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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sex, God, and Marriage study guide
Study 1: Introduction
Getting Ready
Reflect on the book's title. What images, adjectives, or thoughts
come to your mind? What does the title suggest to you? Does it
raise any questions in your mind? Does anything about the de-
sign particularly strike you?
Digging In
1. What do you learn about purity from Mother Teresa's Fore-
word? Is it positive or negative? How is purity obtained?
What can it bring?
2. Can you think of any examples of how people today are
searching for lasting and meaningful relationships?
3. How have you experienced the "bad fruits" of the sexual
revolution in your own life?
4. Is living a pure life old-fashioned? Does such a life seem im-
possible or irrelevant today?
5. Arnold asks a series of questions beginning at the top of
page xv. Do any of these particularly strike you?
Making It Count
1. On page xv Arnold suggests several ways we can protect
purity. One is to provide ongoing support to married
couples around us. Think of a couple you know and ask
God to show you a practical way in which you might show
them that you support their marriage.
2. As a group, discuss the idea of a "pledge of purity." What
kinds of things can you pledge together to ensure an atmo-
sphere of purity in your group and in your individual lives?
What can you agree upon before you move ahead in your
study?
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Study 2: In the Image of God
Getting Ready
1. Think about the different images people try to project. List
some of these. What do these images hope to accomplish?
What kind of responses do they try to evoke?
2. In contrast to the above, describe the kind of person who in-
spires love, gentleness, kindness, affirmation, respect, open-
ness, loyalty, and trust in others. What kind of "image" does
such a person project? What kind of person is he or she?
Digging In
1. Read the first chapter of Genesis with the intent of finding
its "inner, true meaning" (p. 3). Do you see any kind of pro-
gression? Why do you think humankind comes last?
2. What sets human beings apart from the rest of creation?
What is it that makes us "images" of God? (See also Gen.
9:47; Ps. 8; Col. 3:510; Eph. 4:20 24.)
3. Because we are image-bearers of God, what value do we
and others have? Why can't human worth be measured?
4. Why is it significant that man and woman together reveal the
meaning of being created in God's image? What does it tell
you about man and woman's relationship with each other?
5. What does it mean that God has "set eternity in our hearts"?
(p. 4) How should this affect the way we live and what we
live for?
6. What happens to a person who denies that God is his or her
origin?
7. Arnold refers to the voice of eternity as being our con-
science. What does our conscience do? (For further reflec-
tion, consider the following: Can we always rely on our
consciences? What kinds of things can cloud, weaken, or
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dull our conscience? (See also Rom. 2:1416; 1 Sam. 25:26
34; Rom. 9:1; 1 Cor. 4:15; 8:713; 2 Cor. 4:12; 1 Tim. 4:2;
Titus 1:15; Heb. 9:14.)
8. Why do you think consumerism is a special danger to the
conscience?
9. In what areas of life do you find it hard to determine right
from wrong, or to discern good from evil? Why?
10. According to Arnold, what are some ways God's image is
defaced today? Can you think of any others?
11. If our destiny is to reflect God's image, what kind of person
should we strive to become? (See 2 Cor. 3:1718; 4:46;
Rom. 8:29.) What image have you been pursuing?
Making It Count
1. Imagine, for a moment, that you are kneeling by a beauti-
fully clear pool. Now think of a person you have difficulty
getting along with. Have them stand beside you so that their
reflection is next to yours. What kind of feelings or reac-
tions do you have?
2. Now imagine Jesus standing next to you. How would you
feel? Why?
3. If we are all created in the image of God, we need to see
each other as reflections of Jesus the most vivid expres-
sion of God we know. Go back, mentally, to the person you
have trouble getting along with. How have you not shown
him or her the respect, appreciation, love, or reverence, that
befits him or her as a reflection of God? What needs to
change in you to better acknowledge this person's dignity?
4. Arnold says that to view others in light of their usefulness is
to disregard their worth or dignity. Discuss this as a group
and identify any ways this has been true in your life or
among yourselves. How can you guard against this?
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Study 3: It Is Not Good
for Man to Be Alone
Getting Ready
Think about the ways people isolate themselves from each
other. What means do people use what walls do people hide
behind to keep others at bay?
Digging In
1. Notice the chapter title. The word "good" can be used in
several senses. Why and in what ways is it not "good" for us
to be alone?
2. Arnold says that "there is little that is so difficult for a per-
son to bear as loneliness" (p. 9). What really causes loneli-
ness, and why is it so unbearable?
3. Arnold asserts that "thousands of people lead lives of quiet
desperation" (p. 10). What do you think he means or is re-
ferring to?
4. Why does love alone fulfill our innermost being? What
kind of love fulfills our hearts and makes us happy? (See 1
John 4:717.) Why is "being connected with others" not
enough to fill the void within us?
5. Read Genesis 2:1523. Why did God create woman? From
this passage, what do you learn about the way man and
woman are to relate to one another?
6. What do you think Arnold means by being freed from our
one-sidedness? (p. 13) How might you be too one-sided?
Can you go to someone who knows you well and ask them
to share with you any ways you might be one-sided?
7. If God is the source and the object of true love, what does
this say about human relationships? What purpose do they
ultimately have? What purpose do your relationships serve?
