Remaking God in Our Image

Key Takeaways

• Self-righteousness involves overemphasizing others' sins while minimizing our own.

• Jesus challenges both self-righteous sexuality and secular sexuality.

• Jesus offers forgiveness and a call to "sin no more" to those who confess their unrighteousness.

• Our culture's view of sexuality as identity conflicts with Jesus' authority over all areas of life.

• Jesus' radical affirmation of us is based on us being image-bearers of God, not our sexuality.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  The sermon mentions that Jesus was offensive to religious conservatives but appealing to sinners. Why do you think this was the case? How might this apply to our current cultural context?

• Question 2

  When we can’t live up to God’s holiness, we settle for being ‘holier than thou’. How has your lack of love for the law of God led you to self-righteous attitudes regarding sexuality? What does repentance look like in this area for you?

• Question 3

  How does our culture's emphasis on sexuality as identity conflict with a biblical worldview? What challenges does this present for Christians?

• Question 4

  Consider the statement: "Jesus is willing to disagree with you because Jesus loves you." How does this impact your view of God's commands regarding sexuality?

• Question 5

  How can we, as followers of Christ, show love and compassion to those struggling with sexual sin while still upholding biblical truth?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Friend of Sinners

READING :

John 8:1-11

DEVOTIONAL :

Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery reveals his heart for sinners. Rather than condemning, he offers grace and a call to transformation. Reflect on how Jesus has shown you grace in your own life. Where do you need his forgiveness and strength to "go and sin no more"? Remember that Jesus sees beyond your failures to your true identity as God's beloved child. Today, rest in his unconditional love and allow it to empower you to live differently.

APPLICATION :

Take time this week to honestly examine your own sexual thoughts and behaviors in light of God's Word. Confess any areas of sin to God and seek his forgiveness.

Day 2 : Confronting Self-Righteousness

READING :

Matthew 7:1-5

DEVOTIONAL :

The Scribes and Pharisees in John 8 exemplify self-righteousness—judging others while ignoring their own sin. Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts before criticizing others. How might your relationships and witness change if you approach others with the same grace Jesus shows?

APPLICATION :

Consider areas where you might be prone to self-righteousness or hypocrisy. Ask God to reveal any "logs" in your own eye and to give you humility and compassion towards others.

Day 3 : True Righteousness in Christ

READING :

Romans 3:21-26

DEVOTIONAL :

Our passage reminds us that "there is none righteous, no, not one." We all fall short of God's holy standard. Yet through faith in Christ, we receive his righteousness as a gift. Meditate on the incredible exchange that happens at the cross—Jesus takes our sin and gives us his perfect standing before God. How does this truth change your view of yourself and others? Let it free you from both self-condemnation and self-righteousness, inspiring gratitude and worship.

APPLICATION :

Practice responding with humility and compassion when discussing sexual ethics, remembering that we are all sinners in need of God's grace.

Day 4 : Union with Christ vs. Sexual Identity

READING :

1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 19-20

DEVOTIONAL :

Our culture tells us that a secure sense of self comes through a self-defined identity. But Scripture tells us that through faith in Christ, we are united to him in his death and resurrection and are adopted into the family of God. Reflect on what it means that you are "washed, sanctified, and justified" in Jesus. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed at great cost. How might embracing this reality impact your view of sexuality and relationships? Ask God to align your desires with his design, finding ultimate fulfillment in him.

APPLICATION :

Commit to praying for those who have been wounded by sexual sin, whether their own or others’.

Day 5 : Grace that Transforms

READING :

Titus 2:11-14

DEVOTIONAL :

Jesus' words to the woman— "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more"—beautifully illustrate grace that both forgives and transforms. God's grace teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness and empowers us to live lives that honor Jesus. Where do you need this transforming grace in your life? Spend time thanking God for his undeserved favor, and ask him to work powerfully in you, making you more like Christ. Remember, he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.

APPLICATION :

If you feel helpless in dealing with your own adulterous lusts, reach out to a trusted friend or pastor for help and healing. There is abounding grace and mercy for you in Christ!

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!

People: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord.

Psalm 118:25-26

Confession of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 4:32-5:11