God's Plan for Purity: "Truth or Consequences"

August 17, 2008 - Rev. Rurel Ausley; Rev. Greg McKinnon

I. God, in his love, has given us a good plan!

1. Different genders was God’s idea.
2. Marriage was designed by God to meet the first problem of the human race—loneliness.
3. Marriage was planned and brought about to bring happiness, not misery.
4. Marriage is the establishment of a permanent relationship between one man and one woman.

II. God, in his love, has given us ample warnings against human distortions that carry tragic consequences.

1 Corinthians 6:13, 18; 7:2; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3

III. Why does God warn us and forbid intimacy outside of marriage?

1. We risk hurting ourselves.
2. We risk hurting others.
3. We risk hurting society.
4. Most of all, we hurt God.

IV. God, in his love, sent Jesus to restore us.

1. You are constantly bombarded with disturbing examples of marriages, relationships, parental roles and all forms of behavior. Read Genesis 1 and 2. What does God reveal about our being male and female? What was his intention when he created us as male and female? What is the desired outcome of a marriage relationship between a man and a woman?

2. God’s plan for purity has been distorted by sin. Therefore, we will suffer the consequences if we seek to live impure lives. Read 1 Corinthians 6:13, 18; 7:2; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3. What warnings do these scriptures give us? Do you struggle with any of these? If so, which ones and why?

3. When we look outside of marriage for intimacy we run into problems. What did the sermon reveal as four possible outcomes when we ignore God’s plan for purity? Can you give examples of one or more of these occurring in your life or in the lives of those who are close to you? What were the results?

4. Thankfully, God loves us and he sent Jesus to restore us. How does Jesus restore us? How does he handle the bad decisions we have made regarding intimacy? What are we responsible for in this restoration as we move forward?

5. As we begin this series, what are the areas of your life that you would like to become more pure and holy? Why do you struggle in these areas? Take time to commit these areas to God in prayer and commit to come each week.