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8. Arnold says that marriage is not the highest goal of life and
that by itself it cannot bring wholeness (p. 13). In what ways
does our society put too much stock in getting married? In
what ways do you?
Making It Count
1. Purity and community actually go hand in hand. The more
inwardly isolated we are from one another the more vulner-
able we are to impurity. How can you make your life more
communal more shared, more interdependent?
2. Even in a group, one can feel lonely or "alone." One of
the ways to overcome this problem is for each member
to feel needed. How can you as a group become more inter-
dependent?
Study 4: They Shall
Become One Flesh
Getting Ready
Think about a marriage you know and admire. What qualities
does it possess? Contrast these qualities with the way the media
portrays relationships. What does the media (TV, video, mov-
ies, etc.) exalt when it comes to marriage? What makes a good
marriage?
Digging In
1. According to Arnold, what makes marriage sacred (some-
thing that is holy and to be treated with reverence)? What
does it symbolize?
2. Arnold urges us to have more "reverence" for marriage.
Where in your life have you mocked or degraded marriage?
3. Think about God's relationship with his people. What does
this tell you about a true marriage? (For further study, see
Exod. 2:24, 6:45; Deut. 4:31; 7:8 9; 31:18; 1 Kings 8:23
8 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
24, 5658; Ps. 89:18, 94:14; 119: 89 91; 132:1112; Hos.
2:1920; Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 6:10 19.)
4. Why is adultery such a horror in God's eyes? How does it
deface God's image? What does Jesus say about adultery?
(Matt. 5:2730)
5. Why does Arnold believe that the institution of marriage is
teetering on the brink of disaster (p. 16)? Can you think of
other reasons?
6. Arnold says that all of us yearn to be united to somebody
(p. 16). What kind of "unity" is he referring to?
7. From what Arnold writes, describe what makes up a true,
fulfilling marriage. What adjectives does he use?
8. What are the different levels of unity in God's order of mar-
riage? (p. 18) What are your relationships mostly based on?
9. Why does marriage alone fulfill the demands of our sexual
conscience?
10. Why is it so important that God be the center of marriage?
Won't God get in the way?
Making It Count
1. Choose one relationship in your life where you feel the or-
der of God's unity is skewed, or backwards. Ask God to
show you how to get your priorities straight. Perhaps a
relationship needs a "time out" until it can be based on a
proper foundation. If you are married, does your marriage
reflect God's order of unity? If not, how? Perhaps you need
to go to someone you respect and ask for their help.
2. Marriage is continually mocked and degraded in our cul-
ture, sometimes subtly, sometimes not. Discuss this as a
group. Can you make a "pledge of reverence" together,
where you as a group take a stand against anything that be-
littles or cheapens marriage?
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Study 5: The First Sin
Getting Ready
Review the first two chapters of Genesis and consider the
world God originally made? How is our present world differ-
ent? Compare and contrast these two worlds.
Digging In
1. How does Arnold describe God's original creation? What
does he emphasize?
2. Read Genesis chapter 3 carefully. What, exactly, was Adam
and Eve 's sin? How does Arnold describe the first sin?
3. What resulted from the first sin? What is Satan's ultimate
aim?
4. What, according to Arnold, happened to the image of God
in man and woman?
5. What does Arnold mean when he says that Adam and Eve
were "deceived by a false love"? (p. 23) Has this ever hap-
pened to you?
6. Arnold says that "Adam and Eve's first sin symbolizes the
fall of each one of us" (p. 25). How so? How have you been
"Adam" or "Eve" in your life?
7. All of us struggle with doubt and temptations. How can
Jesus help? (See Matt. 4:111; Heb. 2:1418; 4:1416.)
Making It Count
1. Think of a relationship you have that has become estranged
or broken. Think about the reasons for this. Think espe-
cially of the ways your sin (pride, mistrust, accusations, im-
pure motives, etc.) has contributed to its downfall. Go to
someone you have hurt and share with him or her how you
have sinned. Can you ask him or her for forgiveness?
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2. Arnold writes: "Satan still wants to separate us from God,
from our brothers and sisters, and from our neighbor" (p.
22). Share how you might be feeling most vulnerable in
these areas especially among yourselves as a group. How
do you feel most tempted to doubt and thus become sepa-
rated from God and from others? After you share, spend
time praying for each other.
Study 6: Restoring
the Image of God
Getting Ready
1. Imagine for a moment that every mirror in the world were
shattered, and that everyone wore severely cracked glasses.
Describe such a world.
2. Now imagine that, after many years, you happened across a
beautiful mirror and a pair of perfectly good glasses. For the
first time, you see yourself and others as you truly are. How
might you respond or react? What would happen if you
tried to tell others about this?
Digging In
1. Because of the Fall, Arnold says that we have only a faint
reflection of God's image. How does God, through Jesus,
restore his image in us? How is Jesus "God's reconciler"?
(See Rom. 5:1219; Eph. 2:1119; Col. 1:1523.)
2. What, exactly, does Jesus' death accomplish? How does it
heal and mend God's image in us? (See Heb. 7:1828, 9:11
28; Eph. 2:111; Col. 2:915; Titus 3:38.)
