The Ten Words (Part 6): Sexual Faithfulness

TO START: In The Ten Words series, we explore the personal and practical foundations God gives in the Exodus story, often known as the Ten Commandments. In the sixth message of our series, we explore how sexual faithfulness is an act of love toward God, a testimony to His character, and a witness to the coming future He will bring to completion at His return.

TO READ: Exodus 20:14

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being a lot, how much have you heard about the purpose of marriage and the role of sex in the Christian life? Why do you think it is that little or that much?

(2.) What stories in the Bible and in our society today might not have happened if this command had been fully trusted and lived out?

(3.) Why do you think the prophets (Hosea 1-3), Jesus (Matthew 12:39), and the New Testament (James 4:4) letters often use the term adultery to describe both the posture/the brokenness of God’s people toward Him?

(4.) How do you see Jesus going deeper to the heart in Matthew 5:27-28, building on what people had already “heard” in the seventh word?

(5.) As you consider your heart in relation to your sexual faithfulness, in what areas do you need your group to pray for both the conviction and the compassion of Jesus in your life?

TO CLOSE/TO PRAY:  

Leader: “Holy Spirit, we welcome you and we acknowledge that we need you to search our hearts and refine our hearts, in Exodus 20:14, Moses shared this from you for us, “You shall not commit adultery.”  (pause for 30 seconds) 

Leader: “Lord, we want you to reveal to us our hearts, would you bubble up to us right now any places where my thoughts, desires, habits or private compromises have drifted from your design for faithfulness?” (pause for 30 seconds) 

Leader: “Lord, thank you for revealing this, we ask that you would now cancel those out and restore those places in our hearts.” 

Leader: “Lastly, Lord, would you remind us of the ways you have been mindful and grateful for the ways we have chosen holiness, faithfulness, integrity in your Name.” (pause 30 secs)

Leader: “Lord, we thank you that you have written your Name and your Words on our hearts, help us to give more of ourselves to you and your purposes this week.” Amen.