Clear View Baptist Church
Rev. Eric Beckham
Newark, New Jersey
Pastor
Clear View Baptist Church
Rev. Eric Beckham
Newark, New Jersey
Pastor
Sermon Outline
Sermon Outline
May 24, 2015
May 24, 2015
Same Sex Marriage
Romans 1:1-19. 24-32; 2:1-11
Scripture is explicitly clear in both the OT and NT that homosexuality
is a sin. According to the scriptures, all sexual behavior outside of the
context of marriage is considered to be sin. Homosexuality is one sin
among many. It is not God’s creative order. And man and woman were
anatomically made to fit each other, not same sex persons.
Although only 2 -3% percent of the total US population may be LGBT,
the issue of same sex marriage is very prominent in the media.
APPLICATION
Several things the church should say and do as related to same sex
marriage:
1. Pray and intercede for those who are in this LBGT community and those
wrestling with this issue.
2. The church should not judge anyone. (Mtt. 7:1) God alone is our judge.
But we can present what God’s Word has to say about the issue and share
the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. Love Unconditionally. Love covers a multitude of sins. Everyone
deserves to be loved. Love is the greatest attribute of Jesus Christ.
4. The church should not be preferential in its opposition to
homosexuality. If we are going to “pick on” one sin, then we should
“pick on” all sins. The church should not be discriminate in calling out
this sin, and give a “pass” to other sins. Rom. 1:29-31 and 1Cor. 6:9-10
list many other sins beside homosexuality.
5. Declare the truth of scripture, not public or political opinion, and not
according to current cultural trends. State what the scriptures say and let
the Holy Spirit do His work.
6. Live the truth. We must live out the truth that we preach, otherwise, we
are hypocrites.
7. Strengthen the Family. The church should seek to strengthen
heterosexual marriages and provide good models in the home for our
children.
Some say homosexuality is a choice, others it is physiological or
environmental. But all of us are born with different sinful traits,
proclivities, and tendencies (Ps. 51:5). As believers, God’s Word calls us to
fight against our flesh, exercise restraint (Gal. 5:16,22-23), and not give in
to these desires. Just because the temptations we face may be hard (Ro. 7:
18-25), having it hard does not exempt us from holiness (Heb. 12:14).
We should not attempt to bend the Bible to accommodate our lives, but
we should seek to elevate ourselves to the standards of the Bible.
When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, we must all give up things that are
difficult for us (Mtt. 16:24; Lk. 14:26; Ro. 12:1-2). God will give us His
strength and his peace as we yield (Mtt. 11:28-30).
QUESTIONS
1. Discuss your family structure growing up and your environment may have
influenced who you are today and how you cope with life’s temptations
and struggles?
2. What are some temptations, weaknesses, proclivities, or tendencies you
have in your life, or have dealt with in the past?
3. How do you feel about confronting others, who may be ‘living wrong’,
according to the truth of the scriptures? Have you seen it be effective or is
it a turn off?
4. In what ways can you show love to those who may not be living in
compliance to the Word of God?
5. What are some scriptures in this lesson or anywhere in the Bible that are
particularly challenging for you to fulfill in your own life?
6. What are some sins that you’ve noticed the church tends to gloss over
you feel need to be addressed? How should they be addressed?
PRAY for yourself and others to have the strength to overcome temptation
and to not compromise or be discouraged in the struggle.