Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)

Though we learn later (in the books of Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, etc.) that Jesus did indeed fulfill the Law and bring in a New Covenant, it is evident that He considered the Law and the Prophets as a source of truth.

2) Himself (i.e., the words He spoke while on earth)

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ (John 8:31-32)

3) The Holy Spirit (who would carry on the work started by Jesus)

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:12-13)

Note carefully that Jesus did not reveal ALL the truth Himself while here on earth. The Holy Spirit would complete the work, revealing the entire will of Christ through His apostles. This leads us to a fourth source of truth recognized by Jesus…

4) The apostles of Jesus Christ (who gave us the New Testament)

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send (the word apostle means “one sent”) receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” (John 13:20)

In accepting Jesus as the ultimate source of truth, then, we must also accept His apostles. In fact, they themselves made it clear that their message was not their own:

If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 14:37)

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6)

It is important to understand that the truth revealed by Holy Spirit to the apostles was complete. In other words, we have in the pages of the New Testament God’s full and final revelation. We should not expect the Spirit of God to give us “modern-day revelations” that are contrary to what has been given through the apostles. Several passages in the New Testament confirm this point:

For I have not shunned to declare to you the WHOLE counsel of God. (Emphasis mine, MAC) (Acts 20:27)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be COMPLETE, thoroughly equipped for EVERY good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

As His divine power has given to us ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:3)

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL (literally, one time for all times) DELIVERED to the saints. (Jude 3)

The claim, therefore, by some denominations that the Spirit of God has led them to accept homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle is without scriptural basis. It is not the Spirit of God revealing new and modern truth, but rather human spirits who are seeking to accommodate themselves to societal pressures!

Conclusion

Those who accept Jesus as the ultimate source of truth must also accept His definition as to where truth is found. We have seen that He has identified several sources: the Old Testament, Himself, and His apostles.

Putting it simply, the Word of God (i.e., the Bible) is the source of truth. As Jesus prayed in behalf of His disciples:

Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Since the Word of God is the truth, then whatever it teaches regarding homosexuality must be the final word. The next section will examine what the Bible teaches about homosexuality.

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY

Assuming that one accepts the Bible to be the Word of God, and as such the final authority on issues it discusses, what then does it have to say about the subject of homosexuality? Consider the following…

Homosexual Conduct was “A Grievous Sin” in the Days of the Patriarchs

In Genesis 19:24-28, the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah is described. The apostle Peter explains that this unique judgment upon these two cities was to serve as an example:

and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; (2 Peter 2:6)

Why was Sodom and Gomorrah chosen to be an example of God’s ultimate judgment upon the ungodly? What were they doing that made them so different from other ungodly cities at that time? Here is what Abraham was told:

And Jehovah said, ‘Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, (Genesis 18:20)

What was their “sin” that was “very grievous?” I have heard homosexual theologians try to explain that the sin was their lack of hospitality. Is such the case? Well, consider the text…

“...the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house.” (Genesis 19:4)

Note first of all that “all the people” from the city are seeking to participate in whatever the “sin” is…

And they called to Lot and said to him, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.’ (Genesis 19:5)

The word “carnally” is not in the actual Hebrew text, but is supplied by the translators because the word “know” as used here is often a euphemism for sexual relations (e.g., Genesis 4:1 & 4:17). Lot’s reaction to this crowd certainly suggests that is how he understood the crowd’s request…

So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! (Genesis 19:6-7)

It is apparent that Lot understood their intentions were not honorable.

The next statement by Lot is hard to understand, but maybe it expresses his concept of hospitality in that he was willing to suffer personal loss rather than allow it to happen to his guests…

See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof. (Genesis 19:8)

Lot’s amazing offer of his two daughters at least confirms that he understood the crowd’s intentions were sexual in nature. But notice also that Lot explains that his original hospitality to these two strangers (see Gen 19:1-3) was precisely to protect from the homosexual rape the crowd was intent on inflicting.

The crowd’s response to Lot’s pleas is also insightful…

And they said, ‘Stand back!’ Then they said, ‘This one came in to sojourn, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.’ So they pressed hard against Lot, and came near to break down the door. (Genesis 19:9)

Their reaction is somewhat similar to many today who say to those who would dare point out sinful conduct, “Who are you to judge?” People haven’t really changed much, have they? What such people fail to realize is that when you point out what the Word of God says about certain conduct, YOU are not judging them, it is the WORD OF GOD that is judging them. In reality, they themselves are trying to avoid the condemnation of the MESSAGE of God by condemning the MESSENGER!

