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1. Introduction.

In study one we looked at sexual identity and the position of church@paravista on this subject.
We saw that the Bible is the Word of God and the foundation for all we believe and live by including sexual identity.
We also touched on persecution and we need to be not surprised when persecution comes as a result of us standing firm on what God says since we live in a world which seeks its own way and not interested in God’s!
This week we look at how we respond and treat others who believe and live contrary to God’s way especially in the area of sexual identity.
2. Love.
Generally speaking, how does God treat people? According to the following verses what is God’s attitude towards those who are living contrary to His ways?
• John 3:16.
• Romans 5:8.
• Luke 19:10.
• Titus 2:11.

How does God want us to treat others? Discuss what the following says about the importance of love.
• 1 Corinthians 16:14, Colossians 3:14, 1 Peter 4:8.
• Galatians 5:22.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Discuss the value in God’s eyes of doing anything without love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
3. Your View of Non–Heterosexual People.
Discuss Danny’s following words. What do you think?

Is there a difference between same sex attraction and being homosexual, bisexual or gay?
So if someone struggles with same sex attraction, but chooses not to live that lifestyle, even though they may still struggle to keep their mind pure and on track as it should be, I don’t believe we have any right to call them a gay man or gay woman, just because that is their struggle, they are not actively engaged in that lifestyle.
It is what one does with that attraction that will determine whether or not sin occurs.

How do you think God feels? What does He want the end result to be? Consider the following….
• Luke 15:1-7.
• Luke 15:8-10.
• Luke 15:11-32.
What message was Jesus wanting to communicate in Matthew 22:1-10, 21:31-32?
4. The Jonah Complex.
Read Jonah’s story. Jonah 1:1-4:31 and answer the following….
• Why do you think Jonah didn’t want to go? Can you relate?
• What was his response?
• What did God have to resort to in order to get him to obey? Imagine Jonah’s three day experience? Do you think God goes to great lengths today to get His children to obey Him?
• What was God’s reason for sending Jonah? See Jonah 4:11.
• What was the result?
Discuss Jonah’s attitude toward the people of Nineveh all the way through even after they repented? Can you relate in any way? Share your answers with your group.
Discuss Danny’s words about the wrong attitude Christians can have toward the actions of those who don’t know God….

The Jonah complex is this-
The sin that other people are living in, I find disgusting and evil and they deserve everything that they get!
I become the Judge and I replace Gods Word, with my will!
Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives His Spirit to you!
Brothers, sisters, there will always be sin in this world that for whatever reason, we combined the sin and the person together and reject them both.

5. Conclusion.
How do you view worldly people and in particular those whose sexual views and actions are contrary to God’s Word? What is your attitude towards them? How do you treat them in the world or if they were to come in to our church?
Consider some of Danny’s closing words….

I often remind myself, that when a person comes to church, they will generally judge God, by us, His followers.
So I ask myself, as a representative of the King, do my words and actions encourage people to seek God more, or are they turned off by the way I have treated them or the way that I act.

“But the Lord said…. Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness….Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” Jonah 4:11.

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