Group Discussion Guide - “Here's Help for Someone Struggling with Homosexuality"

Opening Prayer & Introduction
Begin with prayer, asking God for wisdom, compassion, and understanding as you discuss this sensitive topic together.

Icebreaker Question: What does it mean to you personally that we are created "in the image of God"?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. God's Design is Foundational
* We are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27)
* God created us male and female with intentional design
* God's design is for our good, not to restrict us

2. Attraction vs. Identity
* Having a desire or attraction doesn't define who we are
* Identity comes from being made in God's image, not from our feelings
* Acting on desires contrary to God's will changes our identity

3. The Power of Transformation
* "Such were some of you" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
* God offers forgiveness and transformation through Christ
* We can be washed, sanctified, and justified

4. Holy Sexuality
* All sexuality must be exercised within God's design
* Everyone must channel desires according to God's will—whether single or married
* No one is exempt from bringing desires under God's authority

Discussion Questions

Understanding God's Design
1. Read Genesis 1:26-31 together. What does it mean that everything God created was "very good"? How does this apply to our sexuality?
2. Why is it important to start with God's design when addressing any struggle, not just homosexuality?
3. How does our culture's definition of identity differ from the biblical understanding of being made in God's image?
Desires vs. Identity
4. The sermon emphasized separating attraction from identity. Why is this distinction so important?
5. Read Proverbs 4:23. What does it mean practically to "keep your heart with all diligence"? How do we do this?
6. Jerry said, "Simply to have a desire and attraction doesn't make you that person." How does this apply to all types of temptation, not just sexual sin?
Finding Help and Hope
7. Read Romans 6:3-4, 17-18. What does it mean to be "dead to sin" and to "walk in newness of life"?
8. The sermon mentioned that "an idle mind is the devil's workshop." Read Philippians 4:8-9. How can we practically fill our minds with things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely?
9. Why is it not enough to simply stop thinking about wrong things? What must we replace those thoughts with?
Practical Application
10. Read Galatians 2:20. What does it look like in daily life to be "crucified with Christ" and to have "Christ live in me"?
11. How can our church community better support those struggling with same-sex attraction without compromising biblical truth?
12. The sermon mentioned that all of us struggle with desires that need to be brought under God's authority. What are some common struggles we all face, and how can we apply these same principles?

Personal Reflection Questions
Take 5 minutes for silent reflection:
* Is there an area of my life where I've allowed desires to define my identity rather than God's design?
* Am I making "no provision for the flesh" (Romans 13:14) in my thought life?
* How am I actively pursuing holy sexuality in my own life, whether single or married?
* Do I truly believe transformation is possible for anyone through Christ?

Practical Applications

This Week:
1. Memorize Scripture: Choose one verse from the sermon to memorize (suggestions: Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:8, or Galatians 2:20)
2. Thought Inventory: Pay attention to your thought patterns this week. When tempted, immediately replace wrong thoughts with something true, pure, and lovely.
3. Prayer Focus: Pray daily for:
* Those struggling with same-sex attraction
* Wisdom for church leaders to minister with truth and grace
* Your own areas of struggle and temptation
4. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve and do good works, replacing self-focused thinking with God-focused action.

For Further Study:
* Read Romans 1, Romans 6, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
* Research: Christopher Yuan's book "Holy Sexuality and the Gospel"
* Explore resources at Focus on the Family (with discernment regarding doctrinal differences)

Group Ministry Opportunities

How can we as a group:
* Create a safe space for people to share struggles without fear of judgment?
* Better understand the difference between showing compassion and compromising truth?
* Support singles in our congregation who are living faithfully according to God's design?

Closing Reflection

Key Reminder: The help offered in this sermon applies to ALL of us. We all have desires that must be brought under God's authority. We all need transformation. We all need to safeguard our hearts. We all need to focus on God's design rather than our feelings.

Final Question: How has this discussion changed or deepened your understanding of God's grace, design, and power to transform?

Closing Prayer
Pray together:
* For wisdom to live according to God's design
* For those struggling with any form of sexual temptation
* For our church to be a place of truth and grace
* For transformation through the power of Christ
* For love for God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength

Leader's Notes

Important Reminders:
* Maintain confidentiality if anyone shares personal struggles
* Show compassion while upholding biblical truth
* Remember that transformation is possible through Christ
* This topic affects real people—speak with love and humility
* Be prepared to offer resources if someone needs additional help

5-Day Devotional: Created in His Image

Day 1: God's Original Design
Reading: Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7

Devotional: From the beginning, God declared His creation "very good." Unlike any other creature, humanity bears God's image—a sacred identity breathed into us by the Creator Himself. This divine design wasn't restrictive but protective, establishing boundaries that lead to flourishing. When we struggle with desires that contradict God's design, we're not facing condemnation but an invitation to remember whose we are. Your identity isn't defined by your attractions or struggles, but by whose image you bear. Today, reflect on this truth: God made you intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. Every design He establishes flows from His goodness toward you. What does it mean to you that you bear God's image?

Day 2: Guarding Your Heart
Reading: Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8-9

Devotional: "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life." Our thought life determines our spiritual health. Desires aren't inherently sinful, but they require safeguarding. When we fail to guard our hearts, we give room for thoughts that crowd out God. Paul provides the antidote: intentionally focus on what is true, honest, just, pure, and lovely. We cannot simply stop thinking wrong thoughts; we must replace them with godly ones. Today, identify one unhelpful thought pattern and replace it with a biblical truth. Write down something true, pure, and lovely about God's character and meditate on it throughout your day.

Day 3: Love God Most
Reading: Mark 12:28-34; Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: The greatest commandment anchors every other struggle: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. When God holds first place, every other desire finds its proper position. Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices means refusing to conform to worldly definitions of identity and instead proving God's good, acceptable, and perfect will. This transformation happens through renewed thinking—seeing ourselves as God sees us rather than how culture defines us. Your deepest desires can be redirected when your greatest desire is pleasing God. What competes with God for first place in your heart? It’s time to let it go. Ask God to increase your love for Him above all else.

Day 4: Freedom Through Christ
Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 6:3-18

Devotional: "Such were some of you." These powerful words offer hope to every struggling soul. Paul's message to Corinth echoes through time: your past doesn't define your future. Through baptism into Christ, we die to our old identity and rise to walk in newness of life. Once servants of sin, we become servants of righteousness. Freedom isn't found in expressing every desire but in being freed from desires that enslave us. Christ offers not just forgiveness but power to live differently. You are no longer defined by your struggles but by your Savior. Today, thank God for specific ways He has changed you, and ask Him for strength in areas where you still struggle.

Day 5: Living with Purpose
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20

Devotional: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me." True freedom comes through Christ. As we behold Christ's glory, we're transformed into His image from glory to glory. This isn't about white-knuckling through temptation but about Christ living through us. The Christian life isn't emptiness—avoiding what we want—but fullness—becoming who we were created to be. When we crucify our desires and allow Christ to reign, we discover life's true purpose: reflecting God's image to a watching world. Your struggles don't disqualify you. Today, identify one way you can actively serve God and others, replacing inward focus with outward purpose. Remember: you're not just avoiding sin; you're pursuing holiness.