3. What kind of new life can one find in Jesus? (See p. 32 and 2
Cor. 5:17; Rom. 7:46; Phil. 3:20 21; Eph. 4:20 24; 1 Pet.
1:3.)
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4. For our part, Arnold says, "We can never redeem ourselves
or better ourselves by our own strength" (p. 29). What does
Arnold suggest we can do? (See Acts 2:3740; Rom. 10:9
13; John 1:10 13; 3:121.)
5. Why is confession of sin so important? (See 1 John 1:9.)
6. Arnold points out that in Christ our consciences can be
stirred and set free. Is God speaking to your conscience in
any specific way?
7. Arnold says that "It is the life-task of every person to pre-
pare to meet God" (p. 33). Are you prepared for this even
now? If not, why not? Is there anything preventing you
from coming to Jesus and surrendering to him?
8. To have God's image restored in your life means being
"hidden in Christ," who is himself the very image of God.
Read Colossians 3:117. What does having God's image re-
stored involve?
Making It Count
1. The beginning of freedom and reconciliation comes,
Arnold says, "whenever we confess the accusations of our
conscience" (p. 29). As Darlene's story illustrates, there is
nothing more healing than when sin is confessed openly to
another person and repented of. (See James 5:16; Gal. 5:1; 2
Cor. 7:10.) Go to your pastor or to someone you trust and
share openly the sins that burden your conscience and sepa-
rate you from God.
2. Some sins need to be confessed corporately because of the
specific ways they harm the group. Spend time in quiet re-
flection to consider whether or not you need to share any-
thing with your small group that has separated you from it
or has brought in a spirit of separation. If there is, express it
in a spirit of humility and repentance.
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Study 7: Sexuality and
the Sensuous Sphere
Getting Started
Answer the following questions. Write down the number of the
category you feel best expresses your thoughts or feelings.
0 Agree
1 Not Sure
2 Disagree
1. The Bible has a generally negative view of sex and the
body. _____
2. A truly spiritual person foregoes sensual pleasures. _____
3. Sex itself is dangerous. _____
4. Sex should be unimportant in a godly marriage. _____
5. The material world is an obstacle to the spirit. _____
6. The basic purpose of sex is for having children. _____
7. Lust, gluttony, self-indulgence all fall in the same
category. _____
8. The best way to control one's sexuality is through the
strength of moral compulsion. _____
9. In a healthy approach to sex, one should feel no
shame. _____
10. Our greatest sins usually occur in the misuse of our
senses. _____
Total your score. If, for example, you have marked four of your
responses as "disagree" (2 points each), five "agree" (0 points
each), and one "not sure" (1 point), then your total score would
be 9 points. A score of 20 reflects the most biblical perspective
on sex and the sensuous.
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Digging In
1. What, exactly, belongs to the "sensuous sphere?"
2. Arnold states that "In and of itself there is nothing wrong
with the sensuous sphere of the senses" (p. 35). Why? What
reasons does he give?
3. What do you learn about the sensuous sphere from the fol-
lowing passages? Ps. 24:1; Tim. 4:15; Rom. 1:1820; Rom.
12:1; Matt. 6:10; Matt. 6:28 33; Cor. 4:718; Cor. 10:31
4. If "the physical is not the real enemy of the spirit" (p. 35),
then what is? (For further study, see John 2:1517; Rom.
6:1114; 13:1114; Gal. 5:1318.)
5. How can the sensuous sphere bring us close to God and to
each other?
6. What happens when the sensuous becomes an end in itself?
7. What makes the sexual life unique? How is it different from
other areas of the sensuous?
8. What is the purpose of sexual union? What is involved be-
tween a husband and wife as they sexually unite?
Making It Count
1. The Apostle Peter writes that "a person is a slave to what-
ever has mastered him" (2 Pet. 2:19). Are you a slave to any
sensuous passion or to anything else in the sensuous sphere?
2. Choose one area you feel especially weak in and ask God to
show you how you could replace it with some simple deed
of love. If you were to try to give up smoking, for instance,
think of how you could use the money you save to meet an-
other person's need.
3. Think of each of the five senses and the gifts you enjoy
because of them. With your group give thanks to God
in prayer and song for these blessings. Go on an outing
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together to a place that is especially beautiful. How do your
thoughts turn to God in this place?
Study 8: The Pure in Heart
Getting Ready
Many people react negatively when they hear the word "pu-
rity." Think about the meaning of the word "pure." What other
similar words come to mind? What kinds of things increase in
value or worth because of their purity?
Digging In
1. What phrases or terms does Arnold use to describe purity?
Which one strikes you most? Why?
2. What does purity bring or accomplish?
3. Describe a person who is "pure of heart." How is such pu-
rity obtained?
4. Read the following passages. What do they say about ob-
taining purity? Ps. 24:34; Ps. 51:10; 2 Cor. 6:16; 7:1; Titus
1:15; Titus 2:1114; 1 John 1:7 9; James 3:114; 1 Pet. 1:22
5. Arnold quotes Bonhoeffer (p. 45). What do you think Bon-
hoeffer means when he says that the pure in heart are not
only undefiled by their own evil but also by their own virtue?
