We Need to Talk: Pt. 2, Human Sexuality
Over the next two weeks we’re going to talk about human sexuality: God’s original good plan, and the way it’s broken down since sin entered the world. In the first week we’ll be talking about homosexuality in particular. In two weeks, Pastor Brian will be talking about sex outside of marriage, pornography, and polyamorous (relationships with more than 2 people) relationships. Our approach will remain the same as our talk about gender identity: What does the Bible say? How do we be open and honest about how we feel about human sexuality? If we feel the pull of same-sex attraction, how do we understand ourselves and what on earth do we do about it? How do we relate to people who are caught up in practices outside of God’s design? These are tough questions and I’m thankful that you’re on the journey with us together as we seek God.
By Arthur Thiele, Germany Mid 19th. C
In the picture above we find the usual focus of our society flipped upside down. When people think of human sexuality, most people immediately think of the diverse forms now visible in our society and of young sexual and romantic love. The picture above the surface of the water is rarely considered, though it is in fact the picture of God’s intention because it represents not just a man and a woman, but a couple that is in their old age, still holding together. The idea that a monogamous heterosexual relationship could last as long as you live is not just underappreciated, but increasingly coming under suspicion as a closed-minded vestige of old and oppressive regimes. Rather than becoming bitter in the current cultural climate, though, we need to embody the attitude and posture of this old couple: peaceful, content, close, intimate, strengthened by the years of hardship and trials as they embody the picture of God and his people, Christ and his church.
Anchor Texts:
Matthew 22:36-40 NRSVA (The Greatest Commandment which sets everything below in context)
Leviticus 18:22 NRSVA (Reference to homosexual acts)
Leviticus 20:13 NRSVA (Reference to homosexual acts)
Deuteronomy 22:22 NRSVA (Reference to heterosexual acts)
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NRSVA (Reference to many sins including homosexual acts)
Matthew 28:19-20 NRSVA (The Great Commission which sets our attitude and actions in context)
The scriptures above will be sufficient this week for us to contemplate both the truth of the law and the command to disciple that God’s Word speaks to us. Like our last conversation, the question of, what does the bible say is God’s true design must lead us into… “so what are we going to do about that in a broken world?” Too often people camp out on the truth of the design and become angry at or afraid of the people who don’t know or live according to God’s law - this is unhelpful at best, and deeply harmful to the kingdom witness at worst, and many of us have to admit this is where we are quite often. Setting aside the truth and “just loving” people is sometimes seen as the alternative, but this option (which many Christians are deciding to choose) is also unhelpful and harmful to representing the Kingdom on earth. So what do we do?
For now, we’ll abbreviate it to this - we embody the Great Commandment (Love God, Love Others) by enacting the Great Commission (make disciples).
Questions to Ponder:
Who are same-sex attracted people in your life? How close are you to them?
Describe your perception of how “the Church” addresses homosexuality/same-sex marriage etc.
Why is it important to notice that the bible doesn’t condemn same-sex attraction, but specifically same-sex sexual behaviour? Is this what you are used to hearing from the church?
Making a disciple isn’t about sitting them down for a lesson - what ways can you share and live the Way of Jesus with same-sex attracted people in your community? If you are or have been same-sex attracted, what opportunities and what challenges does discipling someone present?
Celibacy was a widespread practice in the ancient church. How would you describe the perception of celibacy among church-goers today? What about in our culture in general?
The Theme in Song:
The theme this week isn’t simply “Homosexuality” but rather human sexuality, with a specific focus on homosexuality, explored in the light of being disciples of Jesus who make disciples. This joyful song by Stuart Townend (a favourite of mine) is all about calling people in to the transforming love of God at the table of the Lord.