SEXUALITY and the GOSPEL How the Good News Influences our Romantic Relationships Part 1
Gospel = Good News!
Spirit Soul Body (mind, emotions, will)
Spirit Soul Body (mind, emotions, will)
Spirit Soul Body (mind, emotions, will)
You have been saved from something for something
Gods people dont have a mission; Gods mission has a people
Sexuality shows us who God is
Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. John 10:30 I and the Father are one.
Genesis 1:26-28 Genesis 2:24
Satan hates God & wants to destroy anything that images God!
Sex shows us what relationship with God is like
John 14:1-21
Good News of the Gospel! 1.God doesnt make Himself one with just anybody 2.God doesnt give Himself away for free 3.Jesus gave up His independence 4.Jesus demonstrates self-control
What can we learn from Jesus example?
What would the world learn about God and His gospel if our romantic relationships were the only indicator they saw?
Next Week = Part 2! Isnt sex just a physical act? What about porn & masturbation? How far is too far for the Christian? How men/women respond to attractions differently Personal testimony & video Im attracted to someone; what should I do? Practical ways to demonstrate the Gospel in our dating relationships
Communion Triads What is God speaking to you? Where do you need the gospel?
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 6:12-20
Sexual immorality: anything that stirs up sexual desires that cannot be righteously fulfilled
How far is too far? 1.How can I demonstrate what Jesus is like? 2.How can I love the other person more than myself?
To move towards union of spirit, soul, and body outside a covenant commitment is destructive
Differences in the sexes Women: Heart physical Men: Physical heart
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Gear 1: Build Friendship Get attractions in light w/spiritual mentor DO NOT verbalize your attractions to the other person or get physical Hang out in groups and observe them It is unloving to create confusion Level of intimacy // level of commitment Litmus test: How would your spouse feel?
Ten Warning Signs if you observe… 1.People who love you advise you not to date them 2.Bad relationship with parents 3.Doesnt maintain long-term friendships 4.Others are confused by their intentions 5.Drifting/running away from God 6.Overly jealous 7.Financially unwise 8.Tears you down 9.Arrogant/prideful 10.Youre not physically attracted to them
Gear 2: Prepare to communicate your intentions & initiate relationship Get advice from spiritual mentor & parents on timing (ready for marriage in 12 months?) Tell the person what youve observed & ask them to pray about a relationship that may lead to marriage (this is not a proposal!) Give them time to pray! If they say yes, agree on healthy parameters for the amount of time your spend together & physical boundaries
Boundaries are good Physical touch exposes the heart and clouds the mind Exclusive time together speeds up intimacy & the desire to unite spirit, soul, and body You want your friends to stay in your life & rejoice with you on your wedding day!
Gear 3: Dating/Courtship Continue to build relationship in groups & alone Leave romance for engagement/marriage Spend lots of time talking/asking questions Find out what you enjoy to do together Ask about life dreams/goals Avoid talking about marriage prematurely Dont lead them on if you feel red flag (most people know in 3-6 months if relationship is leading towards marriage or not)
Gear 4: Engagement! Focus = planning your marriage, not wedding Pre-marital counseling Talk about finances, where youll live, children, more verbal/spiritual intimacy Physical temptation is difficult (short engagements are best) Do you want foundation of trust or lust?
Gear 5: Marriage!
video
Communion Triads What is God speaking to you? Where do you need the gospel?