THE BIBLE ON SEXUALITY

1. Sexuality Created by God (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-6) 

2. Chastity and Fidelity Required (1 Corinthians 6:18—7:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Hebrews 13:4) 

3. What About Homosexuality? (Romans 1:20-27; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 

Central Truth: The Bible gives clear guidelines for human sexuality. 

Focus: Acknowledge and abide by God’s specific instructions regarding sexuality. 

Evangelism Emphasis: God can deliver from any sexual sin. 

Text: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). 

INTRODUCTION 

The issue of human sexuality is of major significance, particularly in the current cultural discourse. Emerging perspectives on the issue have presented challenges to those who hold to a traditional Judeo-Christian worldview. Marriage, previously understood as being between one man and one woman, is now seen as an option for same-sex couples as well, with potentially other developments on the horizon. What once seemed to be settled science concerning gender is now challenged by people who say we should allow someone to “identify” as the gender of their choice, or no gender at all, since “gender is a social construct.” And, in the minds of many, this conversation should be taking place under the banner of civil rights, which is creating a challenging social, business, and political environment for Christians who believe these views are contrary to Scripture. 

It is imperative we Christians revisit Holy Scripture to discern the way forward concerning human sexuality. This lesson is a step in that direction. The Bible is not silent on the issues of marriage, gender, homosexuality, and sexual expression in general. But we must learn afresh how to properly read our Bibles and to think as theologically informed Christians regarding these issues. From the standpoint of discipleship, the topic of human sexuality must take on a greater sense of urgency so we can better prepare ourselves to faithfully live out the truths of Scripture in the midst of a secular society. 

Further, we as Christians must express our sexuality in a way that honors and is obedient to God. Therefore, the purpose of this lesson is not to give us ammunition to fight against those who hold differing views from us. Rather, it is meant to inform us and open us up to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Where we find ourselves compromising in our own sexuality, we must be willing to repent and allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us so we might think, feel, and behave in a Christlike manner in all facets of our lives. 

1.   SEXUALITY CREATED BY GOD 

A.  Created in the Image of God (Genesis 1:27-28) 

 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 

The Genesis account of Creation presents to the reader important information about God’s intentions in the created order. Scripture tells us everything which was made was spoken into existence out of nothing by God. Repeatedly as this happened, chapter 1 says, “God saw that it was good” (vv. 4, 10, 18, 21). Everything that exists was powerfully created according to God’s will and by His word. When we consider God’s creation, we see evidence of God’s glory and goodness. 

In the Creation account, we also see God’s creation of human beings is distinct from the manner of His creation of vegetation and animals. This is revealed in the fact that each animal and each type of vegetation was made “according to its kind” (vv. 11-12, 21, 24-25 NKJV). But when He created human beings, God expressed His intention to create them “in Our image, according to Our likeness” (v. 26 NKJV). From this we learn human beings are especially created by God to “image Him forth” in the earth. That is to say, human beings are like a mirror, uniquely existing to reflect God’s glory in the earth. 

In verse 27, emphasis is given to the creation of genders, expressly stated as “male and female.” Both are included as being “created . . . in the image of God.” It is inappropriate and unbiblical to ignore the distinctions of two genders or explain them away as being nothing more than a social construct. Scripture reveals they are part of the created order. God’s intention for the male and female genders, both in their similarities and differences, was to combine to give glory to Him as they go forth together, multiplying and filling the earth, and caring for His creation as stewards (v. 28). 

The Marriage Braid 

A braid appears to contain only two strands of hair, but it is impossible to create a braid with only two strands. If the two could be put together at all, they would quickly unravel. 

Herein lies the mystery: What looks like two strands requires a third. The third strand, though not immediately evident, keeps the strands tightly woven. 

In a Christian marriage, God’s presence, like the third strand in a braid, holds husband and wife together. 

B.  United Into One Flesh (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-6) 

 Genesis 2:22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 

Genesis 2 focuses more closely on the relationship between God and human beings. It also provides insight into the structure of relationships between men and women. In verse 15, we find God putting Adam in the Garden of Eden to tend it. God created the beasts of the field and birds of the air, then He brought them to Adam, allowing him the privilege of naming them (vv. 19-20). Despite the presence of animals in Eden, God said, “It is not good that . . . man should be alone” (v. 18). None of the animals that had been created could serve as a “suitable helper” (v. 20 NIV) for Adam. So, to rectify the problem of Adam’s aloneness, God caused a deep sleep to fall on him, took one of his ribs, and made woman (v. 21). 

We can draw several observations about God’s standard for relationships between the sexes. Genesis 1:28-29 reveals procreation is part of God’s plan in this regard. But chapter 2 speaks about the companionship between a husband and wife. They complement one another. The term suitable helper should be understood as “one who supplies strength that is lacking.” The helper is neither stronger nor weaker than the one helped. Neither is she like him. It is noteworthy that she was taken from Adam’s side to walk with him as an equal—not to lord over him or to be subjugated by him. 

