Begin today’s group time by asking your students to call out where many of their friends (as well they themselves) might get their values about sex. Examples might be: the apps Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat; PG-13 movies; conversations with peers, etc.
- What do society and media teach us about sex? (Allow teens to share their thoughts. Answers will vary but will likely include the idea that everything is okay if it’s consensual.)
The media has a lot to say about sex. Because there are so many songs, TV shows, and movies with sexual content, teens are increasingly turning to the media for much of their information about sex. In fact, a recent article by Common Sense Media stated that, “teens report that their main source of information about sex, dating and sexual health comes from what they see and hear in the media.”
- How are the messages of media different than what God’s word says? (Allow teens to share their thoughts. Answers will vary but may include the fact that sex is powerful and designed by God for the context of marriage.)
- Why are these messages easy to believe and follow? (Allow teens to share their thoughts. Answers will vary.)
- In what ways could society and media’s teachings about sex be really harmful? (Allow teens to share their thoughts. Answers will vary but may include that society only teaches us to do what feels good. Their messages don’t tell us about the potential harm and consequences that can result from our behavior.)
- What are some of the consequences that people could face by being sexually active before marriage? (Pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, feelings of regret, etc.)
It is easy to think that love can be found in others and sometimes it can, but it may or may not be a love that lasts. God’s love for us may seem to come with some strict guidelines that the world finds restrictive, but sex outside of marriage doesn’t fill the emptiness and may, instead, make that emptiness and desperate need for love and acceptance worse…adding regret alongside it.
God’s guidelines for sex are for our good and following them can affect our future marriage and family for the better. Let’s look further to see what God has to say on this topic.