What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

Desiring God

30 Apr 201007:00

Summary

TLDRIn this discussion, John Piper addresses the issue of homosexuality from a biblical perspective. He argues that it is wrong based on biblical teachings, specifically citing Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6. Piper explains that homosexuality distorts God's design of sexuality, which is meant for a man and a woman. He also suggests that same-sex attraction is a form of idolatry, where self is prioritized over God. Despite his stance, Piper empathizes with those struggling with homosexuality, acknowledging brokenness in all individuals and encouraging them to seek God's guidance in overcoming sin.

Takeaways

📖 The Bible explicitly states that homosexuality is wrong, which is the primary reason to avoid it.
📚 Romans 1:24-29 clearly mentions that homosexuality is wrong and should be avoided, according to the teachings of Paul.
👑 In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul states that those who practice homosexuality, among other sins, will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
👫 God designed sexuality to be between a man and a woman, forming one flesh, and any deviation from this is considered a distortion of God's creation.
🔄 Homosexuality is viewed as a corruption and dysfunction of the natural order established by God.
🛐 The act of homosexuality is linked to idolatry, where individuals exchange God's glory for self-worship, leading to same-sex attraction.
⚠️ Same-sex attraction is considered a dysfunctional form of idolatry, though it is not the only manifestation of self-idolatry.
💔 Struggling with homosexuality is seen as part of the brokenness of humanity, not necessarily the worst sin imaginable.
💪 Individuals struggling with same-sex attraction have the choice to either sin or seek to overcome their brokenness.
🙌 The speaker emphasizes empathy for those struggling with homosexuality and acknowledges that everyone has their own forms of brokenness to deal with.

Q & A

Why does John believe homosexuality is considered wrong according to the Bible?
-John believes homosexuality is considered wrong because the Bible explicitly states it as a sin, particularly in passages like Romans 1:24-29 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. He views these scriptures as authoritative and sees them as clear directives from God to avoid such behavior.
What does John suggest is the simplest reason to avoid homosexuality?
-The simplest reason John suggests to avoid homosexuality is that the Bible explicitly says it is wrong. This, for him, is a fundamental reason and a starting point for understanding why it should be avoided.
How does John interpret Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 regarding homosexuality?
-John interprets Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 as stating that those who practice homosexuality, along with other sins like greed and covetousness, will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He emphasizes that knowingly persisting in such actions indicates a rejection of God's authority.
According to John, how does the Bible define God's design for sexuality?
-John believes that the Bible defines God's design for sexuality as the union between a man and a woman, who are created to complement each other. This union, where they become 'one flesh,' is seen as the correct and intended expression of sexuality.
What does John mean when he says homosexuality is a 'dysfunction' of God's creation?
-John refers to homosexuality as a 'dysfunction' of God's creation because he views it as a distortion or corruption of the natural order established by God, where sexual relationships are intended to be between a man and a woman.
How does John connect idolatry with homosexuality in his interpretation of Romans 1?
-John connects idolatry with homosexuality by suggesting that when people exchange the glory of God for idols, they often end up idolizing themselves. He sees same-sex attraction as a manifestation of this self-idolatry, where the love for one's own sex reflects a deeper exchange of God for the self.
Does John believe that homosexual temptations are unique in terms of idolatry?
-No, John does not believe that homosexual temptations are unique in terms of idolatry. He acknowledges that other forms of self-idolatry exist and that homosexuality is just one way this idolatry can manifest.
What advice does John give to those struggling with homosexual temptations?
-John advises those struggling with homosexual temptations to recognize their feelings as a form of brokenness rather than sin itself. He encourages them to choose not to act on these temptations, seeking to be chaste and to move towards God's design for their lives.
How does John compare his own struggles with sin to those experiencing homosexual temptations?
-John compares his own struggles with sin, such as anger and self-pity, to those experiencing homosexual temptations. He views all these tendencies as forms of brokenness that can either lead to sin or be managed in a way that avoids sin.
What is John's overall message to people wrestling with their sexuality?
-John's overall message is one of empathy and understanding. He acknowledges that everyone has brokenness, including himself, and emphasizes that it is not sinful to feel broken. However, he encourages people to navigate their brokenness in a way that aligns with God's teachings and avoids sin.

Outlines

00:00

📖 Understanding the Biblical View on Homosexuality

In this paragraph, John discusses why homosexuality is considered wrong from a Biblical perspective. He begins by stating that the Bible clearly identifies homosexuality as a sin, citing passages from Romans 1:24-29 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. He emphasizes that if someone knowingly engages in what the Bible describes as sinful behavior, such as homosexuality, it is an indication of not being aligned with the Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains that God designed sexuality to be expressed between a man and a woman, and any deviation from this design is viewed as a distortion of God's intention. John further reflects on Romans 1, suggesting that homosexuality may be a form of idolatry, where individuals prioritize their own desires over God. He concludes by acknowledging that there are likely other reasons why God disapproves of homosexuality, but the primary issue is its association with self-idolatry.

