Desperate Households: Desperate for Sexual Fulfillment

September 10, 2006, Rev. Rurel Ausley, Rev. Kevin Kelly

Genesis 2:24,25; I Thessalonians 4:1-7; Proverbs 5:1-23

1. How have you noticed that sexuality is used in advertising? What does that try to communicate? How does this distort God’s plan for marriage? How does most of it cheapen women? How do TV programs and movies present an inaccurate view of our sexuality? What do you think is the impact of the continual bombardment of sexual themes upon us? Upon young people? Upon children?

2. Read and study 1 Thess.4:1-3. What does the word for "sexual immorality" mean? What word does the KJV use? If you have a commentary or Bible dictionary, look the word up and discuss how this is a broad term that refers to any improper sexual activity. In the message, six areas of entrapment were given for why sexual relations outside of marriage is destructive. Can you remember them? (Psychological, STDs, Abortion, The Law, Pornography, Homosexuality). (I will deal with Adultery later). Can you give any of your own? Discuss the illustration/implication of duct tape losing its adhesive after bonding to two or three different things to relations outside of marriage.

3. How does "Hollywood" present sexual intimacy? Why do so many people turn to Hollywood to find sexual fulfillment? In what ways does their version(s) of sexual intimacy differ from God plan? What is God’s strategy for satisfying your intimacy needs? What are God’s two primary purposes for sexual intimacy?

4. When the author of Proverbs writes, "Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well," what does he mean? Why does the writer use the metaphor of thirst and water to talk about the healthy dynamics of sexual intimacy?

5. What sexual traps exist in our world today? Why do so many fall prey to these traps? What can you do to avoid these? Why does the Bible warn so adamantly against falling into sexual immorality? What pain and harm occurs as a result of sexual immorality?

6. What issues related to sexual fulfillment/intimacy do you find difficult to discuss with your spouse? What more do you wish you knew about sexual intimacy? From whom do you intend to gain this information?

7. Are there romantic things that you and your spouse did but no longer do in your marriage? Why have things changed? How can this be remedied? What is your ideal date with your mate? When was the last time you went on a date? What have you come to appreciate in your spouse that you didn’t even know to appreciate at the outset of your relationship? What good things have you learned about the character of your spouse over time? How might you creatively express your appreciation for their growth in the relationship?

8. If you were to write a love note to your spouse, what would you say? What do you admire most about your spouse? Why not write this note today? In what ways do you and your spouse complement each other?

9. If your marriage has hit upon hard time, what appears to be the issue(s)? Why do you believe you are struggling in these areas? What suggestions did the sermon make at the end that would help overcome these struggles? Will you apply them? Why or why not?