of sexual activity outside of marriage between a husband and his wife.  

HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?

7. In what ways can you relate to the unwise person in this story (or to the person enticing others to sex)?
Allow the group to discuss. Ask things like “What are you tempted to do even though there are consequences?” or “What goes through your mind when you are tempted or when you fall?”

8. If you could rewrite this story to give it a happy ending, what changes would you make?
Allow the group to discuss.

9. The man’s main problem is his lack of wisdom. How do you get wisdom?
Allow the group to discuss. Read James 1:5 together.

*10. As you look to Jesus for wisdom in light of this study, what is one step you think God wants you to take to pay attention to his “Danger” sign and be a sexually wise person?
Allow the group to discuss. Steps might include:

• Choosing to stay away from people, situations, and media that tempt me sexually.
• Realizing that God sees all my sexual choices, even when I think no one else does.
• Committing to a life of sexual purity.
• Remembering to RUN from sexual temptation:
  R-ealize that Jesus is better. Being connected to Jesus is way more satisfying than any pleasure that could come from these things.
  U-nderstand the power of God’s Spirit and others. Only God’s Spirit can give the power we need to live in a way that honors him. And it’s good to involve friends who share your faith in Christ as you seek to flee these temptations. Text or call to let them know what’s going on and ask for prayer and encouragement.
  N-ip temptation before it turns into sin. Examples include turning off your phone when you’re tempted to use it to view porn, or choosing not to be alone if you’re facing temptation with your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Our review cards are an excellent way to review your past lessons with your students before each study. Not every lesson has one yet but if we have them, you can find them on the PRINT page. Check them out and use them each week to help your students grab hold of the truths in these studies.

What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.