10/11 In the World - Sex and Marriage
Sermon Brief
When culture and personal experience offer competing views of sex and marriage, which voice gets the final word? In Matthew 19:3–6, Jesus points to God's design for marriage as a lasting covenant built on mutual sacrifice, with sexual intimacy as His gift within marriage.
The sermon challenges us to trust God's wisdom, take marriage seriously, and embrace His design. Regardless of our past or present circumstances, we are called to receive God's grace, follow His ways, and extend grace to others.
Big Idea
Jesus—not culture, past experience, or popular opinion—gets the final word on sex and marriage. We can trust God's design, honor our commitments, and respond to our past with grace as we follow His way today.
What is one thing about marriage or relationships that turned out to be different than you expected?
Read Matthew 19:3–6. Why do you think Jesus responded to a question about divorce by taking the Pharisees back to God's original design for marriage?
What is the difference between viewing marriage as a covenant versus viewing it as a contract? How would each perspective change the way someone approaches marriage?
Read Ephesians 5:21–33. What does this passage teach us about how marriage reflects Jesus and the gospel?
Read 1 Corinthians 6:18–20. How does Paul's teaching challenge the culture's view that what we do sexually is simply a personal choice?
The message asked, “Which voice gets the final word?” What voices most influence the way people today think about marriage, sex, divorce, and singleness—and how can we make sure Jesus' voice is louder?