2010 Fall - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

Speaking Hope to Homosexuals Fall 2010 A Higher Things Magazine Bible Study 1. Are homosexual thoughts and actions sinful? Does the Bible say? See Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

The Word of God is clear that homosexual actions are sinful and are seen by God as an abomination-something that is unnatural. By “unnatural,” however, the Scriptures mean outside of God's design for marriage. Thus lust of a man for a woman is just as sinful in God's sight as the lust of a man or woman of the same sex.

2. Read Matthew 5:27-28. What exactly is “adultery?” Does this apply regardless of the combination of sex and attraction?

It is clear from the Word of God that marriage, that is the lifelong union of one man and one woman is the ideal that the Lord Himself has established. “Adultery” is usually defined as sexual relations with someone who is not your husband or wife. “Fornication” is usually defined as sexual activity when you are not married.

3. Is homosexuality wrong just because the Bible says you can't do it? Read Ephesians 5:22-33. What is the reality for which marriage is to be a picture and illustration? Why would this speak against homosexuality?

The real problem with homosexual (and any sex outside of marriage) behavior is not just that it breaks some rule but that it DENIES THE GOSPEL, that is, the very forgiveness of sins which our Savior has for us. Christ and His Bride, the church are what is pictured by marriage. A same-sex sexual relationship (and likewise a heterosexual relationship outside of marriage) denies this picture and our salvation, saying either that we could save ourselves or that Jesus died for Himself!

4. The burden of homosexual feelings is one which is difficult to bear. What answer did the Lord give to St. Paul about the particular struggle is he was suffering with and how does this help us in dealing with gay friends (or anyone who struggles with any sin)? 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

As the author of the article notes, there is no promise of God that He will remove our struggles against a particular sin. Rather, by suffering these struggles, we learn that we cannot save ourselves and so must trust in Christ for forgiveness. That means we turn to Christ, both as we struggle with the feelings and inclinations of our sin but also if we have fallen and given into temptation.

5. To what does St. Paul say that we are called in Christ? See 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7.

We are called to holiness, which for the Christian, in reference to sex, means chastity apart from and until marriage and keeping the marriage bond pure. One of the things that needs to be pointed out is that God has reserved the gift of sex for marriage between a man and a woman. Part of the reason that society is more and more accepting of homosexuality is because it is increasingly open and accepting of