05:03

💔 Addressing Brokenness and Sin in Sexuality

This paragraph focuses on the distinction between brokenness and sin in the context of sexuality. John empathizes with those who struggle with homosexual temptations, acknowledging that feeling broken in one's sexuality is not inherently sinful—it is a result of living in a fallen world. He explains that while being broken is not a sin, acting on these broken desires in a sinful way is a choice. He compares it to his own brokenness in other areas, such as anger and self-pity, which he believes are partly genetic and partly influenced by family. He stresses that individuals, whether they struggle with homosexual or heterosexual temptations, have the choice to either sin or strive to live in a way that aligns with God's design. John concludes by encouraging those who feel broken to navigate their struggles in a way that avoids sin and seeks to do good for others.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Homosexuality

Homosexuality refers to the sexual attraction or romantic love between individuals of the same sex. In the script, it is discussed as a behavior that is considered sinful according to the speaker's interpretation of the Bible. The speaker refers to various Biblical passages, such as Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6, to argue that homosexuality is wrong and is seen as a distortion of God's intended design for sexuality.

💡Sin

Sin is defined as any act that goes against God's commands or moral laws. The script categorizes homosexuality as one of many sins, including greed and covetousness, and emphasizes that sin is offensive to God. The speaker explains that engaging in sin, especially knowingly, is an indication of spiritual disobedience and can prevent entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.

💡Bible

The Bible is the holy scripture of Christianity, considered by believers as the word of God. In the script, the speaker frequently references the Bible as the ultimate authority on moral issues, including the stance on homosexuality. Passages from Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6 are cited to support the claim that homosexuality is a sin and to explain why it is considered wrong from a Biblical perspective.

💡Romans 1:24-29

Romans 1:24-29 is a passage in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul speaks about the consequences of idolatry and sinful behavior, including homosexuality. The speaker in the script uses this passage to argue that homosexuality is a result of exchanging the glory of God for self-idolatry, and therefore, it is a sinful distortion of God's creation.

💡1 Corinthians 6:9-10

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is another New Testament passage referenced in the script, where the Apostle Paul lists various sins, including homosexuality, that can prevent individuals from inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven. The speaker uses this passage to emphasize the gravity of sin and to argue that those who knowingly engage in such behaviors are in spiritual danger.

💡Idolatry

Idolatry is the worship of idols or putting something else in the place of God. In the script, the speaker describes homosexuality as a form of idolatry, where the self becomes the most cherished idol, leading to the distortion of God's design for sexuality. This concept is linked to the idea that sin often stems from placing personal desires above divine commandments.

💡Brokenness

Brokenness in the context of the script refers to the state of being flawed or damaged due to sin. The speaker acknowledges that everyone experiences brokenness in different forms, including in their sexuality. While brokenness itself is not considered sin, the speaker argues that individuals have a choice in how they respond to it—either by giving in to sinful behavior or by striving to overcome it through obedience to God.

💡Sexuality

Sexuality is the capacity for sexual feelings and the expression of sexual identity. The script contrasts the speaker's view of God-designed sexuality, which is between a man and a woman, with what is described as the 'corruption' of that design through homosexuality. The speaker argues that God's intended purpose for sexuality is for a man and a woman to become 'one flesh,' and deviations from this are considered sinful.

💡Kingdom of Heaven

The Kingdom of Heaven is a central concept in Christian theology, representing the realm where God reigns supreme and where believers aspire to enter after death. In the script, the speaker warns that engaging in sins like homosexuality can jeopardize one's entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's will as outlined in the Bible.

💡Authority of Scripture

The Authority of Scripture refers to the belief that the Bible is the ultimate guide for faith and moral conduct. The speaker in the script repeatedly emphasizes that the Bible is the primary reason for considering homosexuality wrong, urging listeners to accept the Bible's teachings as authoritative and non-negotiable. This concept is central to the speaker's argument against homosexuality.

Highlights

The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is wrong and to be avoided.

Romans 1:24-29 explicitly mentions that homosexuality is offensive to God.

Paul lists homosexuality alongside other sins such as greed and covetousness in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Those who continue to knowingly engage in these behaviors risk not entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Bible's stance on sexuality starts with the concept of one man and one woman becoming one flesh.

Sexuality is God's creation, and deviations from this pattern are viewed as distortions.

Paul in Romans 1 suggests that exchanging God for idols can lead to same-sex attraction.

Same-sex attraction is seen as a dysfunctional form of idolatry according to Paul.

Homosexual temptations are not unique but are one way self-idolatry can manifest.

The concept of 'exchange' is a key idea in Romans 1, relating to both idolatry and same-sex attraction.

Homosexuality is viewed as part of a broader spiritual and emotional brokenness.

Being broken in one’s sexuality is not inherently sinful, but acting upon it is.

Individuals struggling with same-sex temptations have the choice to resist and pursue chastity.

The speaker empathizes with those struggling with same-sex attraction, acknowledging that everyone has their own brokenness.

The speaker acknowledges personal brokenness in areas such as anger and self-pity, linking it to genetics and family history.