Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin Podcast

Introduction

• The Church of 1122 is a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ.
• This episode is a deep dive into the Kingdom of God and sex within the teaching series "The Upside-Down Kingdom."
• Discussion centers around 1 Corinthians 6 and the radical differences between worldly ethics and the Kingdom of God.

Key Themes

The Upside-Down Kingdom

• The Kingdom of God often contrasts sharply with world values, particularly regarding sex.
• Many people attempt to live with one foot in both the world's and God's kingdoms, which is problematic.

1 Corinthians 6 and Corinthian Context

• Corinth was a sexually saturated society.
• Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
• The importance of changing perception to change practice.

Groups Addressed

1. Believers Praying for the Trapped

   • Emphasis on the necessity of a true encounter with Jesus for freedom from addiction.
   • Importance of community, accountability, and wisdom in navigating these issues.

2. Believers Ignoring God's Design

   • Encouragement to align actions with professed beliefs.
   • The danger of using grace as a justification for sin.

3. Non-Believers Seeking Happiness

   • Discussed how current worldly methods of pursuing happiness through sexual freedom are not fulfilling.
   • Encouragement to consider the deeper joy and freedom offered by a relationship with Jesus.

4. Married Couples Struggling with Intimacy

   • Intimacy in marriage can be difficult due to various issues like body shame and past experiences.
   • Encouragement to view sex as worshipful and a part of the covenant.

5. Singles Embracing Singleness

   • Encouragement to consider singleness as a gift and an opportunity to focus on God’s work.
   • Singleness should not be viewed as second-class Christianity.

Addressing Sexual Sin and Shame

• The power of forgiveness and redemption in Christ.
• The importance of healing from wounds like rejection through Jesus.
• Encouragement for those dealing with sexual addiction to seek freedom in Christ.

Marriage and Intimacy

• Importance of ongoing communication and honesty in marriage regarding sexual intimacy.
• Encouragement to pursue and delight in one’s spouse continually.
• Comparison is a killer of joy in marriage and should be avoided.

Parenting and Next Generation

• The necessity of having honest conversations with children about sex and identity.
• The importance of praying over children and instilling a strong sense of identity in Christ.

Conclusion

• Reinforcement of the call to live according to the Kingdom of God’s values.
• Encouragement to walk in freedom and healing through Jesus.
• Prayer for marriages, singles, and those struggling with sexual sin to find healing and wholeness in Christ.