Our focus this week is on understanding God’s will and His desire for His children to pursue life in Him as our Creator, liberty from Him in connection with the freedoms we enjoy as forgiven children through Christ, and the pursuit of happiness as we follow God’s plan in the areas of sexual intimacy.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Discipleship Conversations
For Adult Homes or Groups

1. Opening Icebreaker: Share your high point and low point of the week with your group.
2. READ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. What verse stands out as something our society or young Christians today need to hear?
3. Where are people getting most of their ideas and beliefs about sexuality from today? Has anything changed since the Apostle Paul’s day when he was dealing with these issues in the early church?
4. The Apostle Paul writes: The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body...Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? (1 Corinthians 6:13-15) Does this verse bring comfort or conviction to you?
5. Pastor John talked about the new power (v. 8) God gives to His children to walk in a way that pleases God (v. 1). How would you describe the power you need from God to be able to live out God’s new purpose and pattern?
6. No amount of abstinence can save you. But also, no amount of sexual sin can put you beyond the reach of God. Close in prayer and celebrate God’s grace offered through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection on your behalf.

For Families with Kids

1. Although this text is from a few weeks ago, read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 with your family.
2. Have everyone share something really cool that God gave your body the ability to do. For example, God gave you hands so you can draw beautiful pictures.
3. What’s something you can do with your body that does NOT honor God?
4. How can you use your body this week in a way that will honor God or show His love to others?
5. Bonus Activity: This week, listen to the song that was emailed to you! Feel free to use your body to dance and worship God!