Tempted - Sex, Lies & Adultery

This week's iMAX (weekend discussion guide) comes with a PG-13 warning! Tempted is our new series dealing with how to have a fulfilling sex life, and how to avoid the traps that lead to bad choices about sexuality. This is Week One.

Read Matthew 26:41; I Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 4:1-4

• The temptation Jesus faced was to satisfy normal desires, but at the wrong time in the wrong way. Have you faced similar situations?
• Pastor Troy said, "Life is about more than two naked bodies, techniques or an orgasm." Discuss.

Celebrate Our Love - Read I Corinthians 6:16-17; John 8:10-11

• "For sex to be fulfilling it has to have: Purpose, meaning and commitment. Outside of marriage, it becomes a competition." What does this mean?
• What are some physical consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship?
• What are some mental consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship?
• What are some spiritual consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship/
• In the light of John 8:10-11, what hope can you give to a person who has been involved in this way, and now wants to change?

Capture Your Mind - Read Matthew 5:27-29; Romans 8:5-7

• Some people feel that, if thinking it is the same as doing it, they might as well do it. Pastor Troy said, "It is the same betrayal, but not the same consequences, because of the number of people involved." Discuss.
• "If you feed your lust, it will grow into a monster. Lust is the ultimate act of selfishness." Discuss.

Cherish Their Body - Read I Corinthians 7:3-5; Ephesians 5:25-28

• Do people ever use sex as a weapon or bargaining tool? Is this wrong? Is it ever okay? Why or why not?
• In light of the scripture in Ephesians 5, how is the marital relationship meant to parallel/mirror our relationship with God? What does it say about how God "feels" about us?
• Is it possible for married couples to continue to have a sexually fulfilling relationship throughout the lifetime of their marriage?

Connect Group Challenge - How can the Church help single people to deal with this issue? What encouragement can you give to the singles in your life? If you are a single Christ follower, how can you encourage other singles?