Big Idea: Because we belong to Jesus, we honor him with our lives. Because Jesus purchased us with His blood, every part of our lives belongs to Him. Because We Belong To Jesus: 1. Honor God in Your Relationships 1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another–and this in front of unbelievers! 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers. Corinthians 6:1-8 (NIV) 2. Anchor Your Identity in Jesus 9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV) • Your past may explain where you've been, but Jesus defines who you are. 3. Honor God With Your Body 12 “Everything is permissible for me”–but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"–but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”–but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (NIV) • Will you honor God with your life? Next Right Steps: Repair One Relationship Live From Your New Identity Honor Jesus in One Practical Area TALK IT OVER Big Idea Because Jesus purchased us with His blood, every part of our lives belongs to Him. Opening Prayer: Invite someone to thank God for His grace that not only forgives us but gives us a new identity in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help everyone understand what it means to honor God with every part of life. Icebreaker: Have you ever purchased something that was especially valuable to you? How did you care for it differently because you knew what it was worth? Read 1 Corinthians 6:1–20 For Families with Children Why do our bodies belong to God? What are some ways we can honor Jesus with our everyday choices? For Teens and Adults What stands out to you most as you read 1 Corinthians 6? How does knowing you belong to Jesus change the way you think about your daily choices? Are there areas of your life where God is calling you to greater obedience? Is there a relationship where you need to pursue forgiveness or reconciliation? What habits help you honor God with your body, mind, and heart? Are there activities, attitudes, or habits that compete for Christ's rightful place in your life? What does it practically mean to glorify God in everyday life? What is one step of obedience God is inviting you to take this week? This Week's Challenge: Before making decisions this week, pause and ask yourself: “Will this honor Jesus?” Let that simple question guide your choices, your conversations, and your relationships. Memory Verse “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19b–20 (NIV) Prayer Time Pray for one another. Thank Jesus for purchasing us through His sacrifice. Pray for restored relationships. Pray for confidence in our identity in Christ. Pray for strength to honor God with every part of our lives.