Messed Up Church: Great Sex

1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 7:1-4; Genesis 1:26-31, John 8:3-11

Please Note: Some may feel uncomfortable or even offended at discussing private issues like sex in a public way. But these are real issues people are struggling with, and asking about. Since this is a sensitive subject, be sure to use discretion in your conversation, especially if this is a mixed-gender group. You do not have to ask or discuss every question below. Use discernment and choose which questions are most appropriate for your group.

Icebreaker: Today/tonight, we're going to talk about sex. :-) Why might this be awkward?

Why do churches and Christians shy away from talking about sex?

What do you think about Pastor Nathan/Wesley directly addressing the kinds of subjects he did? Did he go to far? Not far enough? Just right?

What is the world's view of sex? Can you give some examples of the "lies" we hear in our culture?

Read Genesis 1:26-31. What are biblical truths about sex?
God designed sex. (v 26-28)
God has a purpose for sex. (v 28)
God has a positive view of sex. (v 31)

What are the problems with sex outside of God's design? What can be the consequences personally? For the family? For society?

Can there be such a thing as "casual sex?" Why or why not?
(1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

A recent Barna poll notes that 60% of Christians in their 20s and 30s believed that pre-marital sex is acceptable. Why do you think it is that high?

What advice would you give someone who is not married and tempted to have pre-marital sex?

How would you answer someone who says that living together is good preparation for marriage?

How does sex provide a "spiritual superglue effect?"

Why should we not judge others for their sexual immorality?
(John 8:3-11)

What hope would you offer to someone who tells you they are trapped in sexual sins?

Next Steps:

1. Examine your views on sex.
• Do you believe any lies?
• Are you in any sexual immorality?

2. Ask God for forgiveness and help.

Prayer:
Pray for you/those caught up in sexual immorality to find freedom.
Pray that God's truth will replace cultural lies about sex.
Pray for you to be of help (like Jesus) to those who are struggling/ashamed/outcast/etc.

Announcements:

Communion is coming up on Sunday, March 11th. We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

Weeks of Prayer
Remember how we did the 21 days of prayer as a church? Well, we want to keep that going, but with rGroups. Each week, we will post the prayer topic on the blog, and your group can pray together and individually about these subjects. These topics are not planned to coordinate with the sermon, so this is not meant to be a closing prayer. Determine how you'd like to pray as a group.

This week's topic is: Men and Fathers
The role of men in the home and in society is indispensable. We feel the pains of manhood gone wrong. Let's ask God to make our church a city on a hill in this regard. May our men be examples that set the standard for the men around them.