Week 10: Single Sexuality
Sex is a strong desire, inside and outside of marriage. Now that you are single again, how do you deal with your sexuality? What do you do with your desires and the opportunities for sexual expression that come your way?
This week’s On My Own will help you understand sexuality from God’s perspective and will show you how you can be single again and satisfied.
Day 1 — I have needs
When life is lousy, sometimes having sex seems like a good idea. You may be thinking, if not sex, then what else?
Read Ephesians 1:18–19, 22–23. What does God have for you that is far deeper and more lasting than the temporary rush of sex outside of marriage?
What does verse 23 say about God’s ability to fulfill your deepest longings?
Why do you think it’s not a good idea for you to give in to your sexual urges?
Day 2 — I want what’s best
God designed sexual pleasure to be expressed and enjoyed within the bonds of marriage. His design and His limits are for your ultimate good.
According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5, 7, what is God’s will for you regarding your sexuality?
Many people think sex is just a physical act that you can walk away from unharmed. That is not true. When two people have a sexual union, God supernaturally bonds them together.
1 Corinthians 6:16-17 explains it this way:
There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” (Msg)
After reading the Bible verses and watching this past week’s DVD session, how has your understanding of sex changed?
Day 3 — Help, I’m being tempted!
Think of a time when you went further than you had wanted to sexually. What excuses or rationalizations did you give yourself?
How does Proverbs 6:27–28 apply to your struggles with sexual temptation?
According to 1 John 4:4, how is it possible to keep yourself from having sex outside of marriage?
Day 4 — Warning—danger!
Having sex outside of marriage results in serious consequences, but you do not need to be a victim of these dangers. Through Christ, you can overcome sexual temptation.
According to Romans 13:12–14, how can you keep yourself from giving in to the desire for sex?
Prayer works as a preventive measure, as a protective cloak around your heart, mind and body when sexual temptation arises. Write out 1 Thessalonians 5:23 as a personal prayer, substituting “me” every time it says “you.”
Day 5 — I need a plan to stay pure
It is important to establish a plan ahead of time to resist sexual temptation.
Read 1 Corinthians 6:18–20. What should you do if you find yourself becoming sexually aroused—whether you are out on a date, watching television or surfing the Net?
If you have invited Christ to be Lord of your life, you do not have to face sexual temptation alone. Whom has God sent to live within you? (verse 19)
How does having the Spirit in you affect the way you deal with temptation?
How can you “honor God with your body”? (verse 20)
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