Love Actually | May 11, 2025

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Questions About Marriage – Chip Henderson

Sermon Highlights

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:1–6

Paul responds to the Corinthians’ questions about marriage and sexuality, offering a balanced, biblical view in a culture that either glorified sexual freedom or condemned all intimacy. He corrects both extremes by grounding his teaching in God’s design for marriage and outlines three key principles:

Principle of Sexuality: God Gave Us the Gift of Sexuality, and It Is Good

Sex is not shameful—it’s a gift from God for pleasure, procreation, and a picture of oneness with Christ. Within marriage, it’s meant to be life-giving and sacred. Outside of His design, it leads to brokenness.

Principle of Mutuality: Intimacy Is About Serving, Not Demanding

Marriage involves mutual care and respect. Each spouse is called to meet the other’s needs through love, not control. Intimacy grows in an environment of selfless service, not pressure or withholding.

Principle of Spirituality: Your Love Life Flows From Your Connection to God

A strong spiritual foundation shapes healthy intimacy. As your relationship with God grows, so does your capacity for love, patience, and self-control. True connection starts with Christ at the center.

Marriage thrives when both partners seek God, serve each other, and stay spiritually connected. The more you serve your spouse, the more joy and closeness you experience.

ICEBREAKER QUESTION

What’s one topic people around you either avoided or had strong, mixed opinions about growing up?

TRANSITION TO GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Conversations like that remind us how much our experiences shape what we believe. Now, let’s look at Scripture and what God says about relationships, marriage, and intimacy—and how we can live that out with wisdom and grace.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Leader Note: Even though this week’s topic involves marriage and intimacy, the truths apply to everyone—married, single, or anywhere between. Encourage your group to consider how God’s design shapes their view of relationships. Use wisdom based on your group’s makeup to guide the conversation. Optional questions for married couples are included below.

Our culture often views love and intimacy as transactional—”If I do this, you’ll do that.” How does that mindset show up in relationships? What’s the alternative God offers?

  • Read 1 Corinthians 7:1–2. Paul reminds the church that sexuality is a gift from God, not something shameful. How have cultural or church messages shaped your view of sexuality or relationships?

  • Read Genesis 2:24. God designed healthy relationships with a clear process—leaving, cleaving, and becoming one. Why do you think that order matters in forming lasting, godly connections?

  • Read Ephesians 5:25–30. Husbands are called to love like Christ loved the Church—with sacrifice and care. Whether single or married, what does it look like to love others this way in your life?

  • Read 1 Corinthians 7:5. Paul encourages spiritual focus—even in relationships—as a guard against temptation. How does staying spiritually connected help you resist pressure, distraction, or temptation?

  • Read Galatians 5:22–23. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that impacts all areas of life. Where do you need more self-control, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit into that space?

OPTIONAL QUESTIONS FOR MARRIED COUPLES

  • In what ways can you and your spouse better reflect God’s design for mutual care and connection in your marriage?

  • Are there any patterns—like withholding, demanding, or avoiding—that you sense God calling you to address?

  • Why do you think spiritual connection can feel more vulnerable than physical or practical connection in marriage?

NEXT STEP

Take time this week to reflect on what God is showing you about love, intimacy, and self-control. Is there a relationship where He’s inviting you to grow in how you serve, communicate, or set boundaries? Write it down and ask God to help you walk it out with grace.

OPTIONAL NEXT STEP FOR MARRIED COUPLES

Set aside time this week for a real conversation—not just about your schedules or responsibilities, but about how you’re really doing. If praying together feels intimidating, start by simply asking, “What can I pray for you about this week?” Let God use that moment to draw you closer.

PRAYER

Leaders, close your time by praying over the group. Acknowledge that everyone is in a different place—some are single, some are married, some may be struggling. Pray for God’s wisdom, healing, and grace to shape each person’s relationships and desires. Ask for His Spirit to produce love, self-control, and a deeper connection with Him this week.

Remind your group that they are fully known and fully loved by God—and that His design for intimacy, love, and connection is always for their good.

RESOURCES

In his message, Chip referenced several resources that can help you better understand yourself and your relationships:

  • Podcast – The Place We Find Ourselves by Adam Young: This podcast helps you explore your personal story, understand your emotional needs, and uncover the reasons behind your patterns and behaviors.

  • Book – The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire: This book challenges harmful beliefs about sex and offers a healthier, more mutual, and spiritually grounded view of intimacy in marriage.

  • Counseling Partners – Meeting with a counselor can be a valuable step toward understanding yourself—how your past experiences shape your reactions, needs, and patterns in relationships.