6. What is impurity? What kinds of things accompany impu-
rity? What happens to a person gripped by impurity?
7. Are purity and impurity restricted to matters pertaining to
sexuality?
8. Why does Arnold say that a marriage certificate is no guar-
antee of purity?
9. How might sexual purity deepen or intensify a couple's
sexual experience?
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Making It Count
1. Arnold asserts that the pure in heart "avoid every situation
that defiles the soul and abhor the thought of leading others
into sin" (p. 45). He even warns against any fascination with
impurity. How is this with you? Have you ever put yourself
in situations that put your soul or another's soul at risk?
How can you avoid such situations? Whom can you ask to
help hold you accountable? Spend time in prayer asking
God for help. Remember, Christ alone can purify your
heart.
2. Arnold emphasizes that "the church community has a great
responsibility to fight daily for an atmosphere of purity
among all of its members" (p. 46). Discuss as a group how
your church or fellowship can fight this battle more faith-
fully. How about your group? Are there impure spirits or
attitudes that might have infiltrated it?
Study 9: Marriage in the Holy Spirit
Getting Ready
Think for a moment about the tensions and pressures that test a
marriage, no matter how strong it is. What sort of strains arise,
both from within and from outside the marriage?
How can a couple best withstand these tests?
Digging In
1. What things, according to Arnold, attract people to each
other? Can you think of others?
2. Why are the above reasons insufficient to base a marriage
relationship on?
3. When Arnold refers to "unity in the Spirit" (p. 52), what
does he mean? What kind of love does this unity produce,
and how is this unity different from other ways of being
close?
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4. Why do you think Arnold refers to marriage as encompass-
ing three levels? (p. 52) Why should the first two levels
come before the third one?
5. Arnold emphasizes the importance of the unity of the church
and its members and how this needs to come before every-
thing else, including marriage. What might this suggest re-
garding the purpose of marriage? (See John 17:20 23.)
6. If marriage is not based in the Holy Spirit, what risks does it
run?
7. How does Arnold address the problem of being married to
an unbelieving partner or to someone holding to a different
belief? (For further study, see 1 Cor. 7:1216; 1 Pet. 3:1 6.)
8. In light of this chapter's emphasis on the Holy Spirit, what
should a couple's priority be as they grow in their marriage?
9. Read and reflect on the following Scripture passages: Acts
2:2447; 4:32; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 2:15; Col. 3:1217; Rom.
5:57. What would our marriages look like if these passages
became a reality to us?
Making It Count
1. Arnold refers to the different domains of experience that
typically draw people together: mutual emotions, common
values, shared ideas, and feelings of good will (p. 51). He
points out that our first priority should actually lie at the
spiritual level. Reflect on some of your more important
relationships especially with the opposite sex and con-
sider their basis. How can you make them more spiritually
centered?
2. If you are married, engaged, or involved in a serious relation-
ship with someone, think about what it is that really holds you
together. In order of priority, what is most important in your
relationship: mutual emotions? common values? shared
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ideas? feelings of good will? physical attraction? spiritual
oneness? What can you do to set it more firmly on a spiritual
basis?
3. Discuss as a group the "quality level" of your relation-
ships. Do they reflect God's priorities? Outside of formally
meeting together, what defines and motivates your relation-
ships with each other? What needs to change to make things
different?
Study 10: The Mystery of Marriage
Getting Ready
Consider the relationship between the body and the head. How
are they different? In what ways do they depend on each other?
Digging In
1. Why, according to Arnold, is marriage a church matter and
not just a private affair?
2. Why does Arnold say that the marriage bond is more than a
promise or contract between two people? What kind of
bond is it?
3. If the marriage bond mirrors the mystery of the church,
what does this mean for a couple if one of the partners
strays from Christ?
4. How is loyalty to Christ and to the church above one's mar-
riage actually a protection to one's marriage?
5. Have you ever compromised your faith by going along with
your partner's sin? How?
6. Arnold explores the similarities and differences of men and
women. Each have different natures and tasks, but both are
of equal value in God's eyes. How are men and women dif-
ferent, yet the same?
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7. Consider the biological differences between men and
women. How might these help you understand some of the
spiritual differences?
8. According to Arnold, what does it mean for man to be the
head in marriage and for woman to submit? What does true
leadership involve? Are wives to blindly submit? (For fur-
ther study, see 1 Cor. 7: 35; 11:226; 1 Pet. 3:17; Eph.
5:2133; Col. 3:1821; Titus 2:15; Luke 22:2427; John
13:117.)
9. How are men and women both needed to fulfill the church's
task? Reflect, again, on the relationship between the head
and the body. How can this analogy help to explain the rela-
tionship between husband and wife?
10. Arnold decries our society's obliteration of the differences
between men and women. How does our society do this?
What do you feel about this issue?
Making It Count
1. Arnold puts great emphasis on the role of the church. Are
your closer relationships with the opposite sex really based
in the church? What can you do to make the church more
important in your relationships?
2. To married men: Have you, as a husband, failed to lead your
wife in "all that is good"? What can you do to serve her bet-
ter? Ask your wife to give you her honest feedback.
3. To married women: Have you ever resisted your husband's
lead? How can you become more submissive to his love?
