For Preaching Against Homosexuality 11-17-24 AM

        I.            God has condemned homosexuality in every age.

a.      Genesis 19 records the destruction of Sodom.

                                                              i.      Earlier in Genesis, the men of Sodom had been mentioned as being evil (Genesis 13:13).

                                                            ii.      In Genesis 19 we see one of the things that caused them to be seen as so wicked in the eyes of God.

                                                          iii.      When the angels went into Lot’s house, the men of the city surrounded the house and demanded that Lot turn over the two strangers to them so that they could “know” them (Gen. 19:4-5).

                                                          iv.      The NIV, the NLT and other newer version translate the end of vs. 5 as “that we can have sex with them.”

                                                            v.      Because of this bent towards homosexual acts, and for other sins, the city was destroyed.

                                                          vi.      Also, we get the English word “sodomy” from this name of this city.

b.      The Mosaic Law strictly forbad homosexuality.

                                                              i.      Leviticus 18:22, 29; 1 Kings 14:24.

                                                            ii.      Homosexuality was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17).

                                                          iii.      The ancient Gentile world was cast off by God for many reasons, one of which being homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27).

c.       The New Testament says homosexuality is a sin.

                                                              i.      Romans 1:26-27.

                                                            ii.      1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

1.      The NIV translates the end of vs. 9 as “men who have sex with men.”

2.      The NLT translates the end of vs. 9 as “passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals.”

3.      The ESV translates it as, “men who practice homosexuality.”

                                                          iii.      1 Timothy 1:9-11 - the second phrase is translated “men who practice homosexuality” in the ESV.

1.      “Practicing homosexuals” in the NLT;

2.      “Those practicing homosexuality” in the NIV.

d.      Under every dispensation of time, God has condemned homosexuality as a sin that separates one from Him.

e.      Whether our society accepts it or not does not matter.

f.        God is Sovereign, thus He determines what is right and wrong and has done so in His word.

      II.            Arguments concerning the acceptance of homosexuality.

a.      There are many arguments made by those who would have us to accept homosexuality as something good and right.

b.      There are those that teach one is born homosexual.

                                                              i.      I do not doubt there are those who are tempted with homosexual thought and urges.

                                                            ii.      This in no way means they were born to engage in homosexual acts.

                                                          iii.      There have been no scientific studies done that were ultimate deemed valid that show one is born as a homosexual.

                                                          iv.      The greatest argument against this idea is that God wants all men to be saved and would be condemning someone He made that way and God doesn’t do that.

                                                            v.      The truth is, the homosexual lifestyle is chosen by those that engage in homosexual acts.

c.       Some argue that if true love exists between individuals, even of the same sex, who can say that it is wrong.

                                                              i.      God can, that’s Who.

                                                            ii.      If we love anyone, even divinely sanctioned relationships, more than God we sin (Matthew 10:37).

                                                          iii.      Just think about what you would be allowing if you followed this line of reasoning out to its fullest extent.

d.      As mentioned earlier, there are several large man-made denominations that allow practicing homosexuals to preach.

e.      Some of the reasons given for this are astounding.

                                                              i.      One spokesman for the Presbyterian Church said a reason was that many member had tired of the conflict.

1.      We have no right to give up a biblical stand because of weariness.

2.      We are commanded not to grow weary (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13).

3.      We are to be faithful til death (Revelation 2:10).

                                                            ii.      One voter in the Lutheran Church cited two reasons:

1.      Growth - which we should want for the Lord’s church but not at expense of truth and morality.

2.      The ability to follow one’s conscience - nowhere in scripture is the following of one’s conscience placed above following scripture.

a.      We are to have a pure conscience (Hebrews 9:14).

b.      When we follow God’s commands we will have a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5).

                                                          iii.      In an article on the United Church of Christ’s website, it was stated that many congregations no longer view homosexuality as a church dividing issue.

1.      Woe is declared when evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20).

2.      God declares it such and that is all that matters.

f.        No argument for the acceptance of homosexuality can withstand the word of God being applied to it.

    III.            A caution about attitudes.

a.      When you read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:9-11, there are a lot of sins listed there besides practicing homosexuality.

                                                              i.      I imagine that some of us have committed one or more sins in those lists.

                                                            ii.      I am pretty sure we know people that are presently committing some of the sins on those lists.

b.      Though they may not be practicing homosexuality, they are just as lost as anyone who is practicing homosexuality.

c.       We need to be careful to not treat those engaged in homosexual sins any different than those practicing any other sins.

                                                              i.      It is perversion and it is sinful no doubt.

                                                            ii.      It is detrimental to individuals and society as a whole.

d.      One can still receive forgiveness of it just like any other sin.

e.      There are those that have come out of homosexuality but they won’t if we treat them in a way that lacks love (1 Corinthians 6:11).