FollowUp 10-24-17

Message Title: What about Sex, Alcohol, and Gambling?

Series: Questions

Key verses: 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Cor. 6:12-20

Sermon Notes:

The key to the life we really want:

1. Your life has a purpose. (1 Cor. 9:24; 15:32)
2. Your purpose is realized the moment you stand at the finish line.(1 Cor. 9:25)
3. You were built to run. (1 Cor. 9:26-27)

Excuses that rob us of life:

Excuse #1: I have the right to do whatever I want! (1 Cor. 6:12)

Not everything we want is good for us.

Some of the things we want control our lives.

Excuse #2: What does it matter how I live, if this life is temporary? (1 Cor. 6:13-17)

Our bodies are meant for the Lord.

Our bodies will be resurrected and we will have them in eternity.

We participate in the body of Christ using our bodies.

The Spirit of the Lord dwells in our bodies.

Run to win: Set boundaries to reach the goal. (1 Cor. 6:18-20)

Follow up questions from Sunday:

Icebreaker: What is the longest time you’ve ever dieted or controlled what you eat? What was the hardest thing to avoid eating?  Was your goal ever reached?  If so,  how did you feel?

1. Read Jn 8:31-36. What things have you noticed that people do with their freedom that ends up becoming a habit of bondage for them?  How has meeting, knowing, and following Jesus set you free in your life journey? What things is He in the process of setting you free from?
2. Read Phil. 3:13-14. Paul uses the race imagery here to describe his own pursuit of the goal. He says that he has to forget what is behind him and press on. How have these verse applied to your life with Christ?
3. Read Romans 6:15-18. What are the two choices we have to “serve”? What is the result of slavery to sin?  What is the benefit of slavery to God and its result?  Some people think that because we are not under the law, we have the freedom to sin. Why do you think this thinking is flawed?
4. Read Eph. 5:3-4. Paul says there shouldn’t be a hint of sexual immorality among Christians. How important is it that we live out our faith, in front of people who are not Christians? Read vv. 8-11. What helps you to remain on track for Christ in a dark and faithless world?
5. Read 1 Cor. 6:18-20. Paul gives three reasons why sexual immorality is bad for Christians. It is (1) a sin against your own life, (2) the Holy Spirit dwells in our bodies, and (3) we are owned by God, who bought us at the price of His own shed blood. Which of these ideas is the most helpful to you in avoiding sin in your life? Why?