– The Live Differently Series –
SAY WHAT? . EVERYBODY’S NOT DOING IT . #MEASUREUP? . RIGHT NOW
*WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Imagine that you’re at a college football game. The stadium is a sea of blue (the color of the home team). However, you’re wearing red because you’re cheering with the few who are cheering for the visiting team. How do you think you might feel, act, and cheer for your team differently because of being in the minority?
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?
1. Read 1 Corinthians 6:15–17. How should we see ourselves if we’re followers of Christ?
2. What question does Paul (the writer of 1 Corinthians) ask in verse 15?
– What’s the problem with taking a member of Christ’s body and joining it sexually to a prostitute or anyone you’re not married to (verses 16–17)?
3. Verse 17 says followers of Christ have joined themselves to the Lord. This means our greatest satisfaction comes from our connection to Jesus, not from sexual connection. How does this affect our thinking and choices about sex?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 6:18–20. How should we handle it when we have the chance to be sexually immoral?
–What are some good ways to respond when faced with specific temptations like pornography or being sexually active with a boyfriend or girlfriend?
When specific temptations arise (like viewing porn or being sexually active with a boyfriend or girlfriend), remember to RUN!
R – Realize that Jesus is better. Being connected to Jesus is way more satisfying than any pleasure that could come from these things. Sinning will break your fellowship with God and make it harder to connect with him.
U – Understand that God has given you the power to resist the temptation. The power of God’s Spirit and the support of others can help us make right choices sexually. 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 – Nip 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.
5. Verse 18 says that one reason to live differently about sex is that sexual immorality is sin against our own bodies. How does knowing that sexual immorality hurts you rather than helps you motivate you to live differently?
6. Verse 19 says another reason to live differently in our sexual choices is that we belong to God. Explain what you think this means in your own words.
7. Verse 20 says another reason to live differently about sex is that we want to honor (i.e., show off) God in our bodies with the sexual choices we make. What difference does it make in our sexual choices that we’ve been bought with a price, the price of Jesus giving his life for us?
HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?
8. In contrast to what God says, how does our culture encourage us to see sex?
9. What difference does it make for our identity to be in our relationship with God instead of in our sexuality (i.e., whether we’re married, single, gay, straight, or dating someone)?
10. What are the hardest things about living for God in your sexuality?
11. What from this study motivates you to live differently in your choices about sex and find your identity in God?
– How could the Holy Spirit help you live differently in this area?
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.
