- What does He mean when he says in v. 26, “For this reason?”
Because they have exchanged the truth about God for a lie. They have chosen to reject the true God, so they could continue in their sexual sin - What does the word “passions” imply in v. 26?
Lusts for sexual sin of some kind. Immorality. Impurity. - What does the word, “dishonorable” imply?
Shameful or disgraceful. The NAS & the CSB translate it “degrading” - What does the phrase “natural relations” in vv. 26 & 27 mean?
The way God created men and women physically, make it very clear how God intended sex to work. - What does God mean when he says, in v. 27, “receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error?”
Even in Paul’s day, people were aware of bad outcomes when they engaged in sex in a way other than the way God intended. STDs. Other bad physical, emotional, mental and spiritual outcomes. - What serious mistake do people make when they IDENTIFY with their sexual desires? (i.e., when they make their sinful behavior part of their identity?)
they consider their behavior, when it comes to sex, to be the same category as their skin color, eye color, hair color, height, shoe size, or their blood type. - Why do people who have bought into the LGBTQ+ revolution call Christians stupid and bigoted?
They claim that for us to say that any of the BEHAVIOR associated with the LGBTQ movement is sinful, is the same as saying it’s sinful to be African-American. - What did Jesus warn us about non-christians hating us?
He said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18) - What should our attitude be toward such people?
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28). We must learn to love with thick skin. - How do love and truth go together?
If we love people, we will tell them the truth–Even if they don’t want to hear it. We must “speak the truth in love.” (Eph 4:15) - What is a common false narrative that some in the LGBTQ+ movement teach about Christians?
that Christians want to deny them the right to eat in their restaurants, or buy things in their hardware stores or their grocery stores or attend their church services. - What is it that Christians will NOT do that causes some of the sexual revolutionists to teach that false narrative?
We will not CELEBRATE immoral behavior - What would be some examples of Christians who might be FORCED to celebrate what we know to be sin?
Christian schools forced to hire homosexual teachers. Christian sign-makers or T-shirt-makers forced to celebrate sinful actions with the words. Christian cake makers forced to celebrate a so-called same-sex marriage. - Why is it important for Christians to be willing to listen to the stories of people living in sexual sin or celebrating sinful sexual behavior?
It proves we care. - Give an example of how we might need to talk with an alcoholic or drug-addicted friend that may help people living in sexual sin understand that it really is possible to speak the truth in love.
We would urge them to change their behavior, BECAUSE we love them. If we didn’t love them, we wouldn’t care. - How should we respond to Christians who recognize that acting on sexual desires outside of marriage (heterosexual or homosexual) is wrong, but who are struggling with sexual temptations?
Recognize that we all have to fight different kinds of temptations. Pray for them. Encourage them to stand firm. - Is temptation sin?
No - How do we know that?
Because Jesus “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) - What’s wrong with identifying as a “gay Christian” if the individual is being celebate?
It’s wrong to identify with any sin. As Christians we find our identity in Christ alone. - What do we say to people who say that the Bible really isn’t condemning homosexual behavior that is between two homosexual adults who are in a covenant commitment with each other, but only homosexuality that is predatory, promiscuous, or pederastic?
The Bible condemns ALL homosexual behavior, not just some kinds. ALL homosexual behavior eventually leads to bad outcomes for individuals as well as for our culture and nation. - In what two chapters does Paul use the word, “arsenokoites” for homosexual behavior?
1 Timothy 1 and 1 Corinthians 6 - What does he say about it in 1 Timothy 1?
He lumps it in with: “the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality [arsenokoites], enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine” - What other sinful behavior does Paul include in his list of sins in 1 Corinthians 6?
the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who practice homosexuality [arsenokoites], thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, swindlers - What does he say about such people?
They will not inherit the kingdom of God. - How can we know, from this passage, that God will forgive all these sins?
Paul says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” - Where did the word arsenokoites come from?
It is a compound word from the Greek translation (Septuagint) of the Hebrew Words in Leviticus 20:13. - What do those Greek words mean in Leviticus 20:13?
“Arseno” = “male”, “koites” = “to lie with” - What does Leviticus 20:13 say?
If a man lies with a male [arseno koites] as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:13) - Does arsenokoites mean those who face same-sex sexual temptations?
No, it refers to men who PRACTICE same-sex sexual behavior. - Does the Bible imply, anywhere, that there are different types of same-sex sexual behavior and that some of it is wrong and some OK?
No - When same-sex marriage advocates try to teach that some same-sex sexual behavior is actually good (e.g., if in an exclusive same-sex “marriage” covenant), what are they doing?
Begging the question. The Bible nowhere suggests such an idea. From the Bible’s perspective, ALL homosexual sexual behavior is sinful. - What are four evidences that the homosexual behavior that God condemns is NOT limited to predatory, promiscuous, or pederastic behavior?
(1) ALL types of homosexual behavior were practiced in ancient Rome–including committed monogamous partners. (2) The fact that he clearly includes lesbianism. (3) There is a greek word for pederasy (paiderastia) which Paul could have used, but did not. (4) Paul could have listed specific exceptions to the rule. But he did not.
