Let Us Understand the Lord's Will Concerning Homosexuality (Ephesians 5:17)
Introduction:
1. This verse teaches us to "understand the Lord's will." 2. As we search the Scriptures to understand the Lord's will on any subject, we must also follow the instructions given in Ephesians 5:11, 15-16. 3. This morning we examined a number of passages that help us to understand "the Lord's will for the family." 4. This evening we are studying passages that help us "understand the Lord's will concerning homosexuality." 5. Let us begin our study by showing that . . . Discussion: I. GOD REVEALED HIS WILL CONCERNING MARRIAGE AT CREATION
A. God made Adam and Eve on the 6th day (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 21-22). B. God ordained marriage for a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). C. God's plan for marriage has not changed (Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31). II. GOD DID NOT APPROVE OF HOMOSEXUALITY DURING THE TIME OF THE PATRIARCHS
A. (Genesis 12:1-3) God chose 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. III. GOD DID NOT APPROVE OF HOMOSEXUALITY 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. IV. GOD DOES NOT APPROVE OF HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHRISTIAN AGE
A. "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). B. Homosexuals will not inherit God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). C. Thankfully, forgiveness is available (1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8). Conclusion:
1. The Lord's will for the family has been under attack for a long time. 2. This lesson will be considered by many to be "hate speech." 3. Let us remember the admonitions given in Ephesians 5:11, 15-16. 4. May the Lord help us to never reject His Word (John 12:48).
