Sex and Self-Forgetfulness

Sex and Self-Forgetfulness helps couples gain a biblical understanding of the joys of intimacy on their way to building a more mutually satisfying marriage.

Intimacy is a wonderful gift from God meant to draw married couples closer, but in a world where there is so much confusion and misuse of sexuality, how can that happen? Through thirty devotions, Doug Hanna shares that the secret to the Christian life—where you find true life by laying down your life for others—is also the secret to mutually satisfying intimacy. Couples will explore Scripture together to discover that real joy comes from thinking less of yourself and more of your spouse.

By focusing on self-forgetfulness, mutual service, and Christ’s example, Sex and Self-Forgetfulness provides a roadmap for healing, growth, and lasting intimacy. Reading the devotional together allows couples to read Scripture, talk about the day’s narrative, and pray together before putting what they have learned into practice in their own marriage.

Divided into three parts to help couples understand God’s design for sex, respond to sexual brokenness, and pursue satisfaction. Challenges common cultural misconceptions about sex and offers guidance for overcoming sexual sin. Married couples, engaged couples, pastors, and counselors will benefit from this clear, Christ-centered and practical resource.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Introduction: The Life of Self-Forgetfulness
4. Part 1: Understanding God’s Design
5. Chapter 1: Why Talking About Sex Is Hard
6. Chapter 2: Sex Is for Marriage
7. Chapter 3: Sex Is for Pleasure
8. Chapter 4: Sex Is for Serving
9. Chapter 5: Sex Is for Women
10. Chapter 6: Jesus Is Our Model of Self-Forgetfulness
11. Part 2: Responding to Sexual Brokenness
12. Chapter 7: The Seemingly Sweet Offer of Sexual Sin
13. Chapter 8: Christ Serves Sexual Sinners
14. Chapter 9: The Cause of Sexual Sin
15. Chapter 10: Confessing Sexual Sin
16. Chapter 11: Responding to Christ’s Love
17. Chapter 12: Avoiding Sexual Sin
18. Chapter 13: Forgiving Sexual Sin
19. Chapter 14: Rebuilding Trust After Sexual Sin
20. Chapter 15: Christ Serves Sexual Sufferers
21. Part 3: Pursuing Sexual Satisfaction
22. Chapter 16: Sex Is Not the Goal
23. Chapter 17: Lust or Love?
24. Chapter 18: The Secret to a Satisfying Sex Life
25. Chapter 19: Laying Down Your Rights
26. Chapter 20: A Life of Self-Forgetful Sex
27. Chapter 21: Self-Forgetful Sex Is a Lifestyle
28. Chapter 22: Self-Forgetful Sex Is an Attitude
29. Chapter 23: Self-Forgetful Sex Is Patient
30. Chapter 24: Self-Forgetful Sex Is Seeking Pleasure
31. Chapter 25: How to Be Served
32. Chapter 26: How Thankfulness Will Transform Your Sex Life
33. Chapter 27: Love Your Spouse (Not Someone Else’s)
34. Chapter 28: Learning How to Pleasure Your Spouse
35. Chapter 29: Talking About Sex
36. Chapter 30: Sex Is for Sinners
37. Afterword: If Your Spouse Did Not Read This Book
38. Appendix 1: God’s Design for Marriage
39. Appendix 2: 52 Conversation Starters for Discussing Sex with Your Spouse
40. Appendix 3: Recommended Resources
41. Closing Credits