THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 34 Homosexual Relationships
“9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, 10 no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. 11 And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). HCSB
Loved ones, in the world’s Spiritual Battle with the devil (Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 5:19), you may have noticed that the acceptance of homosexual relationships has grown like a cancer in our society.
We have many today who advocate this lifestyle. They are making headway while the Christian is stepping aside and giving way to their ungodly desires. Well, it is time for the Christian to stop stepping aside!
Legislation by the voters in the US, as well as in many European countries, have allow for same sex marriage, insurance benefits to homosexual lovers, and many other rights that are reserved for the God approved heterosexual marriage (Genesis 2:21-25).
Advocates of homosexuality shout VICTORY, while God mourns at the tragedy of our situation. Christians must realize that they are, by definition, followers of Christ. If we follow Christ and obey Him, as He obeyed God the Father, then we must recognize that homosexuality is a terrible sin.
Godliness and sexual immorality stand in direct contrast to one another (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-9). If we are to be acceptable to God, our beliefs, behavior, and prayers must be in accordance with His will (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46; 1 John 5:14-15).
Though advocates of homosexuality (who also call themselves "Christians") often declare that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality, it CLEARLY does.
Those who engage in same-sex practices are labeled as "dogs" in Deuteronomy 23:17-18. Many other passages deal with this immoral behavior and condemn it in very strong language (cf. Leviticus 18:22; 20:13).
We have only to read the story of the destruction of Sodom with its blatant wickedness (Genesis 19 for the full account, verse 5 for the sin), to realize how deeply God hates such a perversion of His creation (cf. Jude 1:7).
Friends, these words of truth are being spoken with love (Ephesians 4:15). We are not launching an attack upon the homosexual, only upon the sin!
Many are deceived into believing that this perversion is something that it is not! They are being told that it is only an “alternative lifestyle,” and that homosexuals are forced to be what they are because of genetic make-up.
Yet, with the wide-spread promotion of the lifestyle through our educational system as well as the media, the percentages of homosexuals is growing. This tells us that it is an acquired behavior that can be encouraged by the culture in which it thrives.
Why are so many being deceived by the lies and the promotion-hype? The answer is easy as we look at the words of the Apostle Paul, "13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Satan is indeed the great deceiver (Revelation 12:9). Through his subtle and deceptive ways, he blinds his followers (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), with the ultimate goal of destroying their faith.
Our above text and the following passage give plain warnings to flee any sexual sin. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul described same-sex relations as unnatural:
"26 This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error. 28 And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong” (Romans 1:26-28).
Satan is indeed the master of deceit. He paints this ugly sin as beautiful! By changing its name, he seeks to make it easier to accept! Sexual perversion is now called “gay." This is no less than a futile attempt to mask the ugliness of a terrible and destructive sin. However, changing the name doesn't change the fact that it is sin, with its own built-in eternal consequences (Romans 6:23).
Please allow us to make it perfectly clear that we are in no way advocating that we hate, or mistreat the individuals involved in this grave sin. The word of God teaches us: "37… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:37-39).
Like Jesus (Luke 19:10), Christians should seek to lead the lost to Christ. Hate crimes, slander, and personal attacks are as ungodly as same-sex relations.
After the clearly worded condemnation of all immoral lifestyles in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the Scriptures go on in verse 11 to say, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
God would never require something that people cannot do, nor would He condemn behavior that they could not abstain from doing. All who sin — even homosexuals — can repent and change their lives if they choose to do so (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).