Discussion Guide: Sexual Purity and Glorifying God with Our Bodies

Small Group Guide: Sexual Purity and Glorifying God with Our Bodies

Based on 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

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Opening Prayer

Begin your group time by asking God to create a safe, grace-filled environment where honesty and vulnerability can flourish.

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Sermon Recap

Paul addresses the church at Corinth about sexual immorality, reminding them that while they are saved by grace, their bodies matter to God. He emphasizes three key truths:

1. Our bodies are members of Christ

2. Sexual activity creates a spiritual and physical bond

3. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit

The main message: What we do with our bodies is a big deal, and sexual immorality will cost us more than we ever imagined.

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Discussion Questions

Understanding the Message

1. What stood out to you most from this sermon? 

2. The pastor defined sexual immorality as "any sexual act outside of the covenant of marriage." How does this definition compare to what our culture teaches? Where do you see the biggest disconnect?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 6:11 together. Paul says "such were some of you" (past tense). Why is it important to remember our identity in Christ when dealing with sexual sin?

Going Deeper

4. The sermon stated: "The goal of the Christian life is not to stop sinning. The goal of the Christian life is to glorify God." How does this shift in focus change the way we approach temptation and sin?

5. Paul asks three times, "Do you not know...?" (verses 15, 16, 19). Why is there often a gap between what we know in our heads and what we believe enough to act on? What causes this disconnect?

6. The pastor explained how sexual activity creates a bonding (synapses in the brain). How does understanding God's design help us see why His boundaries are for our good, not to restrict our freedom?

7. In verse 18, Paul says to "flee sexual immorality." What does fleeing look like practically? What's the difference between fleeing and just "trying harder"?

Personal Application

8. The sermon mentioned that belief always leads to behavior. If someone observed your life, what would they say you truly believe about sexual purity? About your body belonging to God?

9. What are some of the costs of sexual sin that our culture doesn't talk about? Have you witnessed (or experienced) any of these consequences?

10. John Piper was quoted: "The only way I know to defeat sin is by finding a greater satisfaction in my relationship with God." What are practical ways we can cultivate a deeper satisfaction in God that outweighs sexual temptation?

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Key Takeaways

- Our bodies are not our own - We were bought at a price (the cross of Christ).

- Sexual sin is in its own category - It's a sin against our own body and creates harmful bonding.

- Freedom is available - Not through trying harder, but through surrender and finding greater satisfaction in God.

- Grace doesn't mean license - Just because something is "lawful" doesn't mean it's helpful or beneficial.

- The church must address this - Silence on sexual sin is allowing the enemy to rob believers of abundant life.

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Practical Applications

This Week's Challenge (Choose 1-2):

For Everyone:

- Audit your inputs: What are you watching, reading, or scrolling through? Does it honor God or feed temptation?

- Memorize 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and recite it when tempted

- Give up something (social media, streaming services, etc.) and replace that time with prayer and Scripture

- Consider spending a day in fasting and prayer asking God to awaken the church to the realities of sexual sin

For Those Struggling:

- Confess to a trusted believer - James 5:16 says to confess our sins to one another. Don't fight this battle alone.

- Install accountability software (Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You, etc.)

- Identify your triggers - What times, places, or emotions lead to temptation? Create a battle plan.

- Find a greater satisfaction - What spiritual discipline could you deepen this week? (Prayer, worship, Scripture reading, fasting)

For Parents:

- Have age-appropriate conversations with your children about God's design for sexuality

- Set boundaries on technology in your home

- Model what it looks like to honor God with your body

For Those Wanting to Help Others:

- Educate yourself on how to counsel others in this area biblically

- Be available - Let people know you're a safe person to talk to

- Pray specifically for those struggling in your church and community

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Accountability & Prayer

1. Create a safe space: Remind the group that what's shared stays in the group.

2. Pair up or form smaller groups (same gender):

- Is this an area where you're struggling?

- What specific step will you take this week?

- How can we pray for you and check in with you?

Pray together:

- For freedom from sexual sin

- For the church to wake up to this issue

- For the next generation to know God's design

- For marriages to be protected and strengthened

- For those who raised their hands during the service

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Closing Thought

Remember: The freedom is truly available and it's not that far away. The last time you ever go back to “that place” and do “that thing” again can be behind you. It 100% can be. But you have to be willing to humble yourself. You have to be willing to admit that God is right and that you were wrong.