God and Men View Pride Differently (Malachi 3:15; 4:1)
Introduction:
1. These verses show that "God and men view pride differently." a. We read about man's view in Malachi 3:15. 1) "We call the proud happy." 2) "They that work wickedness are set up." 3) "They that tempt God are even delivered." b. We read about God's view in Malachi 4:1. 1) "All the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble." 2) "The day that cometh shall burn them up." 3) "It shall leave them neither root nor branch." 2. Additional passages that relate to pride include: a. Proverbs 16:18 b. 1 John 2:16 c. James 4:6b. 3. On the basis of these principles, let us determine God's view of "gay pride" that is receiving a great amount of attention this month. Discussion: I. FIRST, LET US DETERMINE GOD'S VIEW OF GAY PRIDE DURING THE TIME OF THE PATRIARCHS
A. We learn from Genesis 12:1-3 that God selected Abraham to be the father of His chosen people [the Israelites]. B. The Gentiles had become so wicked that God gave them up (Romans 1:18-32). C. Homosexuality was one of the sins practiced by the Gentiles (Romans 1:26-27). D. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates the wickedness of the Gentiles. 1. The people of Sodom were wicked when Lot moved there (Genesis 13:13). 2. Later, the Lord inspected the wickedness of Sodom (Genesis 18:20-21). 3. Two angels discovered how wicked Sodom was (Genesis 19:1-14). 4. The Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). 5. This horrible event is also mentioned in Jude 7 for our benefit. II. SECOND, LET US DETERMINE GOD'S VIEW OF GAY PRIDE WHEN THE LAW OF MOSES WAS IN EFFECT
A. The law prohibited homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17). B. Even though the law was very clear, Judah's kings responded to it differently. 1. Rehoboam disobeyed by allowing sodomites to exist (1 Kings 14:21-24). 2. The sodomites were expelled by Judah's good kings, including: a. Asa (1 Kings 15:11-12) b. Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:45-46) c. Josiah (2 Kings 23:7). 3. The presence of sodomites was an indication of Judah's moral condition. III. THIRD, LET US DETERMINE GOD'S VIEW OF GAY PRIDE IN THE CHRISTIAN AGE
A. Jesus included "fornications" with other activities that will cause a person to be defiled (Mark 7:20-23). B. "Fornication" [illicit sexual activity, including homosexuality] is a work of the flesh that will prevent a person from inheriting God's kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). C. Homosexuals will not inherit God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). D. Thankfully, forgiveness is available (1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8). Conclusion:
1. Advocates and sympathizers of gay pride would probably consider this lesson to be "hate speech." 2. We are responsible for "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:16). 3. For a closing thought, would the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah have some advice for us? (Jude 7)
