The Verdict On Homosexuality Series

HoHum:

“The Birdcage.” A 1996 movie where the actors Robin Williams & Nathan Lane play the parts of a homosexual couple, & Gene Hackman plays a conservative politician who messes up their gay lifestyle. Reviewing the movie, Time magazine called it a “warm, humorous, family film.” Now wait a minute, folks. The world’s thinking has become so skewed that it can take this & interpret it as a “warm, humorous, family film.” If we walk in the ways of the world long enough, we get all twisted around & begin to think that sin is normal, & what used to be evil is good, & what used to be good is evil.

WBTU:

Past several weeks been talking a lot about contract marriage vs. covenant marriage. Contract marriage is an agreement between two persons. Covenant marriage is an agreement between two persons and God. Covenant with God makes all the difference.

Many come at marriage from secular, contract mentality. This is bad on many angles but here is one we have not discussed. By saying that marriage is based solely on civil law, this can open the door to a variety of marriages that Scripture is against. Possibility of An amendment of civil law that would make same sex marriage legal, whereas Scripture is opposed to this.

In just a few weeks the Supreme Court will hear arguments on legalizing same sex marriage for the whole nation. In a legal battle in Alabama, the courts have ordered Alabama to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. No matter what the Supreme Court decides, same sex marriage will be a hot topic. Let’s dive into this hot topic of homosexuality.

Thesis: Look at 3 NT Scriptures and then give some advice for those who struggle with this

For instances:

Look at 3 NT Scriptures (start at back and go toward the front)

1. “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine” 1 Timothy 1:8-10, NIV.

Notice that NIV uses the word perverts. Perverts covers much ground. NASB calls this homosexuals and this is more correct interpretation. PC is against the NASB translation

The law’s purpose is to convict the unrighteous. Now the law is good if used properly. The law was given to lead us to Christ, to make us see that we are sinners in need of salvation. The law makes us see that we are utterly sinful (Romans 7:13). “So the law was put in charge (our schoolmaster- KJV) to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:24, NIV.

These offenses against the law are listed in summary form here. Paul includes homosexuality in this list coupled with adultery as a violation of God’s law. This indicates that adultery and homosexuality are unacceptable for Christians.

2. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. 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.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, NIV.

Paul’s reference to homosexuality here is in a section dealing with a variety of sexual issues confronting the Corinthian church. Right before these verses Paul scolds the Corinthians for public lawsuits against one another (6:1-8), and after these verses Paul talks about Christians who engage in sex with prostitutes (6:12-20).

The two phrases that concern us today are found at the end of vs. 9- male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders. These two Greek words together refer to both the passive and active partners in homosexual intercourse. Both of these terms in the Greek can be combined into one. English Standard Version- men who practice homosexuality (lot less graphic).

3 observations here:

1) Church is told to be intolerant of sexual immorality in Christians including homosexuality.

2) Homosexuality is listed together with many other sins as things that will bar the gate into God’s kingdom. Must acknowledge that this is sin and repent of

3) Paul makes clear that some of the members of the Corinthian church were former homosexuals (vs. 11). You were washed- reference to baptism. You were sanctified- set apart for God and his service. You were justified- No penalty for you. This is hope for any homosexual who is willing to repent of their sin (leaving those sins behind) and respond to the gospel by confession and baptism.