That homosexuality was the “grievous sin” to which the Lord referred to in Genesis 18:20 becomes even more apparent when we consider what is said in the New Testament about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. For example, Jude wrote:

as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Notice that Jude describes the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah as “sexual immorality” and “going after strange flesh”. There is nothing about it being a lack of hospitality! Only those desperate to justify their homosexual conduct would fail to see what the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah really was.2

Homosexual Conduct was “A Capital Crime” Under the Law of Moses

I am grateful that we are no longer punished under the Law of Moses, though under the New Covenant punishments for unrepented crimes are often just delayed till the Day of Judgement (see Hebrews 10:26-31). As Paul wrote to the Romans:

Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. (Romans 7:12)

He also wrote later that God’s Instructions were “written for our learning” (Romans 15:4).

So what can we learn from the Law about God’s view of homosexual conduct? In Leviticus, we read:

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

Can it be any clearer? Homosexual conduct is “an abomination” to the Lord! Together with bestiality (Leviticus 18:23) it was one of the sins that justified God in giving the land of Canaan to the Israelites, for the previous occupants were guilty of such sins (Leviticus 18:24-25). Also, the Israelites were warned that if they engaged in the same kind of sins, they too would be “vomited out” of the land (Leviticus 18:26-30).

More is said later in the book of Leviticus…

If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

Again, I stress that according to the New Testament we are not to administer the punishments of the Law of Moses; but what we learn here is that without question the Law states that homosexuality was clearly a grave offence, even worthy of death!

But what about the New Testament? What does it say?

The New Testament is Clear in its Condemnation of Homosexual Conduct

To the church of God which was at Corinth, Paul wrote:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

In this passage, Paul uses two terms that are translated above as “homosexuals” and “sodomites.” The first term, translated “homosexuals” (“effeminate” in the KJV) is malakos, and is defined as:

effeminate, of a catamite, a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon)

The word translated as “sodomites” (“abusers of themselves with mankind” in the KJV) is arsenokoitai, and is defined as:

one who lies with a male as with a female, a sodomite (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon)

Paul’s warning not to be deceived is very appropriate even today, for some homosexual theologians would have us believe that Paul was only condemning male prostitution. Whereas the first word (malakos) can properly speak of a male prostitute, the second word (arsenokoitai) describes any sort of homosexual conduct. Despite such efforts to twist the Scriptures and deceive many, the Word of God is clear: those who continue to engage in homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God!

[The next verse (1 Corinthians 6:11) gives great hope, however, for anyone trapped in the sin of homosexuality, which we shall examine more closely in a later section.]

Paul also uses the word “arsenokoitai” (the generic term for homosexual conduct) as an example of that which is:

“...contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” (see 1 Timothy 1:10-11)

Since the “sound doctrine” of the gospel of Christ condemns even sexual relations between unmarried heterosexuals, it should not be hard to understand that sex between unmarried homosexuals is wrong as well! As for “married” homosexuals, the institution of marriage which was begun and defined by God only allows marriage between a man and a woman (see Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).

The “classic” passage which deals with the sin of homosexual conduct is that of Romans 1:18-28. In this passage, Paul discusses the wrath of God which is directed toward those who do not honor God:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23)

The righteous indignation of God is directed toward those who reject the clear evidence of God’s existence and power as revealed in nature, and if religious at all, make God over into an image of their own choosing. Whereas today we are perhaps too “sophisticated” to fall for thinking that God is like a graven image, there is always the tendency to “recreate God in our own image,” so that He thinks like us, and acts like us (one would do well to read Isaiah 55:8-9).

How does God express His righteous indignation before bringing about the Judgment Day? Paul tells us as he continues:

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25)

Rather than bringing about the Judgment Day then, or striking them down with a lightning bolt out of the sky, God has expressed His righteous indignation by “giving them up” to moral uncleanness. In other words, those who are not willing to honor God as God are simply allowed to degenerate into moral decay!

To illustrate, Paul continues…

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. (Romans 1:26)

Here is a strong allusion to lesbianism, where women cease to appreciate that their bodies are naturally designed physically for sex with men and for procreation, and who think of “our bodies, ourselves” solely as instruments of “vile passions” for one another.

In regards to men whom God has “given up” to uncleanness, Paul writes:

Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:27)

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (Romans 1:28)

Three times in this section we find the expression “God gave them up (over)” (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). The point is clear: when people choose to reject God, or to recreate Him in their own image, God “gives them up” to “go their own way.” Unrestrained by God in any way, they gravitate into increasing levels of immorality! For some, it involves heterosexual immorality, such as unmarried sex or adultery. But for others, it becomes homosexuality and lesbianism.

And what is the consequence of such behaviour? The apostle Paul referred to such people as:

“...receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:27)

Is this an illusion to sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS? We cannot say for certain, but none can dispute that those who are willing to follow God’s Word as to sexual conduct have less to fear about sexually transmitted diseases than those who choose to disregard Him!

Conclusion

God’s basic principles of righteousness have remained constant through out the different periods of Bible history. For example, adultery has always been condemned by God. Likewise, we have seen that homosexuality has been identified as:

1) A “grievous sin” in the times of the Patriarchs.

2) An “abomination” in the Law of Moses.

3) “Shameful,” indicative of “a debased mind,” and “contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel” of Jesus Christ.

I can understand that those who do not believe in God or who do not accept the Bible as the Word of God would strongly disagree with such an evaluation of homosexuality. But I fear that only those with “hardened hearts” would profess to believe the Bible to be God’s Word and still approve of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle that has God’s blessings.

May those who profess to accept the Bible as the last word never hesitate to accept what it says, no matter how “politically incorrect” our society might say it is.

WHAT CAUSES HOMOSEXUALITY?

Why should Christians be concerned about what causes homosexuality? A proper understanding will help in several ways…

1) Remove some of the “homophobia” that many Christians have because of something they do not understand.

2) Gain appreciation for the extremely difficult challenge that one who is homosexual will face should he or she try to repent.

This will in turn help us to have the compassion and longsuffering necessary to enable us to help those who wish to repent of their homosexuality.

Before looking at the specific causes of homosexuality, some general comments...

Nature or Nurture? Or Perhaps Some of Both?

There is much controversy going on as to whether homosexuality is genetic or environmental in origin. Homosexuals are desperately looking for any evidence that would seem to confirm that they were “born homosexuals.” It should be easy to understand why, for if “God made them that way” then it is not their fault they are homosexual and it cannot be a sin to act out their desires. So any research that might suggest a genetic origin is quickly offered as a defence. But the vested interest that homosexuals have often prevent them (and more “liberal thinking” heterosexuals) from seeing the obvious.

For example, recent studies done with identical twins have been offered by some as evidence that the origins of homosexuality might be in the genes. In one study, Dr. Michael Bailey of Northwestern University examined 110 pairs of identical twins who had been separated at birth and raised in different environments. He found that if one was gay there was a 52% chance the other was also. But among fraternal twins, the chance fell to 22%. Because the ratio was higher among twins who are genetically identical, this study has been referred to by many as evidence that homosexuality is genetic in origin.3 I even heard Dr. Dean Edell (a famous radio call-in doctor) appeal to this study in defence of homosexuality.

I may be missing something here, but the reason why identical twins are such fascinating subjects of scientific study is because they ARE alike genetically. Therefore, if homosexuality is solely genetic in origin, then if one twin is gay, you would expect the chances of the other twin being gay to be 100%! The fact that only 52% of those who were identical in genetic makeup to their homosexual twin were gay themselves strongly confirms that genetics alone does not make one a homosexual!

This study would rather confirm that though there may be genetic factors that increase the likelihood of one becoming a homosexual, these genetic factors alone do not produce homosexuality (as in the case of 48% of those heterosexuals whose identical twin was homosexual). There must also be environmental factors for homosexuality to develop.

This study confirms my understanding that the cause of homosexuality is a highly complex combination of various factors, some genetic and most environmental, that make it much easier for some people to become entrapped in this particular sin. In this regard, it is not much different than alcoholism, where similar studies involving identical twins have shown similar results. All it confirms is that there may some people with a genetic “predisposition” toward such things as homosexuality and alcoholism, but it requires the addition of environmental factors to produce the actual homosexual or alcoholic.

I strongly recommend a book called “What Everyone Should Know About Homosexuality” by Tim LaHaye (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton Illinois, 1980) to gain a good insight into the factors that lead to the development of homosexuality. In his chapter on “What Causes Homosexuality?” Tim LaHaye first describes…

The Components for Developing a Predisposition to Homosexuality

Please carefully note that the components listed below DO NOT CAUSE ONE TO BECOME A HOMOSEXUAL. Rather, they can contribute to the development of a PREDISPOSITION TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALITY. A person can (and many do) have all these components and still not be a homosexual. As listed and describe by LaHaye, these components include:

1) A Melancholy Temperament

2) Inadequate Parental Relationships

3) Permissive Childhood Training

4) Insecurity About Sexual Identity

5) Childhood Sexual Trauma

6) Early Interest in Sex

7) Youthful Masturbator and Sexual Fantasizer

8) Childhood Associates and Peer Pressure

LaHaye carefully documents how studies have often found these factors present in the development of a predisposition towards homosexuality. Only the first (“A Melancholy Temperament”) may be related to genetics, though many of the others are environmental factors that can occur so early in the development of a child that one could easily believe that once a predisposition towards homosexuality has developed they can feel they must have been “born that way.”

But even if one has a “predisposition” towards homosexuality, they are not necessarily homosexual. As LaHaye continues to illustrate, to a “predisposition” must be added other factors. He describes this as...

The Formula for Producing a Homosexual

This formula can be illustrated in this way:

A Predisposition Toward Homosexuality

Plus

That First Homosexual Experience

Multiplied by

Pleasurable and Positive Homosexual Thoughts

To Which is Added

More Homosexual Experiences

Multiplied by

More Pleasurable Homosexual Thoughts

---------------------------

A Homosexual

When one already has a “predisposition” towards homosexuality, exposure to homosexual experiences and pleasurably reflecting upon them can create a powerful attraction which is difficult to overcome. So powerful can these experiences and reflections be that one may not even need to have a “predisposition” to be drawn into this sort of behaviour. This is why many who were not born with the “melancholy temperament” are also found in homosexual circles.

Conclusion

My purpose in this section has not been to provide a definitive treatment on how homosexuality develops, and I seriously doubt that what has been briefly covered will convince any homosexual that their “orientation” is primarily caused by environmental factors rather than genetic ones.

My hope is to help my brothers and sisters in Christ see that the “web” of homosexuality is one that involves more than a simple choice on the part of those entrapped. Like all those overcome by sin, it involves a complicated process, one which can be undone only with Divine help, together with the assistance of understanding and patience on the part of children of God!

IS IT POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME HOMOSEXUALITY?

Of course, those who believe that homosexuality is “something you are born with” would take great issue with the idea that it is possible to change or otherwise “overcome” their homosexuality. But there are at least two reasons why I am convinced that it IS possible...

1) The Scientific Evidence

As indicated earlier, the scientific arena is one than can be easily “tainted” by presuppositions or political correctness (even “religious” correctness). For this reason, it will be a long time before adequate research can be done that will come close to resolving this issue conclusively. But research from impartial sources has indicated that it is possible to overcome homosexuality...

Masters & Johnson, well-known researchers in human sexuality, reported in their book Homosexuality In Perspective a 67% success rate in their helping homosexuals revert to heterosexual behaviour. I doubt anyone could accuse Masters & Johnson of being motivated by religious prejudices in their reporting!

Also, in an article published in the American Journal Of Psychiatry (December, 1980), E. Mansell Pattison, M.D., and Myrna Loy Pattison, from the Department of Psychiatry and Health behaviour, Medical College of Georgia, documented eleven cases of men who claim to have changed their sexual orientation from exclusively homosexual to exclusively heterosexual through involvement in a church fellowship.

This leads to the second reason why I believe it IS possible to overcome homosexuality…

2) The Biblical Evidence

In writing to the church at Corinth, a city known for its immorality, Paul warns them:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor HOMOSEXUALS, nor SODOMITES, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Notice, as we have seen earlier, that Paul includes homosexuality as conduct that can keep one out of the kingdom of God. But then Paul says something that should give great hope to those who are willing to believe that it IS possible to overcome homosexuality…

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. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Through the blood of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, it IS possible for a homosexual to be forgiven and to be sanctified (set apart for a holy purpose)!

This is not to say that it is easy. As with all sinners, forgiveness can be received immediately when united with Christ in His death through baptism. But living the kind of “sanctified” life required of all Christians is one that requires a “transformation” which occurs in time as we submit our minds and bodies to the transforming and strengthening power of the Holy Spirit!

How this process of transformation can be applied to overcoming homosexuality will be discussed in the next section…

HELPING HOMOSEXUALS TO OVERCOME

Obey Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

When one turns to our Lord in sincere faith and repentance, their baptism into Christ is the source of great blessings. As the apostle Peter proclaimed in the first gospel message on the Day of Pentecost:

“...Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Notice carefully that when one is baptized upon repentance that there is first the “remission of sins.” By the blood of Christ every sin is washed away in baptism. But there is also the “gift of the Holy Spirit” promised to those who repent and are baptized. This refers to the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian, who serves as the instrumental agent by which God and Christ indwell and strengthen the Christian. As Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome:

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:11-13)

Yes, it is by the Spirit we are able to “put to death the deeds of the body”, for as Paul wrote to the Ephesians, it is through the Spirit that God strengthens our inward man:

“...to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” (Ephesians 3:16)

With such Divine help we are able to do whatever the will of God calls us to do. As Paul wrote in his epistle to the Philippians:

“...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

When we obey Christ and submit our lives to Him, we are not alone in our struggle against sin and the temptations we often face in the flesh; by the Spirit of God we can receive the strength Christ provides!

But such ability does not come automatically. To receive the help God provides, He requires that we…

Walk in The Spirit

As written to the churches of Galatia:

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Whether the “lust of the flesh” we are fighting involves fornication, adultery, or homosexuality, we can only overcome it as we “walk in the Spirit”. How does a Christian do this? The answer is found in Paul’s epistle to the Romans:

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5)

We “live according to the Spirit” (or “walk in the Spirit”) as we “set our minds on the things of the Spirit!” Just as a person whose mind is “in the gutter” will soon live accordingly, those who “set” their mind on the things the Spirit has revealed will live in harmony with that revelation.

In other words, the Word of God, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit working through the apostles and prophets of Jesus Christ, contains those “things” upon which we must “set our minds” if we are going to “live according to the Spirit”. The Word of God is the instrument (or sword, Ephesians 6:17) the Holy Spirit uses to transform the minds and lives of those who will truly give themselves to it!

As the Psalmist understood and declared so long ago…

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalms 119:11)

Even Jesus, when tempted in the wilderness, appealed to the Word of God again and again in His fight against the lusts of the flesh (Matthew 4:1-11)! So must one who is serious in overcoming homosexuality set his or her mind on the Word of God, that they might truly walk in the Spirit and receive the strength that only Jehovah God’s Spirit can provide!

But there is more that can be said…

Restrict What Goes into Your Mind

Jesus pointed out in His sermon on the mount that the problem of adultery actually begins in the heart (mind):

“...whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)

The same can be said for homosexuality. Therefore, a person who is serious in their efforts to overcome any sexual sin must be careful about what they allow their minds to dwell on. Again, Paul wrote:

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh…” (Romans 8:5)

If a person is going to be truly “transformed” it will occur only when the mind is being “renewed”:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

But a person’s mind cannot be “renewed” if they allow themselves to dwell on those things that will prompt lustful desires. Rather, they need to heed the following admonition:

“...whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Rather than dwelling on things that will weaken one’s resolve, a person committed to overcoming temptations of the flesh will devote their thoughts, their reading, their television and movie viewing, to such things described above!

Avoid Homosexual Friends and Hangouts

One should be aware of the dangers of the wrong kind of companionship:

Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Friends can be a wonderful blessing, but the wrong kind of friends can be a disaster! Avoid like the plague those who would entice you back into sin. And avoid those environments where the opportunities for temptations are great, where homosexuals are known to frequent. In other words…

“...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and MAKE NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14)

Do not provide opportunities for the flesh to be tempted to give in to unlawful desires!

Become Active in the Local Church

Those who have been converted from homosexuality especially need the encouragement of that which comes from Christian fellowship. The very purpose of our assemblies is to provide such:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Of course, it is essential that those struggling with trying to overcome homosexuality be fully accepted despite their past by their fellow Christians, or they will be terribly discouraged! It is the Lord’s desire that local congregations be a haven for ALL who seek to serve the Lord and overcome sin.

Become Active in a Weekly Bible Study

The early Christians realized the value of home Bible studies with others…

“And daily in the temple, AND IN EVERY HOUSE, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:42)

“...I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE.” (Acts 20:20)

The value of such special studies should be especially apparent for those Christians overcoming difficult problems (such as drugs, alcohol, homosexuality) where meeting with the church during its regular assemblies is not enough. Again, this calls for understanding and committed Christians who are willing to spend time in study with their brethren who may be weak.