The one-flesh union of the man and woman is a fundamental part of God’s good creation. The marriage relationship, while not excluding relationships with extended family, must be prioritized. Thus, the “man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife” (v. 24). This relationship is so powerful, it is described in Scripture as being “one flesh.” While this is an idiom for the sexual embrace of a husband and wife, the implications go further than just the joining of two bodies. In the Hebrew mind, the use of the term flesh here indicates a joining of the totality of two human beings including heart, soul, and body. 

• According to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19:3-6, what is God’s will concerning marriage? 

2.   CHASTITY AND FIDELITY REQUIRED 

A.  Sexual Fulfillment in Marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18—7:5) 

 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 

When the apostle Paul speaks about human sexuality, he does so from the Jewish mind-set of his day. This means he understood man and woman were made for one another, and it is in the context of marriage between man and woman where sexual desires are to find their fulfillment. Only in this context are a man and woman to become “one flesh” in sexual union. “Fornication” (1 Cor. 6:18) refers to any type of sexual intercourse outside of those conditions.   

The idea of “one flesh” is indicative of the totality of the person in some way becoming one with the totality of another person in the sexual embrace. This is why sexual sin has significant consequences. Having sexual intercourse with different partners is an attack on a person’s own being (v. 18). Each time a man or woman engages in such behavior, they are joining the totality of themselves with the totality of another. Not only is such behavior dangerous to the body because of the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases; it is also damaging to one’s emotions and ability to form true, lasting, godly relationships. 

Our bodies were meant to be a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. We must remember we have been “bought with a price” (v. 20)—the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. He died to set us free from sin and death. We are not our own. Instead, we are to be in union with Him by the indwelling of His Spirit. We must not abuse and desecrate our bodies by engaging in sexually promiscuous behavior. We are to “flee” such behavior because of the potential damage it can cause us (v. 18). In a positive sense, Paul instructs his readers to “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (v. 20). 

Although Paul placed value on living a celibate life (7:1, 8), he recognized that, in most cases, marriage is the best choice because of sexual temptation. In light of this, he gives instruction in verses 2-5 regarding the sexual relationship between husband and wife. Both are to be generous with one another in this regard. Yielding to one another in this way should not be seen as an issue of control; rather, it is an opportunity to show love and care for the other. Neither the man nor the woman is to have superiority in the sexual relationship. Instead, it is supposed to be a relationship of mutuality and commitment between equals. 

Validating Singleness 

We need to validate those in the Church who remain celibate and single. Sexual fulfillment is not the basis of what it means to be human, nor is it a fundamental human right. Those who are single should not be looked down upon as “less than” in some way by other Christians. Whether single or married, all who are in Christ are considered a temple of the Holy Spirit and must glorify God with their bodies. 

B.  Sexual Purity—a Matter of Holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Hebrews 13:4) 

 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. 

 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

God’s people are not to be controlled by their sexual urges. Although they are a natural part of what it means to be human, we are called to bring our bodies into alignment with “the will of God” (1 Thess. 4:3). We are to control our “own body in holiness and honor [being available for God’s purpose and separated from things profane]” (v. 4 Amp.). Contrary to the current cultural perspective, human beings are not identified by our sexuality. Instead, we are to be identified with Christ. Our self-understanding and self-expression are to be guided by the Holy Spirit as God transforms our hearts and minds and we come to know who we truly are in the process.   

 Among other things, this means Christians are to abstain from all types of sexual behavior that take place outside the bounds of Biblical marriage between husband and wife. We are responsible to God for what we do with our bodies, including the things we look at and the activities in which we engage that are of a sexual nature. We are to be different from those who do not follow God and who are not being sanctified by the Spirit (v. 5). They do not see the need to abstain from such behavior but, in varying degrees, allow themselves to be controlled by their passions. 

 In verse 6, Paul says we are not to “defraud [our] brother” (“harm or cheat a Christian brother,” NLT), by sexually violating their spouse. Tragically, such sin has happened too often within the body of Christ. This has marred many lives, brought division to churches, and tarnished Christian witness. 

Being saved is more than just being forgiven for our sins; it is cooperating with the grace of God as the Holy Spirit works to transform us into Christlike people. We are to learn to bring our bodies into submission to the Holy Spirit in all aspects of our being, including our sexual nature. This act of discipline on our part, as we cooperate with God’s enabling grace, is part of our sanctification “unto holiness” (v. 7). 

Hebrews 13:4 declares, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (NKJV). 

• How can we as Christians lead pure lives in a sex-saturated culture? 
• What is “the will of God” for believers, and how can this be accomplished (1 Thess. 4:3-4)?  

3.  WHAT ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY? 

A.  Homosexuality—Distortion of the Created Order (Romans 1:20-27) 

 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 

A Biblical view of the issue of homosexuality is an important part of Christian understanding of human sexuality in our current cultural climate. The Bible is not silent on this issue. However, there are those who try to distort the clear meaning of Scripture on this topic. We should not be deceived on this matter. A proper reading of Scripture including passages that directly address homosexuality, as well as other passages dealing with properly ordered sexuality, present a clear prohibition of the act. 

