76. What the Bible Says About Same Sex Attraction

08/05/2025 1h 39min

Listen "76. What the Bible Says About Same Sex Attraction"

Episode Synopsis

What The Bible Says. Fortnightly Bible Study.Episode 76 - 09/05/25What is "Same sex attraction"? Is it a problem to God? Love is Love - isn't it? We look at all these topics from a biblical perspective in this study.1. God Is the Creator and Designer of SexualityGod created sexuality as a good gift, to be expressed within the covenant of male-female marriage. He made humans male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27) and established marriage as a union between the two sexes (Genesis 2:24). God alone defines what is good and right in sexual expression. When we step outside that design, we are not just breaking rules—we are rejecting our Creator’s intent.2. Same-Sex Attraction Is a Result of the FallLike all disordered desires, same-sex attraction is not part of God’s original design but entered the human experience through sin. Romans 1:24–27 describes how idolatry leads to distorted passions, including same-sex desire. These attractions are not the worst sin, but they are unnatural in that they go against the created order. The presence of these desires reveals how deep the effects of sin run in every human heart.3. Temptation Itself Is Not Sin, But Acting on It IsExperiencing same-sex attraction is not in itself a sin, but embracing, justifying, or acting upon it is. Jesus was tempted, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Believers may face deep and ongoing temptations—including in the area of sexuality—but are called to resist them in faith. James 1:14–15 shows that sin comes not from the temptation, but from yielding to it and letting it take root.4. The Gospel Offers Both Forgiveness and TransformationNo matter what our past or present struggle, the gospel is sufficient. 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 makes clear that some in the early church were formerly engaged in same-sex behavior, but they were “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified.” In Christ, no one is defined by their temptations or past sins. There is cleansing, a new identity, and ongoing transformation by the Spirit of God.5. Following Jesus Means Denying Self, Not Indulging ItChristian discipleship involves dying to self and living for Christ, especially in areas where desires conflict with God’s Word. Luke 9:23 calls us to take up our cross daily. This includes our sexual desires. Living a celibate life in obedience to Christ may be costly, but Jesus promises it is worth it. True freedom is not found in self-expression, but in surrender to the One who made us.6. The Church Must Be a Place of Truth and GraceBelievers struggling with same-sex attraction need the Church to speak the truth clearly and extend Christlike compassion. Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak the truth in love. Jesus did not condone sin, but He welcomed sinners with mercy and called them to repentance (John 8:11). The Church must be a place where it’s safe to confess, grow, and walk in holiness together.7. Our Hope Is in Christ, Not in the Changing of FeelingsThe goal is not merely to suppress same-sex attraction or hope it goes away, but to grow in love for Christ and obedience to His Word. Galatians 5:16 teaches that walking by the Spirit helps us not gratify the desires of the flesh. God may bring change in our desires—or He may not—but He always provides grace to endure and strength to live faithfully. Our hope is not in heterosexuality, but in holiness.