Study Guide for
Untouchables
Pornography
October 25, 2009
Open Up
Pornography (or the broader topic of sexual purity) is one of those “untouchable” topics we usually avoid in “polite company.” What are some other examples of “untouchable” topics that most churches avoid addressing? TRANSITION: Even if your group thinks that this topic doesn’t affect your group members, studying what the Bible teaches about God’s instructions on sexual purity and God’s grace for sinners can help your group help those who are wrestling with these issues.
Dig In
Read Proverbs 7:1-23. Verses 6-8 uses the image of walking on the wrong side of the street: Discuss in your group examples of walking to close to the line or crossing the line of God’s standards. How do we prevent ourselves from crossing the line? Verses 8-9 talk about things done in the dark, and in secret. Discuss in your group an example of how people’s behaviors change when they think no one can see them. Verses 10-12 talk about how temptation is on every street corner. What are some examples of our culture bombarding us with temptation? Verses 17-19 describe some vulnerable circumstances, such as being alone or traveling. What are some other vulnerable circumstances? How can Christian relationships help us reduce our vulnerability? Verses 20-23 address the consequences -- what happens in Vegas never stays in Vegas, but follows us around and always comes out. The good news is the promise of 1-4 which invite us to trust God’s wisdom in setting moral standards.
Work On
1) The relationships we can develop in small group can provide the kind of confidential support in which a sinner can “come clean” in confessing past and ongoing sin. Even with that mind, the regular group meeting time might not be the appropriate place for explicit details. Talk with your group about possible ways to encourage one to one confession time beyond the regular group meeting.
2) The Bible leader Job says, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.” (Job 31:1) Discuss with your group ways to help each other make and keep this kind of covenant about lust, even in our modern culture that attacks our eyes with so many tempting images.
Lift Up
To prepare for your group prayer time, read James 5:16. Depending on your group, you may choose to have silent prayer during which each person in the group prays for the Spirit to work in the life of someone else in the group in following God’s command for purity and/or experiencing God’s grace. You may also choose to ask group members to pray for specific individuals outside your group that need God’s grace or purity.
Another Step – Advanced Study
Read 1 John 1:8 – 1 John 2:2. These verses emphasize two sides of the same coin, everyone sins and everyone can have forgiveness. What happens when a church emphasizes one side over the other? What can a church do to keep them in balance?