There is so much here when we begin to look at this command stated in the positive. However, while our society talks a lot about these things, churches are sometimes sheepish here. That is tragic since God is the One who designed us for intimacy - physical and spiritual. This commandment is not just for married couples. It equally applies to singles, young and old, and all walks of life. So, why is this so important to God?
Discussion Questions
Share about one of your favorite things from the past that now you could take it or leave it. Did you ever discover something (like Kool-Aid) that made you say, “Where has THIS been all my life!?”
prude (despising our physicality)
Jesus sees that our physical bodies can dramatically affect our spiritual life. (Matthew 5:29-30) What are some extreme ways we can discipline our bodies to align with our spiritual calling? Is this realistic?
Plato said, "the body is the prison house of the soul." But Job 19:25-27 speaks about the redemption of our "flesh.” How should that affect how we view physical intimacy now?
Quickly read Song of Solomon 5 or 7. If you were discussing this in a poetry class, what tone does it have? What are some of the overt images invoked? Why do you think this is in the Bible? What would we miss if it were omitted?
permissive (deifying our physicality)
Reword 1 Corinthians 6:12-18 as if you were explaining it to someone who has lived freely with their body. According to Paul what is the main purpose of physical intimacy? Reword verses 19-20 as if you were encouraging someone who has misused this good gift.
Popular love songs speak of finite human love as if it is infinite or cosmic. How is this directly opposite from the notion that physical intimacy is "just an appetite"? What more is going on, beyond biological impulses?
The term for "lust" in Matthew 5:28 means "over-desire" (epithumia). How does lust differ from love?
GK Chesterton said: "the man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God." Do you agree or is this too abstract? What are some modern examples that complement this quote?
Why did Adam and Eve hide and cover after they ate the fruit? (Genesis 3:7) Physical intimacy is supposed to be a good gift, so what gets in the way of our deep desire to know and be known? Talk about the relationship between vulnerability and intimacy; are they one in the same?
Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly invokes the image of sexual intimacy to refer to his relationship with his people (Ezk.16;23; Hosea 1-2; Jer.3:1; Rev.2:4). Why is the failure of romantic relationships one of the most intense pains we can experience; when there’s betrayal, rejection, or unfaithfulness?
real intimacy
What is God's intent for human intimacy? (Genesis 2:24-25) In light of our tendency to distrust, can we ever have mutual openness and acceptance? With how many are you able to reach this level of relationship? Why would most of us say “few to none” as opposed to “a lot, no more thank you”? Why can’t we all just love each other mutually like we all desire?
God's love is described as “steadfast” in the OT, which connotes strong commitment. In 2 Timothy 2:13, Paul wrote "if we are faithless, he remains faithful..." What does it take to love someone who doesn’t deserve it?
GOSPEL - Though we were unfaithful, he was faithful. He was stripped-naked and vulnerable on the cross, so our shame could be covered. He gave his whole self away, though we were half-hearted. This is the cosmic love we've been looking for! Here is the infinite joy! There is only One who has loved you from before you were born (Jer.1:5; Eph.1:4). How can his faithfulness transform your faithlessness? Share in terms of your relationship with God and with other people.
