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Homosexuality: Answers to Questions

Is homosexuality wrong, and if so, why?

Introduction

1. Text: 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

2. The daily news often reminds us of the growing strength of the homosexual movement in the world.

3. Homosexuality was prevalent in ancient times -- in our day it is making a comeback.

4. If we wish to think from a scriptural perspective, what should we think about this subject?

I. WHAT DO THE WORDS MEAN?

1. Homosexuality = sexual behavior among members of the same sex.

   1. Sexual desire or attraction to the same sex.

   2. Sexual activity with a member of the same sex.

2. Sodomy = male homosexuality.

3. Lesbianism = female homosexuality.

4. Bisexuality = sexual attraction to members of both sexes.

5. Transvestism = dressing in the clothing of the opposite sex.

II. WHAT ARE THE PASSAGES IN THE BIBLE THAT ADDRESS THE ISSUE?

1. Genesis 13:13; 18:20; 19:4,5. Cf. Jude 7.

2. Leviticus 18:22; 20:13.

3. Romans 1:24-27.

4. 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.

   1. "Homosexuals" = malakos = soft, effeminate; a male prostitute. Cf. "effeminate" (KJV).

   2. "Sodomites" = arsenokoites = a male homosexual. Cf. "abusers of themselves with mankind" (KJV).

III. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF GENDER DIFFERENCES?

1. Gender is an important, basic part of our created nature - Gen. 1:27.

2. Gender differences are to be maintained, even in appearance - Deut. 22:5; 1 Cor. 11:14,15.

3. Homosexuality is a perversion, a twisting of that which is normal - Rom. 1:24-27.

IV. WHAT ABOUT THE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS PEOPLE ARE ASKING?

1. Are some people born homosexual?

   1. It depends on what one means by "born homosexual."

   2. Homosexual desire is abnormal. Whatever its origin, the question is: what does one do with it?

2. Is homosexuality a sickness or disease?

   1. Again, much depends on definition. What do we mean by "sickness" or "disease"?

   2. Sickness often results from free-will choices made by the "victim." Cf. lung cancer.

3. Is homosexuality simply "different," nothing more than an "alternate" lifestyle?

   1. Homosexuality is not morally neutral -- it is morally wrong. It is sinful.

   2. Homosexual desires are to be resisted, and homosexual conduct is to be refused.

4. Can homosexuals change? Yes, according to 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

5. What about "homosexual rights"?

   1. All citizens should be accorded whatever civil rights are recognized within a society.

   2. But homosexuals should not be given preferential treatment nor protected from fair criticism.

6. What should a homosexual do if he or she wishes to do what is right toward God?

   1. Repent = acknowledge the sin + commit to change - 2 Cor. 7:10.

   2. Seek wise counsel - Prov. 19:20.

   3. Resist the temptation and refuse homosexual activity - Jas. 1:14,15. Cf. Rom. 13:14; Col. 3:5.

   4. Work on eliminating homosexual desires - 1 Cor. 6:11.

7. What should be our attitude as Christians toward those caught in this problem?

   1. Compassion - Jd. 22,23.

   2. But we must still take a stand! Cf. Eph. 4:15.

8. What's different about the modern popularity of homosexuality?

   1. Moral confusion, turning moral laws upside down - Isa. 5:20.

   2. Militance, boldness, and glory in that which is shameful - Phil. 3:19.

V. WHAT ARE OUR REASONS FOR CONDEMNING HOMOSEXUALITY?

1. Not because of:

   1. Homophobia.

   2. Bigotry.

   3. Self-righteousness.

   4. Lack of respect for diversity.

   5. Intolerance.

   6. Hate.

   7. Lack of compassion.

2. Homosexuality is to be condemned because it is morally wrong - Rom. 1:24-27.

Conclusion

1. We must not "get used to" homosexuality or lose the ability to blush - Jer. 6:15.

2. Despite the unpopularity of some truths today, we must continue to tell the truth - 2 Tim. 4:2-4.