A Big Beautiful Biblical View of Intimacy . . . I. Intimacy is a Mutual Duty in Marriage w/ A Focus on Serving not Selfishness! (1 Cor 7:1-5) II. What is the Bible’s Story of Intimacy? III. What are some key Biblical Purposes? IV. What are some Practical Helps? Practical Implications --What about God’s view of Intimacy is encouraging, clarifying, or challenging? --What are some current challenges in this area? --How can we cultivate better views and conversations about intimacy?

A Few Principles o Dating: o Intimacy is Up, Clarity goes Down o Date in Community w/ Boundaries o Date with the Goal of Marriage/Clarity o Marriage: o Frequent and Consistent: o Relational Thermometer: o Relational Aspirin o Continually Cultivate Spouse-ward Desires o Act of Service to Spouse not Selfishness:

The Gospel Gives Great reasons to Fight for Purity . . . I. We have a Living Union with Jesus! (12-15) II. We are Made for a Covenant Relationship w/ Jesus and our Spouse! (16-18) III. Our Bodies are a Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit and Exist for His Glory! (19-20)

Practical Implications o What are some ways you are tempted to justify sin? o Which gospel reason most spurs you to fight sin? o What practical ways can you glorify God w/ your body? o Prepare for Supper: Warning, Welcome, Worship

Our New Identity Drives New Ways of Living . . .

I. Check your Salvation: You can Be Deceived! (9a) II. Check your SIN-dicator: Evaluate your Character and Fight! (9b-10) III. Check Jesus: The Radical Gospel gives a Radical New Identity! (11)

Practical Implications o What would healthy self-examination in community look like? o How do we fight sin in a gospel way? o If you really believe your new identity, what 5 things might you do actively or differently this week?

The Family of God Is Able to Settle Disputes between Brothers . . . I. Relying on the Character of God’s People over the Credentials of the World! II. Trusting the Wisdom of Scripture over the Equity of the World! III. Displaying the Glory of Christ by Our Stewardship of Temporal Possessions!

Practical Implications o In what ways have you been wronged or defrauded by other Christians? o Do you have a wedge of bitterness in your heart against a brother? How can you pursue reconciliation? o What loss is God calling you to suffer for the glory of Christ? What comfort does He offer for this sacrifice?

When you fast...

I. Some Cautions! (Matt. 6:16-18; Isa. 58:1-5)

II. It's Purposeful! (Matt. 9:14-17)

III. Practical Considerations!

Practical Implications

• How can you engage in the 31-Day Prayer Challenge?
• How and why will you complete your fast in January?
• What can you add to your fast to reset your appetites?

Living out our new identity requires a spiritual offering . . .

I. Our Bodies to Christ as a Spiritual Act of Worship! (1) II. Our Minds to the Holy Spirit’s Renewing Power! (2a) III. Our Wills to the Sovereign Plan of the Father! (2b)

Practical Implications o What areas of your life are being conformed to the world? o How are you positioning your mind to be transformed by the Spirit? o What is one commitment to spiritual renewal you want to make in 2026? Who will hold you accountable?

Christ the Savior was Born . . . I. Showing His Power to Fulfill His Promises! (1-7) II. Bringing a New Indestructible Source of Joy! (8-14) III. Inviting a Response of Worship! (15-20)

Practical Implications o How does God’s power and involvement encourage/comfort you? o What are some of your competing sources of joy? o What about Christmas can you meditate on to increase your wonder?

Christ the Savior was Born . . . I. Joseph: Human Legal Father who Gives an Example of Faithfulness! (18-20, 24-25) II. Jesus: Divine Son Sent to Remedy Humanity’s Greatest Need! (21-23)

Practical Implications o What circumstances are tempting you to lose focus on God? o What does ordinary faithfulness look like this season? o What about Christmas fills you with wonder?

Christmas is a Time for Missions . . . I. It Brings Gospel Clarity! (Eph 2:1-10) II. Which Leads to Gospel Commissioning! (Mt 28:18-20)

Practical Implications o What stands out to you about the size of the task of lostness? The Greatness of God’s glory and gospel? o What prayer focuses can you adopt this month? o How will you determine your sacrificial giving? o To Who and where will you go?

Give thanks even when you don’t feel like it . . . I. Reason #1: God is Near and He is Working! II. Reason #2: God’s Present Faithfulness Gives Confidence for His Future Promises! III. Reason #3: The God of Jacob will Lift up the Righteous! Practical Implications o What grooves of gratitude are you cultivating for you and your family? o What circumstances of life are causing stress/anxiety? How can you practice giving thanks in the midst of them? o Jesus drank the cup reserved for you: How do the circumstances of your life (even the hard ones) flow from God’s grace?