CHRISTIANITY AND HOMOSEXUALITY (Part One)
Memory Verse
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;" - Romans 1:28
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 1:21-28
INTRODUCTION
Today, especially in the western world, homosexuals and lesbians have gained substantial momentum. They have "come out" as the term goes, left their closets. Through television, radio, newspapers, and magazines, they are preaching their doctrine of tolerance, equality, justice, and love. They do not want to be perceived as abnormal or dangerous. They want to be recognised and accepted socially, politically etc. In this study we shall examine the biblical perspective and the Christian worldview as touching this subject matter. Be blessed.
OUTLINES
1. WHAT IS HOMOSEXUALITY?
2. SOCIETAL ATIITUDE
3. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
WHAT IS HOMOSEXUALITY?
Homosexuality is a relationship that involves having sexual intercourse with the people of the same sex. It is referred to as 'lesbianism' among the female gender. Homosexuality is not natural. A look at the male and female bodies reveals that they are obviously designed to couple. The natural design is apparent. It is not natural to couple male with male and female with female. Homosexual desires, which may feel natural, are actually unnatural. Other perverted sexual relationships are: paedophilia - an abnormal sexual attraction to children and bestiality - sexual relationship with animals.
SOCIETAL ATTITUDE
Pro-homosexual politicians and the homosexual community want legal protection for having intercourse with the people of the same sex. They also want their views taught in schools, promoted over the airwaves and codified in literature. The homosexual community also attempts to use political power to try and control the church.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
The Bible has much to say about homosexuality:
- Gen. 19:45 - 'But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
- Lev.18:22 -11 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
- Lev. 20:13 -"lf a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
4. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 -11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
- Rom. 1:26-28 -11 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their
CONCLUSION
The Bible surely has crystal clear statements against homosexuality. Hence, it is difficult to see how different groups can say the Bible supports homosexuality. But they try by redefining love, marriage, sex, homosexuality, etc. in order to accomplish their goal. But the truth is that God created man and woman, not man and man, or woman and woman.
QUESTIONS
1. What is homosexuality?
2. What is the attitude of the society to homosexuality?
3. What does the bible say about homosexuality?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Romans 1:28 - Retain God in your knowledge and ways.
TUESDAY: 1 Corinthians 6:20 - Honour God with your body.
WEDNESDAY: 1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee from sexual immorality.
THURSDAY: 1Thessalonians 4:4 - Be self-controlled.
FRIDAY: 1 Timothy 5:22 - Keep yourself pure.
SATURDAY: Leviticus 20:13 - Homosexuality is an abomination.
SUNDAY: 1 Thess. 5:22 - Abstain from all appearances of evil.
CHRISTIANITY AND HOMOSEXUALITY (Part Two)
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;" Ephesians 4:22
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 1:21-28
INTRODUCTION
So far we have discussed what homosexuality really is, societal attitude and what the Bible says about it. Today, we shall be examining the dangers involved in homosexuality, Christian's response to the homosexual and homosexual marriages.
OUTLINES
1. THE DANGER INVOLVED
2. CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSE TO THE HOMOSEXUAL
3. SHOULD HOMOSEXUALS BE ALLOWED TO MARRY ONE ANOTHER?
THE DANGER INVOLVED
Unlike other sins, this sexual sin has a judgment administered by God Himself: He gives them over to their passions and 'to do those things which are not convenient--in the old sense of that word, that is, "not becoming," "indecorous," "shameful." (Romans 1:26-28). This means that their hearts are allowed to be hardened by their sins. As a result, they can no longer see the error of what they are doing - . Prov.10:17, Heb. 3:7-10. Without an awareness of their sinfulness, there will be no repentance - 2 Cor.4:3-4. Without repentance, there will be no forgiveness (Acts 8:22). Without forgiveness, there is no salvation Hebrews 2:3, Romans 5:1, 2 Cor.7:10, Romans10:10.
CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSETOTHE HOMOSEXUAL
Just because someone is a homosexual does not mean that we cannot love him (or her) or pray for them - Lev.19:18, 1 Timothy 1:5. Homosexuality is a sin and like any other sin, it needs to be dealt with in the only way possible - Romans 13:9. It needs to be laid at the cross and repented of- Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22.
Christians should pray for the salvation of the homosexual the same way they would pray for any other person in sin - James 5: 16, 1 Kings 13:6. They should treat homosexuals with the same dignity as they would anyone else because, whether you like it or not, they are made in the image of God - Gen.1:26-27. However, this does not mean that Christians should approve of their sin. Christians should not compromise their witness for a politically correct opinion that is shaped by guilt and fear - Colossians 4:5-6.
SHOULD HOMOSEXUALS BE ALLOWED TO MARRY ONE ANOTHER?
The aching questions in the society and some churches are: Should a woman be allowed to marry another woman? Should a man be allowed to marry another man? Should they be given legal protection and special rights to practice their homosexuality?
Although, our society does not rely on the Bible for its moral truth but on humanistic and relativistic morals upon which it builds its ethical structure, the Bible, of course, condemns homosexuality Leviticus 18:22, 20:13. It takes no leap of logic to discern that homosexual marriage is also condemned. Therefore, we must be prayerful, sober and vigilant 1 Peter 5:8-9.
CONCLUSION
You do not win people to the Lord by condemning them and calling them names. This is why God says to speak with wisdom, grace, and love. Let the love of Christ flow through you so that the homosexuals can see true love and turn to Christ instead of away from Him.
QUESTIONS
1. List some of the dangers Involved in the practice of homosexuality
2. What should be our response to the homosexuals?
3. Should homosexuals be allowed to marry one another?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: 2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee from all evil desires.
TUESDAY: 1 Corinthians 6:9 - The unrighteous have no place in God's kingdom.
WEDNESDAY: 1Thessalonians 4:3 - Abstain from fornication.
THURSDAY: Titus 2:12 - Live soberly, righteously and Godly.
FRIDAY: Leviticus 18:22 - Flee from all abominable acts.
SATURDAY: Romans 12:9 - Cling to that which is good.
SUNDAY: 1 Peter 5:8 - Be prayerful and watchful.