Ask your husband for his honest feedback.
4. Arnold says that many men and women avoid the special re-
sponsibilities given them by God (p. 62). He cites examples.
Discuss further. Share how this might be true within your
own group. If your group is mixed, be especially careful to
listen to what members of the opposite sex have to say.
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Study 11: The Sacredness of Sex
Getting Ready
Think about the word "sacred." Look it up in the dictionary.
What are some synonyms for it? How does a person respond
when confronted by the sacred? How is the sacred different
from the ordinary, the mundane? What kinds of things, places,
or experiences might you consider to be sacred?
Digging In
1. According to Arnold, what are the two great dangers in sex?
(p. 65) Have you fallen into either of these? Can you think
of any other dangers?
2. How can sex, even in marriage, become dangerous? How
can it lose its noble quality or become selfish?
3. On what condition should a couple sexually unite? What
kind of experience can a couple have when sex is truly God-
centered and subordinated under Him?
4. Why does sex have such a forceful effect on the spirit?
5. How should sex be talked about in a marriage?
6. What is the role of prayer in sexual intimacy? Why is it
important?
7. What general responsibilities and considerations should
husbands and wives have for each other with regard to sex?
Married couples should discuss the following questions alone:
8. In a healthy marriage, the husband and wife should speak
openly about even the most intimate things. What do you
need to talk most about with your spouse regarding sex?
9. Does your spouse know what does or does not please you
sexually? Do you really know what is pleasing to your
spouse? Why not? Can you find out?
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10. If your sex life has become skewed or unfulfilling, why?
Talk about this with your spouse, and listen to him or her
openly.
11. Are there any ways you have used your spouse merely to
satisfy yourself? How? What needs to change?
12. How might you and your spouse consider the question of
abstinence? What might be some good reasons to abstain
from sexual intimacy for awhile? How should abstinence be
approached?
Making It Count
1. Our society has virtually lost all reverence for sex. One of
the ways sex is degraded is talking about it lightly. How is it
with you when it comes to talking about sex? Do you have
enough reverence? Can you think of times you spoke too
lightly about sexual matters? How will you change? Who
will hold you accountable?
2. If your group is a mixed one, divide up. In many ways, sex is
a mystery. You may still have questions. Take this time to-
gether to ask your questions. Maybe you are hurting in some
way and you need to share with the group your pain. Re-
member the importance of confidentiality. What is shared
during this time should not be shared with anyone else.
Study 12: Parenthood
and the Gift of Children
Getting Ready
Think about all the ways children are a gift. List them.
Digging In
1. From your experience, how is the concept of family in dan-
ger of being lost?
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2. Arnold asserts that "modern society despises the family" (p.
73). What examples does he give? What other ways does
our society devalue the family?
3. What do you think Arnold means when he says that "only
the adult who stands like a child before the grace of God is
fit to raise a child?" (p. 73)
4. On what foundation should a family be built?
5. What are some of the more important responsibilities par-
ents have toward their children?
6. What can parents do to help make a child feel secure? What
are things that might make children inwardly uneasy?
7. What are the key ingredients of effective discipline? What
is true parental authority? Arnold points out that parents
should lead, not control, their children. What does he
mean? What is the difference between the two?
8. Arnold warns against unhealthy emotionalism, or false ties
between parent and child. What do you think he means?
9. How can parents best lead their children to God? What
should they avoid doing?
10. Arnold says we should reject both the harshness of physical
punishment and the power of manipulation. What does he
mean by the latter? Can you cite examples?
11. In raising a family, what role should others in the church
play?
Making It Count
Parents, consider the questions below and ask God to show you
one concrete way you need to change.
1. Are you and your spouse united in matters of discipline?
Are you clear and consistent in what you expect? How could
you improve in this area?
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2. Do your children feel religious pressure from you? Are you
in tune with God's purpose for your child, or are you trying
to squeeze them into some other mold?
3. Is there unhealthy emotionalism or a false dependency be-
tween you and your child?
Whether or not we are parents, all of us can learn more from
children.
4. Looking at your own life, what place do family and children
have in it? Do children have an important role in your life?
How can you live differently so as to make children a more
central part of your life?
5. What is one thing you can do to establish a more trusting,
meaningful relationship with a child?
6. Consider how you as a group can do something together for
some children. Throw a party, take a group of children on
an outing, or organize a special Sunday school class, etc.
Study 13: The Purity of Childhood
Getting Ready
Jesus said, "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10:15). Think about
the qualities a little child possesses. What are they? What do
they teach us about how to know God?
Digging In
1. How is a child especially close to God? How has this been
true in your experience?
2. Why is it important to remember that children have both a
childlike innocence and an inclination to sin?
3. What is involved in protecting and nurturing the atmosphere
of innocence? Why should we pay attention to a child's
whole atmosphere?
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S T U DY G U I D E
4. How would you describe the dominant atmosphere of your
life? Is there anything "unclean," or "child-unfriendly"
about it?
5. Why is nature God's creation important to a child's
development?
6. Arnold writes, "To protect the purity of children means to
win them for the good" (p. 84). What does he mean, and
what does this involve?
7. What is moralism, and why, according to Arnold, is it so
harmful for a child? (See Eph. 6:4; Col. 2:20 22; 3:21.)
