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

God’s people don’t have a mission;God’s 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 1:26-28Genesis 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 doesn’t make Himself one with just anybody

2. God doesn’t give Himself away for free3. Jesus gave up His independence4. 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!• Isn’t 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• I’m 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 physicalMen: 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 them2. Bad relationship with parents3. Doesn’t maintain long-term friendships4. Others are confused by their intentions5. Drifting/running away from God6. Overly jealous7. Financially unwise8. Tears you down9. Arrogant/prideful10.You’re 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 you’ve 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• Don’t 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 you’ll 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?