A Christian’s Perspective on Homosexuality

Introduction:

Our nation is in midst of a major culture war over issue of homosexuality. In less than 30 years, homosexuality has gone from a non-issue to a topic discussed nationwide. This topic receives every possible form of media exposure. America seems obsessed with sex. This obsession has led to every kind of perversion, even perversion previously unimaginable. Homosexuality is just a part of these perversions. If tide of homosexuality and sexual perversion is to be turned around, people must be taught to respect and value God’s word and develop personal discipline and restraint.

I.      Homosexuality in the OT.

A.     Gen 19 – a major battleground in this issue.

B.     19:2-5 – to understand the depravity – must look at these verses.

1.     19:5 – ASV: “know” them. NIV: “have sex with them.”

a)     19:8 – Lot offers daughters to have sex with men.

b)    19:9-11 – they weren’t interested.

2.     19:24-25 – Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.

C.    Leviticus 18:22

1.     Leviticus 20:13 – God says homosexuality is forbidden.

a)     20:26 – God intended for His people to be holy and set apart from the other nations.

II.    Homosexuality in NT.

A.     Jude 7 – Jude warns against false teachers – referring to God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah because of homosexuality.

1.     Strange flesh refers to homosexual activity.

2.     Romans 1:24-27 - Being gay is termed unnatural.

B.     1 Corinthians 6:9-10

III.  The Gospel offers hope for recovery.

A.     1 Cor. 6:11 – Corinthians had engaged in homosexual acts.

1.     Gospel cleansed and liberated them.

2.     2 Cor 3:18 – they were being transformed from their ungodliness.

B.     Power to change is through the gospel – Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 5:17

1.     Sinful behavior can be changed if the heart and character is completely converted to Christ.

2.     James Dobson: There is a 70% success rate of homosexual reparation, if highly motivated morally.

IV.  What should be our perspective?

A.     Homosexuality is sin. Those who continue to practice it will be lost.

1.     This is nothing to cheer about.

B.     1 Cor. 6:9-10 – it is a sin – just like any other sin.

1.     God does not rank sin. Neither should we.  All sin is serious.

C.    We can and should stand opposed to the sin & not apologize for that.

1.     But…we should also offer a warm, loving, and caring atmosphere for those who struggle with this sin.

2.     Care/compassion/love/grace does NOT equal the condoning of the sinful behavior.  See Luke 15:1

Conclusion:

A.     We need not be afraid to stand up for right at each opportunity.

1.     We can stand for right w/class; honor; and dignity.

2.     No need to act tactless and ugly.

B.     Rom. 1:16 – do you need to obey the gospel? There is hope! 1 Cor. 6:11