The Big Deal About… You Know
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, John 1:14
Dr. Kevin D. Glenn – Lead Pastor
5/22/22

We learned last week that the Scriptures present an exceedingly high and healthy view of sex. However, for people seeking to follow a Biblical sexual ethic marriage, or single life, where can a productive conversation begin? Today’s passages will show us how sexuality is a big deal, but not always the biggest deal, and not the only big deal.

1. Sex is a big deal, but not just for

, and that’s a big deal! - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
• All the behaviors listed provide a picture of how we live as either participants in the Kingdom life of God, or in opposition to it. No one’s life is neutral.

2. Same-sex relations are a big deal, but not the

big deal. - 1 Corinthians 6:9
What’s the tension/debate here? There are two primary views on same sex sexual relationships (SSSR) among

Reveal Answer

.
• “Side A” – That churches and Christians can and should welcome people who experience same sex attraction, and affirm monogamous, committed SSSR.

• “Side B” - That churches and Christians can and should welcome people who experience same sex attraction but affirm only the church’s historic/traditional view of marriage between one man and one woman.

What is Paul really talking about here?
• The text here references both consensual and non-consensual actions. Abundant evidence shows committed, monogamous SSSR existed and were known about in Paul’s day.

What did Jesus say? - Matthew 19:4-5
• This is the way the Creator has designed humans to relate to each other sexually. - Dr. Wesley Hill

Does Scripture change its position?
• All references, whether consensual or non-consensual, are described with prohibitive language.

Sexual sin is not the only sin in this list!
• Other forms of sin listed are equally destructive.

3. Your

in speaking truth is just as big a deal as the truth you are speaking. - John 1:14
• “Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless.” – Jimmy Evans

• When a Christ-follower treats another person in a minimizing, dehumanizing, isolating, or condescending way they are no longer at that point following Christ. Check your posture before making your point.

4. Sexual sin is

an unpardonable sin, and that’s a really big deal! – 1 Corinthians 6:11.
• In both marriage and singleness, sexual temptation is present.
• If you’ve messed up, understand everyone has.
• You are not alone.
In Jesus, all sexual sinners are confronted, cleansed, and commissioned to live by the grace given through Jesus.

Questions to Ponder
• Why such a focus on the Kingdom community in this passage?
• Why doesn’t Paul differentiate between sins of sex, money, and power? Why do you think we cherry-pick sins?
• Discuss same-sex relationships. How’d the info help?
• How do you process side A and B in the Christian community; and both being part of Northside?
• What issues test your balance of grace and truth? Why?
• Talk about how sexual temptation is present whether you’re married, single, straight, or LGTBQ+?
• Where do you need Jesus’ help the most?