 January 27, 1999
LIFE & WORK:
Bible teaches consequences
of homosexual behavior
___ Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___The new television season has offered sitcoms in which homosexual characters play major roles. One of the most-watched episodes in a television series last season featured the "coming out" of the leading character as a homosexual.
___Actions  which once were taboo now are prominent topics in television shows and movies. Homosexuals have become outspoken in advocating their behavior. They have encouraged others to accept homosexuality as a valid lifestyle. Biblical teaching condemns homosexuality but promises homosexuals a new life by faith in Christ.
___ Is homosexuality an acceptable lifestyle (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:24-25)? Homosexuals today increasingly challenge the biblical basis for opposing the practice. Two passages of Scripture, one from the Old Testament and another from the New Testament, summarize biblical teaching on this subject.
___First, Leviticus 18:22 describes homosexual activity as "detest-able." Second, Romans 1:24 points out that homosexual behavior springs from uncontrolled sinful desires. Those who practice homosexuality degrade their own bodies. These passages show a homosexual lifestyle is not compatible with biblical teaching.
___ Is homosexuality natural (Romans 1:26-28)? Paul's words communicate two truths about the practice of homosexuality. First, he declared samesex relationships unnatural and indecent (v. 27). Second, he pointed out that the practice of homosexuality produced destructive spiritual, social and physical consequences (v. 27).
___Paul's words demonstrate that homosexual thoughts and desires are sinful in themselves. The sinfulness of homosexuality is not limited to external acts. Even the urge and desire to practice homosexuality are unnatural and unacceptable.
___ Do homosexuals have a way out (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)? Some of the Corinthians had come from a background of living as "male prostitutes" or "homosexual offenders." They had experienced forgiveness and deliverance from their sinful past. The mighty power of God can work even with unpromising material to create new character and actions. The experience of the Corinthians stands as a reminder that Jesus Christ can bring homosexuals an experience of cleansing from their lifestyle.
___ What will help someone not fall back into a homosexual lifestyle (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)? In these verses, Paul mentions four truths which can help Christians resist temptation, especially the temptation of homosexual practice. First, he urged Christians "to flee sexual immorality" (v. 18). We always must resist the temptation to practice homosexuality. Second, the fact that God paid an expensive price to purchase us provides an incentive to practice holiness (vv. 19-20). Third, the fact that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit provides an encouragement to purity (v. 19). Fourth, Paul reminds us that we are to honor God with our bodies (v. 20).
___ The Bible clearly teaches that the practice of homosexuality is not an option for Christian people. It also encourages individuals that they can find in Jesus divine help to overcome the temptation to practice homosexuality.
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