There's no hotter topic than sex and sexuality, and nothing in human experience has the unique ability to be simultaneously profoundly beautiful and powerfully destructive in our lives. How can we account for both the heights of intimacy experienced in sexual union and the depths of brokenness experienced through sexual abuse, confusion, and shame? Our culture has no answer, but the bible does: God made the body good, and his design was that sex would create an indestructible bond between husband and wife. And though we've misused and abused his good gift, the fact remains that our bodies belong to our Creator and he has a good purpose for them. In the gospel, God redeems the body and restores sex to its rightful purpose: worship!

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. Read the text, 1 Corinthians 6.9-20. Take note that the quotations are most likely Corinthian sayings or slogans, and Paul is trying to respond to and correct their understandings. At first read, what does Paul seem to be most concerned about in this text? In what ways do we see their views at work in both the church and society?
2. There’s (at least!) two big challenges to real conversation regarding the body, sex, and sexuality. First, we all have our own stories, including harm we’ve caused and harm we’ve received via the body and sex. Second, the strength of Paul’s corrections can feel divisive and even hateful. In what ways do these realities make the conversation difficult for you?
3. Consider Paul’s theology of the body (v.15-20). What does he say about the body here? Why is it significant? Are there parts of it that are new or hard for you to get your mind around?
4. Reflect on your own journey of body, sex, and sexuality. Where has there been harm or confusion? Where has there been freedom or victory?
5. End by meditating on v.11, considering all that Jesus has done for our sexual struggles and brokenness. What does it mean “and such were some of you”? And how is each declaration - washed, sanctified, and justified - really good news for us?