Jesus quotes this passage in Matthew 19:4-6. What does He communicate about the nature and value of the marriage relationship?

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1 Week Six Day 1 READ Genesis 2: In verse 18, for the first time in the creation story, God says that something is not good. What was not good? What was God s solution? How was the creation of woman different from the creation of man and all the other creatures? What do you think is significant about that difference? Jesus quotes this passage in Matthew 19:4-6. What does He communicate about the nature and value of the marriage relationship? According to Hebrews 13:4, how should marriage be valued? How do we show honor for the marriage relationship? Do you view marriage as the unique and precious relationship that God created it to be? In what ways do you dishonor marriage? Ask God to show you how to honor marriage as a unique and precious gift from Him, worth preserving, protecting, and promoting whether you are married or not.

2 Day 2 How did the man react when God brought the woman to him? What emotional tone do you sense in his response? What words are used in this passage to describe the physical/sexual aspect of the marriage relationship? What kind of emotional relationship is implied? READ Proverbs 5: How does God tell us to feel about the sexual relationship in marriage? Do you think the common view of sex within marriage is that it is captivating, satisfying, and joyous? Why? If you are married, what could you do to make your sexual relationship more joyful and satisfying? If you are single, do you hope to be married one day? If so, what can you do now to improve that future relationship? Thank God for His creation of the sexual aspect of marriage. Ask Him to give you His perspective on this very good part of His design.

3 Day 3 READ 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 7:1-5. Both passages talk about sexual immorality and who owns our bodies. How do they explain each other? According to these passages, to whom does your body belong? Is there a conflict? Do all these parties have the same priorities? What priorities should they share? What does this show about God s design for sex and marriage? How do you feel about the idea that your body doesn t belong to you alone? Why? If you are not married, how do you cope with temptation toward sexual immortality? Tell God what is on your mind and heart regarding your sexuality and His priorities for you. Ask for His compassion and healing if that is what you need.

4 Day 4 Under what circumstances should a married couple abstain from having sex, according to 1 Corinthians 7:5? Why? This abstinence might be compared with fasting voluntarily abstaining from food in order to pray in a more focused way. What does that tell you about the value and priority of sex to the marriage relationship? Does sex have that kind of priority in your marriage? Why? Is there anything you can change to give sex its proper value? Not all abstinence is voluntary. Some of us are single; for others, illness, an absent spouse, or other circumstances enforce abstinence. If this issue is painful for any reason, tell God how you are feeling. Ask His insight and wisdom for your circumstances. Commit to living righteously before Him, with His help.

5 Day 5 What are some common religious views of sexuality? What were your impressions on this as you grew up? Re-READ 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. Is sex itself immoral, based on this passage? Does this agree with the common religious views you described above? How are your views being challenged or re-adjusted as a result of this study? Pick one biblical truth you ve discovered about sexuality, and write a prayer thanking God for this truth. Ask Him to use it to transform your thinking and set you free.