In the “Let’s Be Clear” series, we are teaching what the Bible clearly says on controversial topics regarding the Church today. The big idea for this series is this: Clarity is the answer to confusion.
Week four brought us to the topic of homosexuality, unveiling the big idea that all sexual immorality, including homosexuality, is sin, but God is gracious to forgive.
As we’ve seen thus far in our series, standing on the truth involves clarity and truth-telling. We must be truth-tellers with broken hearts when it comes to these challenging issues. The big idea this week is difficult because our culture defines self as your innermost feelings; thus, sexuality is the great beacon of how you feel. As Christians, we know this to be false. Individuals are more than their sexual desires or orientation! We are all precious children created in the image of God with agency and potential. God has plans and purposes for our lives, and He wants to bestow spiritual gifts so that we can make an impact. God wants more for us all than personal gratification; He is after our glorification!
Sermon Recap: Unveiling the truth about homosexuality
This week we read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. 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.”
This passage lays out a plan for attaining an inheritance, which is the kingdom of God! The question that logically follows is, “Who obtains this inheritance?” This is where we must understand the gospel! We don’t come into possession of the Kingdom of God because we are good; we come into possession of the Kingdom of God because we’ve been washed! Jesus died in our place on the cross, taking what we deserved for our sin so that He could wash, sanctify, and justify us and give us a place in heaven.
Look back at the list we see in verses 9 and 10:
“…neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
All these things are contrary to what God wants for us, and among them is sexual immorality. Sexual immorality is any form of premarital or extramarital sex outside of the sacred union defined in the Bible between a man and a woman.
Homosexuality is an example of sexual immorality and is just one form of many human rebellions. Homosexuality is not singled out in this list in Scripture, but we must recognize that it is in the list. If you are someone who struggles with same-sex attraction or you’re in a homosexual relationship, our culture has told you that how you feel is who you are. On the contrary, the Bible is here to say that how you feel is not who you are! Your identity is so much more than that. Your character and your godliness are not formed by affirming how you feel but by striving against how you feel and leaning into His vision for your life.
Whether you struggle with homosexuality or any other temptation, please remember that you have the image of God! You can choose against what you feel, and you can lay down your desires.
Application: Repent of sexual immorality, including homosexuality, and trust God’s grace.
If there are areas in your life where you’re struggling with sexual sin, I want to call you to sit under His Lordship. Our sexuality is a lordship issue, and if there’s surrender, God can heal you of your sin. Will you repent today?
If you’re a Christian, I call you today to be clear on how God defines marriage and His good intentions for sexuality. Instead of decrying homosexuality, let us focus on making biblical marriages shine. Let’s throw ourselves into the gender roles that God assigned and make biblical marriages super attractive to the outside world.
No matter what situation you find yourself in today, God can save you and redeem you. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who loved you enough to die for you, and that shows us two things. First, no sin is too much. Secondly, God’s Kingdom is worth denying yourself in this life. Come to Him today.
– Andrew Hopper (Lead Pastor)
Watch the full sermon from week four here!
Additional Resources:
“The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships: A Review Article” by Tim Keller
Keller reviews two books by authors who believe the Bible allows/supports same-sex relationships. He outlines the five basic arguments these books make and offers his critique.
A collection of testimonies from Christians who experience same-sex attraction but find their identity in something greater than their sexuality. Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul David Tripp
Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age by Rosaria Butterfield
Check out a story of God’s redemptive work in Josh’s life:
