You Asked for It – Week Four                                                                                                                                           Jim Putman  

• Very complicated and sensitive subject: Interacting with the LGTBQ+ Community
• This is not a political issue – this is a moral issue that has been politicized
• Christians are being convinced
• Podcast that goes with this
• Resources

Scripture tells some truths for us as individuals

Truth # 1: As Christians we need to understand Gods design –what is it?

1. 2 Genders/sexes
2. Sex within the confines of marriage
3. In the context of marriage– children
4. Why two genders in parenting –each person brings a unique piece to the needs of the children
5. Gods plan was good – He loves us

Genesis 1:27 (NIV) — 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Marriage between a male and a female – Genesis 2:20–25 (NIV)

Truth #2 We need to understand the problem –what is it?

• We all have been lied to by the enemy –His desire is to steal, kill, destroy –his tool is lying-John 8:44
• We all have given in to the lie in one form or another
• We all are dealing with our culture that promotes sin –its led by sinful people
• We all have a sinful nature with its particular attractions and desires
• Clarification between attraction –same sex attraction and practicing sin

Question: So why talk about this sin in particular so much –

• Because you asked me to talk about it
• Everyone is —VIDEO
• because this sin is promoted rather than avoided

Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

So, is homosexuality sin? —Yes –and practicing sin means you are not in a saving relationship with God.

Leviticus 18:20–23 (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV) 1 Timothy 1:8–11 (NIV) 1 Corinthians 6:7–11 (NIV)

Romans 1:25–32 (NIV)

What about transgenderism –its nuanced and must be dealt with carefully

• A tiny percentage of intersexed children – born with a genetic defect
• A mental illness surrounded in lies –gender dysphoria —
• The social contagion—peer pressure
• We cannot affirm but remember its complicated – it produces a whole new kind of mental health issue if you give into it
• Ultimately it is sin to reject what God has assigned to you
• A false teaching like old Gnosticism – matter is irrelevant
• God is not sovereign – I can decide reality
• Transgenderism is a denial of reality –rebellion, deception, mental illness
• It promises a lie – it does not give you satisfaction in the long run – the stats
• Are some happy with their decision –yes – but so are many who have hardened their heart towards God in other ways
• What about those who are born with a genetic issue –1 in 15,000 to 2,000 are born intersex (both sexes)

Truth # 3: What do I do when I struggle with whatever sin I struggle with?

• Remember everyone struggles with sin – we are not alone or the only one
• Submit ourselves and resist the devil and the urges and desires we have
• Take captive our thoughts
• Get help—talk about it with a believer who will pray with you – encourage you and hold you accountable

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) James 4:7 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NIV)

Question –How should we act as believers in the lives of others?

1. It depends on which others we are talking about –there is nuance

• Christian versus non-Christian
• A younger child and an adult
• Categories – deceived – oblivious, deceiver categories
• Why the difference in response?
• Some have been hurt

1 Corinthians 5:4–5 (NIV)  1 Corinthians 5:9–13 (NIV)

1. We must love

• In every way work from love rather than anger or fear – we must love our enemies
• Love requires humility – it is not proud or boastful
• Affirmation of sin is not an option for a believer — it isn’t love
• We have to put God first and love Him First
• We have to love in a way that makes it clear we are not affirming sin – that is not love

Matthew 5:46–48 (NIV) Philippians 3:18–20 (NKJV) Luke 9:54–56 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 (NIV)

1. Remember there are nuances in your family sphere

• If you are a parent and the child is in your home that is different than a person in your work place
• You can’t allow sin in your house but remember if your children are not Christians you deal with them differently than you would with Christians – different expectations
• The nuance of dealing with rebellious or confused children
• Not affirming sin and setting boundaries – but not overreacting

1 Samuel 2:29 (NIV) — 29 Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?’

1. Pray and get wise counsel (what is wise counsel?) Ephesians 6:19–20 (NIV) Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion: What stood out to you the most from this week’s message?

Opening Question: Have you ever had to be rescued before? What did that look like?

Main Point: Jesus was the perfect example of what love looks like; He also never compromised His stance against sin. As disciples of Christ, we are to love people and treat them with kindness. At the same time, we are not to compromise on what is sin according to scripture.

Read/Tell the Story: John 8:1-11

Questions: Head – 

• What was the woman accused of? How did the crowd respond?
• Why was Jesus brought into the conversation about this woman? How did Jesus respond to the crowd? What was Jesus’ response to the woman?
• What is God’s design for marriage, and why?
• Does God view the sin of homosexuality differently than other sin?

Heart –

• How have LGBTQ-related issues impacted your family?
• When should we trust God to change someone? When is it appropriate to play a part in someone’s spiritual formation?
• What are some real attractions or desires in your life that God calls you to say no to?
• Has someone loved you well in the midst of your sin and still called you to Christ-likeness? What impact did that have?

Hands –

• What do you hope the experience of someone from the LGBTQ community would be while interacting with a Christian or an initial church visit?
• What do you hope the experience of someone from the LGBTQ community would be after several months of exposure to the ways of Jesus?
• Read 1 Cor. 13:6. How can you minister / show love to LGBTQ people in your life (without affirming sin)?

Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Mark 7:20-23, Matthew 5:28

For resources, podcasts and more, go to https://realliferesources.org/current-series/