8. How does disrespect manifest itself, especially in older
children?
9. Why do you think children form cliques?
10. How should adults, especially parents, deal with the prob-
lem of sexual impurity in young children? Why should par-
ents avoid moralism?
11. Why is building trust between parents and young adults so
important?
12. Arnold asserts that "purity can never be fostered in a
vacuum" (p. 89). What does he mean by this? What can
young people do to safeguard their purity?
Making It Count
1. For Young People: Arnold contrasts cliquishness with the
importance of having a social conscience. Is your life
marked more by cliquishness an unhealthy preoccupation
with your little group of friends than by interacting with
the needs of others and the issues of our day? Think of
something concrete you can do to reach out to others. How
can you get more involved with some of today's important
issues (homelessness, hunger, environmental issues, pro-life
causes, prison ministry, etc.)?
24 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
2. For Adults and Parents: Purity is best learned by example
(p. 88). What do your children see in your life and at home
that inspires purity in them? Do you set an example in how
you talk, what you do, what you read and watch, how you
treat others, how you spend your leisure time, and who you
interact with? Are you involved with any of the important
issues of our day? What can you do differently to better
nurture and protect the purity of your children or the chil-
dren in your care? Be specific!
3. Trust is a two-way street. Think of a relationship either
with an adult or young person, in or outside the group
that could use some trust-building. Share your need with the
group and ask them for ideas on how to build up that trust.
Study 14: For Those
Considering Marriage
Getting Ready
Write down your feelings and thoughts about dating in general.
What values are embedded in today's dating practices? Do you
think dating is a good thing, or do you think there could be bet-
ter ways to get to know a person of the opposite sex? What
might those ways be?
Digging In
1. Reflect carefully on the scripture passage Arnold quotes at
the beginning of the chapter. What kind of person should
we seek to become?
2. Arnold voices concern over how today's young men and
women get to know each other. Why? What problems does
he see in conventional dating?
3. What kind of environment do young people need in order
to get to know each other? How does your social environ-
ment compare?
25
S T U DY G U I D E
4. On what basis should a more serious relationship be
formed? What should the decisive factor be?
5. In order for a healthy relationship to grow, what kinds of
things should a couple concentrate on?
6. When two people become interested in each other, why are
time and the involvement of others a help?
7. Why do you think most people today pair off and exclude
parents or other adults?
8. Arnold suggests writing as a good way for a couple to get to
know one another. How might this be helpful?
9. When does a couple know they are "meant for each other?"
10. Why is sexual involvement before marriage a hindrance to
the process of learning to know someone fully?
Making It Count
1. If pairing off at the exclusion of others is unhealthy, then
how might you need to change? If you are a young person,
how can you involve others, especially your parents, in your
relationships? If you are a parent, how can you make your
time more available to your children and to the relationships
they have with others?
2. If conventional dating is not a truly Christian option, then
how can you as a group better ensure a new way for girls
and boys, men and women, to get to know each other? Dis-
cuss some concrete ways you can replace conventional
dating. What are some of the obstacles?
(Parents: involve the young adults you know in this discussion,
and ask for their input. Young adults: do the same with your
parents.)
26 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
Study 15: The Service of Singleness
Getting Ready
Marriage is a tremendous gift, but singleness can also be a bless-
ing. Think of all the ways this is true.
Digging In
1. If marriage is not our deepest calling, what is? What is the
greatest gift?
2. Why doesn't singleness have to consign one to loneliness or
defeat?
3. Is lifelong chastity really possible? How so?
4. What special dangers confront those whose desire for mar-
riage remains unfulfilled? What must single people avoid
doing?
5. If you are single, are you willing to let go of marriage? If
not, why not? What are some of your fears?
6. Even for those who freely accept their singleness, struggle
remains. In times of struggle, what can a single person do?
7. Marriage, too, has its burdens. What might they be? (See
also 1 Cor. 7:3235.)
8. What can a church do to recognize the gifts and needs of
single people? Does your church do these things?
9. How can singleness actually become a higher calling?
10. Arnold concludes this chapter by speaking of the "essence
of single-heartedness, and the service of singleness" (p.
111). What is he referring to?
11. How can the gift of singleness be a positive challenge to
those who are married? What must married couples always
keep in mind?
27
S T U DY G U I D E
Making It Count
1. For those who are single: Whether you are called to lifelong
singleness or not, it is clear that our deepest calling is in
serving Christ and his cause. Do you spend your free time,
energy, and means in service to Christ and to others? What
is one thing you can do, precisely because you are single,
that would be of service to others?
2. For those who are married: As Arnold says, marriage is not
for building a cozy life. Couples, too, are called to give un-
conditionally. What is one specific way you can more con-
sistently reach out to those who are single?
3. If you are a group of mostly singles, discuss ways you can
do a special service for your church. This could be a practi-
cal project of some sort, or a more spiritual task. How can
you accomplish something together?
Study 16: With or Without God
Getting Ready
Think about the ways, apart from marriage, you have learned
about sex. What were the primary influences in your life
as you formed your thoughts about sex? (Your parents? sib-
lings? church? peers? books? films? music? advertisements?)
