Discussion Guide: Living Out the Gospel in Your Married Life

Sunday Sermon 11.23

Living Out the Gospel in Your Married Life

Read: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

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Opening Prayer

Spend a few moments in prayer reflecting upon what it means to be bought with a price. Thank God for the sacrifice Jesus was willing to make in order for you to do what you were created to do - Glorify God! 

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Sermon Recap

Main Points:

1. The gospel calls believers to faithfulness in marriage. Marriage is God's provision for sexual expression within a holy covenant. We're called to mutual giving and serving, not withholding or controlling. When we fail to honor this, we open the door to the enemy's schemes. Faithfulness begins inside the marriage covenant. Repent of any unfaithfulness, whether online, emotional, or physical, and pursue God's design with your whole heart.

2. Both singleness and marriage are gifts from God, neither is superior. Paul reminds us that remaining single can be good, allowing undivided devotion to ministry. But if self-control is difficult, marriage is the right path. God's design is clear: virginity before marriage, monogamy in marriage. His plan isn't to keep you from sex; it's to keep you FOR sex within marriage. This is His good and glorious plan.

3. Your marriage is rooted in worship. True worship isn't just singing songs on Sunday, it's yielding your life in obedience to God's will. No marriage will thrive when we seek from our spouse what only God can provide. When we celebrate God as Creator and see His glory reflected in our spouse, we're positioned to experience the blessing He intends. How's your worship? Where does God rank in your priorities? He doesn't deserve a rank. He deserves to be the center of everything.

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Discussion Questions

Understanding God's Design

1. The pastor emphasized that marriage and sex are God's "good gifts," not dirty topics. How does our culture distort God's original design? How can we reclaim a biblical view of these gifts?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. What does Paul teach about mutual giving and serving in marriage? Why is this countercultural?

3. The sermon stated, "Marriage is God's good provision for us to carry out a desire He's given us in a holy way." How does viewing marriage as God's provision rather than just a personal choice change our perspective?

The Call to Faithfulness

4. Paul warns that withholding intimacy in marriage (except by mutual agreement for prayer) gives Satan an opportunity (v. 5). Why is this such a serious warning? How can couples protect their marriages from this vulnerability?

5. The pastor said, "Faithfulness begins inside the marriage covenant." What are some subtle ways unfaithfulness can creep into a marriage (online interactions, emotional affairs, etc.)? How can we guard against these?

6. For those who are single or widowed (v. 8-9), what encouragement does this passage offer? How can the church better support singles in living faithfully?

Mixed Marriages & Difficult Situations

7. Read 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. What hope does Paul offer to believers married to unbelievers? How does the believing spouse "sanctify" the relationship?

8. The pastor emphasized pursuing "peace and holiness" in difficult marriages. What does this look like practically? When is it appropriate to let an unbelieving spouse go (v. 15)?

Worship & Marriage

9. The sermon concluded by saying, "Your marriage is rooted in worship." What does it mean to worship God through your marriage? How is worship more than just being in a building singing songs?

10. "No marriage will be unaffected when people are seeking to get from the creation what they were only ever meant to get from the Creator." Discuss this statement. What needs can only God fulfill that we sometimes expect our spouse to meet?

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Key Takeaways

Have group members share which of these truths resonated most with them:

- The gospel calls believers to be faithful in marriage - through mutual giving, serving, and protecting one another

- The gospel calls unmarried believers to faithfulness in their condition - singleness and marriage are both good gifts from God

- The gospel calls married believers to remain faithful to death - shaped by God's will, not culture or convenience

- The gospel calls believers in mixed marriages to peace and holiness - staying committed when possible, trusting God with the outcome

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Practical Applications

For Married Couples:

This Week: Have an honest conversation with your spouse about areas where you may be withholding (emotionally, physically, spiritually). Commit to mutual giving.

Ongoing: Establish accountability regarding online activity, entertainment choices, and relationships with the opposite sex.

Spiritual Practice: Pray together daily, even if just for 5 minutes. Make worship of God central to your marriage.

For Singles:

This Week: Identify one area where you're struggling with sexual purity and share it with a trusted friend for accountability.

Ongoing: Pursue holiness and contentment in your current season. Consider how singleness allows undivided devotion to God.

Spiritual Practice: Memorize 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 as a reminder that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

For Everyone:

Confession & Repentance: If the Holy Spirit convicted you of unfaithfulness (in any form), take action this week. Confess to God, seek accountability, and if necessary, have an honest conversation with your spouse.

Grace: Remember that God's grace is greater than all our failures. If you're carrying shame from past mistakes, receive His forgiveness and commit to moving forward in obedience.

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Accountability & Prayer

Reflection Question: The pastor asked, "How's your worship? Where does God rank on the list of priorities in your life?"

Take time for honest self-assessment:

- Is God truly at the center of your life and relationships?

- Are you seeking to glorify Him in your body and spirit?

- What one change could you make this week to better honor God in your relationships?

Break into smaller groups (by gender if discussing sensitive topics) and pray for:

- Marriages represented in the group - for faithfulness, unity, and Christ-centeredness

- Singles - for contentment, purity, and God's direction

- Those struggling with sexual sin - for repentance, freedom, and accountability

- Mixed marriages - for peace, holiness, and the salvation of unbelieving spouses

- The church - to speak truth with grace on these important topics

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Additional Resources Scripture Memory: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

Further Study: Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Genesis 2:18-25

Recommended Reading: "The Meaning of Marriage" by Timothy Keller