Matt Nelson - September 17, 2023
Part 1: Beauty
GOD & SEXUALITY Part I: Beauty 9.17.23 Major shifts in sexuality over the last fifty years: Sex has been disconnected from child-bearing and the family Sex has been disconnected from marriage Sex has been disconnected from male/female relationships Sex has been disconnected from love, emotion, and relational commitment of any kind Secularism – the language of our current culture which disciples a person to learn to live without God Our identity is what gives us meaning, self-worth, and purpose. It drives us and often defines the community we belong to. Our culture has normalized the lie that both identity and sexuality are one and the same. The American Psychology Association defines sexual orientation as “referring to a person's sense of identity, based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions." If you are a follower of Jesus, your primary identity is found in Christ. This is central to the Christian faith. 3 MAIN STORIES ABOUT SEXUALITY IN OUR WORLD: Secular Story Exploration Identity Rights Pleasure Shame Story Repress Legalism/Moralism Hypocrisy Secrecy Fear Sacred Story Formation Grace Transformation Belonging Design How do we live in God’s beautiful design for sexuality? We see sex and sexuality as a part of God's good creation Our sexuality is not just about saying “No!” It is saying “Yes” to God’s beautiful design for us. 2. We realize how sin disconnected us from God and others and our desire for connection 3. We recognize God’s design and framework for our sexuality require surrender 4. We acknowledge that our sexuality and desire for connection are pointing us to something far superior We eventually realize that, here in this life, all symphonies remain unfinished. – Karl Rahner Luke 20:27, 34-36 27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. Own your pain and the incompleteness of living in this in-between Give up false messianic expectations of love, marriage, and sexuality Go inward and learn the deep soul work of solitude, contentment, and self-control Embrace the restfulness and restlessness of your sexuality
From Series: "God & Sexuality"
As society grapples with an array of complex sexual issues, this series invites us to understand human sexuality through the lens of God's greater narrative. Part I explores the 'Beauty' of God's original design for sexuality, while Part II examines the 'Brokenness' introduced by sin.