What attitudes and messages about sex did these people/media
communicate?
Digging In
1. How, according to Arnold, has marriage been "dragged into
the dirt"? (p. 114)
2. Why does Arnold say that "our age is a loveless age," and
what examples does he cite to support this? (p. 115)
3. How have we become a sex-obsessed society? What ex-
amples does Arnold give? Can you think of others?
28 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
4. How has love, for many people, become a delusion?
5. Arnold refers to the devastating aftermath of the sexual
revolution. What do you think he is referring to?
6. Why does Arnold think that modern sex education is a com-
plete failure? What are some of his criticisms?
7. Consider your own experiences with classroom sex educa-
tion. What kind of values and attitudes are communicated?
8. What does true education for the sexual life involve, and
how should it take place?
9. Does Arnold agree or disagree with the dominant view of
masturbation that it is healthy and natural? Why? Where,
according to Arnold, does masturbation lead, and how does
it harm the soul?
10. If you engage in masturbation, consider whether it really
makes you happy. Do you feel satisfied, or dissatisfied, after
masturbating? Has it made you a freer, healthier, more hon-
est person?
11. Think about Arnold's assertion that the so-called lines be-
tween pornography, masturbation, one-night stands, and
prostitution are actually an illusion. Why do you think he
feels this way? Do you agree?
12. When we give into sexual impurity, we are in danger,
Arnold says, "of throwing ourselves completely away"
(p. 121). How? What other things can sexual impurity lead
to or be connected with? (For further study, see Matt.
15:19 20; Rom. 13:13; Eph. 5:1 6; Col. 3:5 6; 1 Cor. 5:11;
6:1220; Heb. 13:45.)
13. Arnold quotes William Bennett, who writes: "There is a
coarseness, a callousness, a cynicism, a banality, and a vul-
garity to our time" (p. 117). Can you think of examples?
29
S T U DY G U I D E
Making It Count
1. How have you "played" with impurity? Where have you let
yourself be sexually aroused in a selfish way? Will you go to
a person you trust to help hold you accountable in your ef-
fort to change? Who? What will you ask this person to do to
help you? Remember, freedom never comes from one's own
strength but only through continually turning to God.
2. What can you do as a group to protest the filth that pervades
society? Don't look for big answers. Concentrate on little
things you can do to show your concern.
Study 17: Shameful Even to Mention?
Getting Ready
1. Homosexuality is perhaps the most explosive, divisive, and
controversial issue that confronts the church today. Why do
you think this is? What is at stake?
2. What feelings and questions do you have about homosexu-
ality?
Digging In
1. Why is Arnold alarmed by the prevalence of today's homo-
sexual agenda? What aspects of their agenda should Chris-
tians resist?
2. Why is gay bashing wrong? What, exactly, does gay bash-
ing involve?
3. Arnold differentiates between homosexual orientation and
homosexual conduct. What is the difference, and why is this
distinction important?
4. How does Arnold respond to those who claim they were
born gay? Does being "born" homosexual justify homo-
sexual behavior?
30 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
5. Arnold considers several passages of scripture that con-
demn homosexual behavior. How do people today try to re-
interpret these passages in order to justify homosexuality?
6. Arnold dismisses the argument that Scripture condemns
only "offensive homosexuality" and not homosexuality as
such. What do the following passages teach? Gen. 19:129;
Lev. 18:2223; Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:2428; 1 Cor. 6:910.
7. Why, according to Arnold, is a "loving" homosexual rela-
tionship no more permissible than other homosexual liaisons?
8. Can homosexuals be helped? How? What lessons does
Howard and Ann's story (pp. 129132) teach in this regard?
9. Is freedom from homosexuality possible? How? (See Rom.
6:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 4:16.)
Making It Count
1. Arnold is clear that "there is no biblical basis for making
homosexuality a worse sin than any other" (p. 124). Search
your own heart: Is your attitude more one of condemnation
or of compassion? Have you ever treated a gay person
wrongly or unjustly, simply because he or she was gay?
How might you be able to make amends for this? What can
you do to communicate God's love to a struggling homo-
sexual? Ask God to lead you in this.
2. Locate a ministry that addresses the needs of homosexuals.
Have one of its leaders share with your group about their
ministry.
Study 18: The Hidden War
Getting Ready
Consider the many reasons people use to support a woman's
right to abortion. List four reasons, and your response to each
of them.
31
S T U DY G U I D E
Digging In
1. Is Arnold right in saying that there is an increasing lack of
reverence for life and a lack of compassion for those who
are least able to defend themselves? Why or why not?
2. Arnold quotes Hauerwas, who says, "We are willing our
deaths" (p. 134). Can you think of different ways this might
be true?
3. Why is Arnold so concerned about "the contraceptive men-
tality"? What is he referring to, and why does he feel that
the use of contraceptives is against God's will?
4. If you are using contraceptives, why? How do your reasons
hold up in light of Arnold's warnings?
5. Arnold asserts that "abortion is murder there are no ex-
ceptions" (p. 136). Why, exactly, are there no exceptions?
6. Re-read the scripture passages Arnold cites. What, specif-
ically, can you learn from these about the unborn child and
his or her relationship to God?
