church@paravista – Same Sex Attraction & the Church

As we view the western world’s trend of supporting ‘same sex marriage’ under the guise of ‘equality’ how should we as Christians respond?

What should be our attitude be toward those we know who are in such relationships?

What does our Creator God say on this subject?

1. God’s View of What Marriage Is.

Read and discuss the following….

Genesis 1:26-28, 2:21-25, Ephesians 5:21-33.

Discuss what Paul is referring to in Ephesians 5:32.

2. God’s View of Homosexuality.

Read Leviticus 18. What was the penalty under the Old Testament Law for homosexuality? Leviticus 20:13.

What does Paul say in 1Corinthians 6:9-11 regarding practicing homosexuals?

Read Romans 1:24-27.

What does Paul say they traded? Romans 1:25.

What did that lead to? Romans 1:26-27.

Discuss how you see this happening in the world we live in today.

Is homosexuality worse than other sins?

Read 1Corinthians 6:9-11 again. What other sins are mentioned there?

What do the following verses say about our man’s natural condition before a holy God? Matthew 3:7, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, 2:5-11.

Read God’s solution. Ephesians 2:4-5, 1Corinthians 6:11.

3. Our Struggle with Sin.

Read Paul’s words in Romans 7:14-25. Do you relate?

Read the story of the woman caught in adultery and Jesus response to the Pharisees etc. who suggested she should be stoned. John 8:1-9.

What did Jesus say to the woman? John 8:10-11.

What was the Pharisee’s problem in Luke 18:9-14.

Discuss the following:

“Our struggle against sin is the same as the homosexual’s struggle with his/her sin. Our dominate sin might be pride, or greed, legalism or heterosexual lust and so on. We, with the homosexual, must heed Christ’s call to take up our cross daily and follow Him – for the battle against sin will be with us all, every day, for the rest of this life.”

4. Application.

Read and discuss Danny’s closing words:

“So what can we do, when someone repents from the sin of homosexuality (or any other sexual sin or lifestyle), or a Christian that admits he or she is struggling with same sex attraction? Brothers and sisters, the church should be a place where transparency, honesty and restitution can take place – and our attitudes can either hinder or encourage them to move forward. As a church, how would we react if someone stood up and asked us to pray for them, because same sex attraction was their struggle? I would hope that it was with love, care, grace and prayer.”

And if someone has confided in you that this is their struggle what would a godly response be? Consider the following:

Thank them – that they have trusted you, remembering that they have most likely received rejection from many people in the past. It’s a big deal, especially telling a Christian, not knowing how you might respond.
Assure them that you will not reject them – they need to know that you will walk this road with them, without having an attitude of a Pharisee.
Listen to them – learn to ask the right questions, listen with an open heart.
Pray for them – it is only with the help, guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit that any of us can start and continue with dealing with sin in our lives.
Be there for them – this is not just a once off discussion, it is a continual walk and for many it will be for the rest of their lives. Treat them with respect, it is not your news to gossip, but to prayerfully and respectfully love them through it.
For some, even though they may never change, in becoming attracted to those of the opposite gender.
They will need the understanding and encouragement of the church and fellow Christians, as they endeavour to live out their lives as a single, celibate, Christian. In the same way, any other single person struggles to live a God honouring life.
May we, at church@paravista be willing to go to the extra mile in helping people to become active, committed followers of Jesus Christ.

Has looking this subject been helpful for you? Share your answer with the rest of your group.

This post filed under

Bible Study Sexuality