sanctified

sexuality

It is Gods will that you should be sanctied: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;
1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-5

Roman Empire Sexuality

First Century AD Sexually Saturated Culture 1. Religion 2. Prostitution 3. Pornography and Paraphernalia 4. Household Slaves 5. Male Homosexuality

Shunned Sexuality
In summary, there are really only two reasons why sexual activity might be condemned: 1. If the sexual activity violated the sex rules that were determined by the social status of those involved. 2. If sexual activity was in excess; overindulgence in anything was seen as a aw in character.

4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;
1 THESSALONIANS 4:4-5

Roman Empire In the Roman Empire the rules of sexuality were dictated by social status and the cultures concept of the ideal male

Our Empire In our empire, however, the rules of sexuality are increasingly dictated by self expression and the individuals concept of a liberated identity

Sexually Saturated
1. Proliferation of Pornography

Sexually Saturated
Every second $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography. Every second 28,258 internet users are viewing pornography. In that same second 372 internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines. Daily pornographic search engine requests - 68 million (25% of total search engine requests) Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is being created in the U.S. The pornography industry has larger revenues than Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo, Apple and Netix combined. Pornographic websites - 4.2 million (12% of total websites) 260 new porn sites go online daily

Sexually Saturated
1. Proliferation of Pornography 2. Lesbianism is Mainstream

I Kissed a Girl Katy Perry (2008) VERSE 1 This was never the way I planned Not my intention I got so brave, drink in hand Lost my discretion It's not what, I'm used to Just wanna try you on I'm curious for you Caught my attention

CHORUS I kissed a girl and I liked it The taste of her cherry chapstick I kissed a girl just to try it I hope my boyfriend don't mind it It felt so wrong It felt so right Don't mean I'm in love tonight I kissed a girl and I liked it I liked it

VERSE 2 No, I don't even know your name It doesn't matter Your my experimental game Just human nature It's not what, good girls do Not how they should behave My head gets so confused Hard to obey

1. Proliferation of Pornography 2. Lesbianism is Mainstream 3. Casual Friendship Sex

Adam: You know, I don't want to freak you out, but I'd love to hang out with you in the daytime sometime. Emma: It's not really possible. I have no time. I work 80 hours a week doing 36-hour shifts. What I need is someone who's going to be in my bed at 2 a.m. who I don't have to lie to or eat breakfast with. Adam: I hate breakfast. Emma: Do you want to do this? Adam: Do what? Emma: Use each other for sex at all hours of the day and night, nothing else. Adam: Yeah, I could do that. Emma: Good.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Proliferation of Pornography Lesbianism is Mainstream Casual Friendship Sex Swinging

American Empire Sexuality

1. Sexuality is a choice based on personal preference. 2. Choices related to sexuality should disregard any external factors that would impede on the freedom of self expression. 3. Sex is reduced to a purely physical act devoid of social, emotional, or spiritual content.

Sow What ??
Regardless of what century or culture we live in there will always be shaping forces of our empire that ignore Gods design and plan for sexuality. Consequently, disciples of Jesus who want to live in a way that pleases God will have to release their own ideas about sexuality (however they have been shaped) and replace them with the sexuality taught in the Bible. Faithful disciples will constantly have to confront cultural error with biblical truth, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Sow What ??
1. How has your sexuality been subtly shaped by the culture? As we talked about some of the sexual issues in our culture were you ok with them? Did you nd yourself wondering why they were even mentioned as a problem?Would you be able to clearly explain a biblical view of sexuality?

Sow What ??
2. If God is showing you that you have sinned against Him by ignoring His will for sexuality and adopting beliefs and behaviors that have failed His standard of sexual purity remember that God is characterized by love, mercy, and grace. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 JOHN 1:9

Sow What ??
3. Spend time confessing your sexual sin and ask Him to forgive you. Get with a trusted Christian friend of the same gender who you can talk with about your confession time. 4. Spend time this week asking God to open your heart to the rest of the series. Humbly ask God to help you see where your thoughts on sexuality dont line up with His word and be willing to go with what He says!