7. Arnold quotes Bonhoeffer's warning against making dis-
tinctions between life that is worth living and life that is not
(p. 139). Why are such distinctions dangerous?
8. Is protest against abortions enough? Why not?
9. Has the church and your church in particular, failed to pro-
vide an alternative to abortion? How?
10. What should our response be toward those who have had an
abortion? Why?
Making it Count
1. What can you do to more faithfully uphold the sanctity of
sex and of the unborn child? Maybe you need to learn more
about natural family planning, or about adoption. Perhaps
there is a crisis pregnancy center you can support. Maybe
32 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
you know a mother in crisis who needs simple practical help.
Ask God to show you what to do.
2. Explore the possibility of how you as a group might practi-
cally support a crisis pregnancy center (CPC). Designate
someone in your group to contact a nearby CPC and make
an appointment with the director. Learn how your group
can help, and decide one thing you can do together.
Study 19: What about
Divorce and Remarriage?
Getting Ready
Think about why there are so many divorces today. What are
some of the causes (or factors and influences) that lead people
to divorce? Why is it so hard for people to stay married today?
Digging In
1. Arnold believes that divorce and remarriage is possibly "the
toughest issue" that faces the church today. What makes it
so tough?
2. Arnold cites some of the reasons people give for allowing
divorce and remarriage. Can you think of any others? On
what biblical grounds do Christians argue for the right to
divorce and remarry?
3. What is Arnold's view of the "marriage covenant?" (See
Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:46.)
4. Why did Moses allow divorce to begin with? Did he ever
sanction it per se? (See Deut. 24:14; Matt. 19:8.)
5. Only in Matthew's gospel is Jesus recorded as allowing di-
vorce (Matt. 5:3132; 19:89). Why do you think this is?
How does Arnold explain this? (See also note 38, p. 199.)
6. Even if there are certain "valid" grounds for divorce, does
this automatically free one to divorce, and to remarry after-
33
S T U DY G U I D E
wards? (For further study, see Hos. 3:1; 11:14; Matt. 6:14
15; Rom. 12:1721; 1 Cor. 7:10 11, 29; Rom. 7:3.)
7. Why should someone stay faithful even after a marriage has
ended?
8. What is the meaning of true faithfulness according to
Arnold? Why is adultery more than a physical act?
9. Arnold cites a question he asks of every couple he marries.
He says there is "deep wisdom in it" (p. 148). How?
10. What two pitfalls does Arnold warn against (p. 150)? Have
you fallen into either?
Making it Count
1. It is sad when couples live "parallel lives." If you are mar-
ried, how is it going? Are you merely coexisting because
you want or need to stay together? What prevents you from
having a more fruitful, interactive marriage? Discuss this
(privately) with your spouse. Would you agree to seek help
if you can't seem to make progress? If not, why not?
2. There is great strength in a group that is committed to doing
a task together. Discuss ways in which you might support a
troubled marriage or help support a person who has been
divorced and is trying to stay faithful. Maybe there's a couple
in the church (or even in your group) that needs extra time
together but cannot afford or find a baby-sitter they trust.
Perhaps a single parent could use similar help. Think practi-
cally and realistically as you explore different possibilities.
Study 20: Therefore Let Us Keep Watch
Getting Ready
Reflect on the following passages that speak about John the
Baptist (Luke 1:517; 3:418; Matt. 14:112; Mark 6:1429).
34 S E X , G O D & M A R R I AG E
What kind of person was John? What did he preach? How did
people respond to his message?
Digging In
1. Arnold is convinced that "many people today have a deep
longing for purity and faithfulness" (p. 153). Has this been
true in your experience?
2. What is involved in taking the struggle for purity really
seriously?
3. Besides the rampant impurity of our age, what else do we
need to fight against?
4. Why do you think there are so few people like John the Bap-
tist today? If John the Baptist were here today, what do you
think his message would be? Who might he go to?
5. Can you think of anybody today who is like John the Bap-
tist? Who might this be and why?
6. Arnold points out that the Beast (i.e., the Evil One) holds
sway over every country, and that his mark is "everywhere"
(p. 157). What evidence of this could you add to Arnold's
list?
7. What happens when God's will is fully and visibly lived
out?
8. Think about the wedding feast of the lamb (Rev. 19:79;
Matt. 22:114). If you were in charge of getting this banquet
ready, would you be prepared? Would you even be ready to
go? What would it mean to prepare for such a feast?
9. Arnold claims that "few people dare to stick out their
necks" (p. 156). What about you? Are there ways you have
become apathetic, complacent, or dulled by the spirit of our
time?
35
S T U DY G U I D E
Making it Count
1. Arnold pleads for more John the Baptists to come forth. To
whom do you need to speak a word of repentance? How can
you more actively protest against today's evils? Ask God to
show you ways in which you can be a more faithful fighter
for his cause. As you seek God's leading, ask God to show
you how you also need to change.
2. Reflecting on all that you have shared together as a group
and in light of what you have read, plan a banquet. Focus it
on the theme of purity. Think of different ways to express
what you have learned together. Be clear as to how you can
prepare for it and what it will involve, and make sure each
person has some way to contribute. Perhaps there are others
outside your group whom you could invite.
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