RADIANT LIFE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE (TEACHERS GUIDE) SUNDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER, 2023

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Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. (NIV)

As uncomfortable as it may be to discuss today’s topic with your class, it is one that shouldn’t be ignored. From the television screen to the classroom, today’s teens are exposed to a steady stream of messages about sex. Sadly, most of what they’re hearing directly contradicts the teaching of God’s Word.

Contrary to what your students may think, God isn’t against sex. But like many of His wonderful gifts, sex is often mishandled and perverted. This is where the trouble starts. Today’s study emphasizes that, while sex is touted as normal behaviour, it comes with a host of tragic consequences. The most serious of all is the possibility of eternal separation from God. That’s not something your students will ever see portrayed on television.

As you prepare for this study, take a few moments to examine your own attitudes about sexuality. If you feel a little on the edge about broaching this topic with a group of teens, don’t worry. Spend some time in payer, asking God to give you the right words so you can communicate the vital truths of Scripture to a generation that is waiting to hear.

>>The Basic Message: Explain to students…

We are constantly bombarded with sexual temptation in what we see and hear, and are encouraged to do what secular society deems okay.

Sexual immorality can ruin your life and destroy your relationship with God.

Guard yourself from being deceived by the sexual lies of our culture and avoid situations that can lead to sexual temptation.

>>Activity Option: ADS UP

Bring to class several magazines. (Be sure there is nothing inappropriate in any of them.) As the session begins, have students go through the. magazines and analyze the advertisements. Discuss the following questions:

• How do the ads play on human insecurities, desires, etc., to make people want these products?

• What information is conveniently left out?

>>Guide: Explain that when someone is trying to get us to buy into an idea, we should probably ask ourselves what’s not being said. For instance, the message that sex outside marriage is okay is promoted in magazines, in music, and in the lives of many celebrities. But we rarely hear the most important details: Sexual sin brings devastating consequences.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers…

• The consequences of sexual sin.

• How to respond to sexual deception and temptation.

• Why it is important to keep our bodies and minds pure before God.

>>Inform and Discuss

1. Read or have a volunteer read 1 Cor 6:18-20. What do you think verse 20 means when it says we were bought at a price?

>>Hint: The Scripture establishes Christ’s authority over our lives. When Jesus died on the cross, He purchased our forgiveness from sin and freedom from its penalty. When we accept Him as our Saviour, we willingly turn our lives over to Him in exchange for the eternal life He offers.

2. What does this have to do with sex? [Hint: As children of God, every part of our lives our minds, talents, resources, and even our physical bodies belong to God. We must submit them to His authority and use them in ways that bring honour to Him, We should flee from anything that would tempt us to do otherwise, which includes sexual temptation.

3. Read or have a volunteer read Prov 7:21-23, What are some of the consequences of sexual sin? [Hint: Emotional devastation, guilt, loss of self-esteem, loss of reputation, sexually transmitted disease, unplanned pregnancy, damaged relationships, etc.]

4. What is today’s popular attitude toward sex? [Hint: Many people believe as long as everyone involved is consenting, no harm is done. But both Scripture and common sense say otherwise. God created sex to be experienced within a marital relationship. When we violate that plan, we invite disaster.]

>Guide: Read or have a volunteer read Jude 7. Point out that cultural acceptance of sexual immorality is nothing new. But cultural acceptance has never equaled divine approval. So, no matter what t the rest of the world chooses to do, we must obey God’s Word.

• Read or have a volunteer read Eph 5:5-6. Why do you think verse 6 warns us not to be deceived about who can enter God’s kingdom? [Hint: There have always been people who seek to convince themselves and others that God overlooks and tolerates immoral behaviour. God wants us to understand such claims are false so we won’t be deceived by them.]

>>Guide: Read or have a volunteer read Rev 22:12-15. Point out that sexual immorality is listed among the sins that separate people from God for eternity. Of all the consequences of sexual sin, this is by far the most serious.

1. Read or have a volunteer read Gen 1:27-28. What do you think it means to be made in the image of God?

>>Guide: Explain that being made in the image of God doesn’t necessarily have to do with physical attributes. Instead, of all created things, we have the distinction of being set apart to enjoy a relationship with God and reflect His love, compassion, and character. We are designed to be living expressions of the Master Creator]

2. How can sexual sin interfere with a person’s ability to fulfill God’s plan?

>>Hint: Engaging in sexual immoral acts is an affront to God. It carelessly disregards the fact that all parties involved are created in God’s image. Those who view pornography, for instance, see people as objects rather than God’s precious creation. Over time, perceptions of self, others, and God become increasingly twisted and perverted until we no longer resemble any of the things We were created to be.

3. Read or have a volunteer read 1 John 3:2-3. What was John trying to tell his readers?

>>Guide: Explain that the larger passage (1 John 2:28-3:10) in which these verses are found emphasizes the importance of turning from unrighteousness and allowing God to purify our hearts. Rather than pursuing sinful desires, we pursue Christ as we look forward to His return. We must never stop striving to become more like Him. Those who continue to live in sin while professing Christ do not have a genuine relationship with Him.

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Distribute paper and pens or pencils. Ask students to list a few of their goals for the future, such as graduating from tertiary institution, starting a career, marrying, having children, etc. Discuss with students how sexual sin could derail their plans. Then discuss how remaining pure and committed to God will help ensure a better future, both in life and in eternity.

>>Inspire Them: Remind students “The Basic Message” of this study (pg

90). explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in the study.

Invitation Option: Remind students that sexual sin separates us from God. But so do other sins. Thankfully, God offers a remedy. We can be restored to a right relationship with Him by turning from wrong choices and asking Him to forgive us. Offer to pray for any student who wants to be restored to right relationship with God.

Explain that everyone faces temptation, but we don’t have to give in to it. The Bible promises that God will always provide “a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13). With the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the knowledge of the Word of God, and the power of prayer, we have everything we need to make right choices and remain loyal to God.

Conclude by leading the class in prayer, asking God to give your students faith in that promise and to help them resist the temptation to sin sexually.

1. Can students name some consequences of sexual sin?

2. Do they understand that separation from God is the most serious consequence of all?

3. Do they know what it means to be made in the image of God, and how that relates to sexual purity?

4. Have they had a chance to seek for forgiveness for sexual sins they may have committed?

Mon: Control Your Desires – Proverbs 6:25

Tue: Don’t Lose Everything – Proverbs 6:26

Wed: Don’t Experiment With Immorality – Proverbs 6:27-29

Thu: Just lmagine – Proverbs 6:32

Fri: Don’t Resist, Just Fly Away – 1 Corinthians 6:18

Sat: Go for Honour – Hebrews 13:4