Romans 1 is one of the clearest condemnations of homosexuality in the New Testament. This passage describes the rebellion of human beings against the worship of God as Creator. This is not a rebellion based on ignorance of God, because “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (v. 20 NKJV). Paul continues, “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (v. 21 NKJV). Rather than ignorance, Paul is describing the willful rebellion of the human race against the knowledge of God, who is worthy of our worship and thanksgiving. 

 The consequence of this rebellion is the darkening of the hearts of human beings, leaving them unable to discern wisdom from foolishness (vv. 21-22). God judged this rebellion by turning humans over to their own “uncleanness” (v. 24), part of which is described in verses 26-27 as homosexual relations including both men and women. This point must not be overlooked. This passage is not to be read as merely a denunciation of certain behaviors. As Richard B. Hays states: 

It is a diagnosis of the human condition. The unwillingness to glorify God results in such a darkened state of knowledge and behavior that even the gender distinctions of male and female that are fundamental to the created order are ignored or violated. . . . The diseased behavior detailed in verses 24-31 is symptomatic of the one sickness of humanity as a whole . . . God’s “wrath” against His fallen creatures takes the ironic form of allowing them the freedom to have their own way, abandoning them to their own devices (The Moral Vision of the New Testament). 

 Homosexuality is the ultimate bodily manifestation of human rebellion against God because it distorts the distinctions and the one-flesh relationship between man and woman. 

Faithful Witnesses 

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that states must recognize marriage between two persons of the same sex. How are Christians to respond as faithful witnesses in this environment which seems increasingly hostile to our beliefs? The best witness we can offer is to have strong Biblical marriages and to repent for and resist sexual sin of all types in our own lives. Finally, we must be prepared to lovingly bring the good news of the transforming power of Jesus Christ to all people, no matter the manifestation of their sexual brokenness. 

B.  Homosexual Behavior—Not Part of Christlikeness (1 Timothy 1:8-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 

 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. 

 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 

There are those who seek to reinterpret Scripture with the aim of normalizing homosexuality among Christians. However, there is no reading of Scripture that allows us to come to that conclusion any more than there is Scripture allowing any other type of sexual sin. There are other issues on which the Bible seems less clear on the surface, but a proper reading brings great clarity and new insight. However, there is no such tension for the issue of homosexuality in Scripture. 

The Biblical writers were aware of the practice of homosexuality in their contemporary culture. In 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul speaks of those who were “effeminate” and “abusers of themselves with mankind,” which are both references to “males who have sex with males” (CSB). People who live like this—along with thieves, materialists, drunkards, abusers, and all sexually immoral people—will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (v. 10). Similarly, in writing to Timothy, Paul refers to those who, among other things, “defile themselves with mankind” (1 Tim. 1:10) as “lawless and disobedient” (v. 9). There is not a single passage of Scripture that points to a time when homosexuality is normal or acceptable behavior in the kingdom of God. Homosexual behavior is consistently characterized as sinful behavior which must be repented of if one is to follow Jesus Christ. 

Here we should mention the argument of some that Paul’s negative assessment of this behavior is only directed toward heterosexuals who are committing homosexual acts. Put another way, these interpreters would claim these passages do not apply to those who are naturally of a homosexual orientation. But this argument fails because the idea of “sexual orientation” would have been foreign to the Biblical writers, including Paul. Thus, sexual orientation would not have been a factor in Paul’s thinking about homosexual behavior. To quote Richard B. Hays once more on this issue, “Paul treats all homosexual activity as . . . evidence of humanity’s tragic confusion and alienation from God the Creator.” 

The good news is found in 1 Corinthians 6:11. Here Paul speaks in the past tense concerning the Christians at Corinth: “Such were some of you.” Jesus Christ had delivered the believers there from all types of sin, including homosexual behavior. 

• Why is following “sound doctrine” so vital (1 Tim. 1:10-11)? 

GOD’S CLEAR PLAN  

 It is clear that God intends for human sexual expression to remain within the bounds of marriage between a man and woman. This one-flesh union of man and woman was part of the created order before the Fall, recorded in Genesis 3. All other sexual behavior (including homosexuality) enters the story only after the Fall, and is the result of human beings’ rebellion against the worship of God. But it would be incomplete if this is all that is said about the matter. Whatever we have done—whatever sexual sin and brokenness may be present in our lives—God’s mercy and grace are ready to bring forgiveness, deliverance, and transformation if we will call out to Him for salvation. 

Daily Devotions  

M.  Wickedness of Perversion (Genesis 19:1-13) 

T.  Sexual Immorality Prohibited (Leviticus 18:10-17) 

W.  Perversion Forbidden (Leviticus 18:21-24) 

T.  Source of Sexual Immorality (Mark 7:14-23) 

F.  Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) 

S.  Guard Against Sensuality (Hebrews 12:14-17) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2020-2021.