Believe in God for an Unlimited Future!

It is important to remember that with God nothing is impossible! The scriptures tell us that God is able to do things beyond what we are able to imagine:

“...who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

Notice the superlatives used by Paul (“exceedingly” “abundantly” “above all”). You soon get the impression that this Power that works in us is really beyond description! But it is available to those who commit themselves to serving the Lord!

Not only that, but we have the promise that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to handle:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

With the power of God working IN us to give us strength, and the providence of God working AROUND us to keep us out of temptations beyond our ability to overcome, we can change and become all that God wants us to be! (And remember, if we do fall because we did not take advantage of God’s power and providence, God can still gracefully provide forgiveness when we truly repent and come back to Him.)

Present Your Body Formally to God

When one becomes a Christian, their body then belongs to the Lord:

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Since we now belong to God, we should present our bodies to God as part of our reasonable service…

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Whereas before you may have allowed your body to be used as an instrument for sin, let it be used as an instrument of righteousness in the service of God:

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:12-13)

The more we think of serving God with both body and spirit, the less we will succumb to allowing either to engaged in sinful activities.

Finally, Pray!

Yes, pray! And “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) whenever the temptation is greatest. Why pray? The author of Hebrews gives us two good reasons:

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Through prayer we can receive from God both mercy and grace to help us in time of need. Mercy for the times when we do not take advantage of the help God provides, and grace to help in those times when we DO seek to take advantage of it.

Through prayer, the Word, the help of brethren, and the Holy Spirit Himself, anyone (including the homosexual and lesbian) should be able to say with the apostle Paul:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

May God give us all the strength that we need!

CONCLUDING REMARKS

If there is one passage of Scripture which summarizes God’s view of homosexuality, then it is that found in Paul’s letter to a church which was in a city famous for its sexual immorality:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 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. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

In this passage we find both condemnation and hope. Homosexuality and sodomy are condemned as sin, but hope is seen in that those who engaged in such can find forgiveness and the ability to change through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May God be praised!

As children of God, let those of us who are disciples of Christ not renege on our responsibility concerning this sin which is becoming more acceptable in our society. It is my prayer that this material may be used in the service of God by others to:

1) Teach the truth in love.

2) Expose homosexuality for the sin that it is.

3) Lovingly accept and assist those who come to Jesus in an effort to overcome this tenacious sin.

May God give us the grace to do so, in a spirit becoming of the good news of Jesus Christ!

This file is free to use, copy, or distribute, provided it is done without cost to those to whom it is given.

Mark A. Copeland

WEB Site http s ://executableoutlines.com/

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Lightly edited, updated and reformatted by

Central Highlands Congregation of God

Published by

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS

PO Box 236 Creswick VIC 3363 Australia

Email info@chcpublications.net

Home Page https://chcpublications.net

Revised 16 August, 2022

Appendix

An update to these issues is available as Creation, the image of God, and campaigns to ban ‘conversion therapy’ at the creation.com website. Author Andrew Sibley points out that new laws against Christian support for individuals seeking to overcome homosexuality are actually denying them their freedom to choose. Instead, they are only allowed ‘support’ that encourages their deviant tendencies.

It seems that many in the LGBT community fear that successful ‘conversions’ reveal the truth: Deviant sexuality is not ‘hard-wired’ in, but has a component of choice, and Jehovah God can free them from this sin and enable them to make righteous choices.

The new transgender options of irreversible chemical and surgical interventions are especially troubling, as it can be impossible for such people to return to being physically what they actually are. What they are not told is that, apart from the extremely rare hermaphrodites, every cell in their body is created either male or female, as God says in Genesis 1:27. The drugs and surgery cannot change that. It is terrifying that adolescent children who are struggling with gender issues are being mutilated in these ways, rather than helped to become comfortable with who they truly are.

[CHCP]

Endnotes

1 [CHCP: For those who do not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and thus kept the Sign of Jonah in Luke 11:29-30, please read God’s Calendar and the Sign of Jonah.]

2 [CHCP: Some people use Ezekiel 16:48-50 to claim that Sodom’s sin was pride and selfishness. This was written over 1400 years after Sodom was destroyed, and the passage is actually referring to the House of Israel as Sodom to indicate the extent of its immorality, as reading the context proves.]

3 [CHCP: Other studies have failed to support Bailey’s results. Likewise, the Xq28 ‘gay gene’ has also failed to indicate homosexuality in later studies.]