HOME Dear Editor How to become a Christian Simple Answers to Difficult Questions Notes from the Editor-Publisher Free Download Archive

 

Archive 2023

LET US OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN (ACTS 5:29)

/ 2023-06-25

L
​Introduction:

         1. On this occasion the apostles were being interrogated (Acts 5:27-28).
         2. They responded with the statement we read in vs.29.
         3. Solomon explained in Proverbs 16:25 why "we ought to obey God rather than men."
         4. God has revealed His will in His inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
         5. Rather than be unwise we are to understand the Lord's will (Ephesians 5:17).
         6. In our lesson we are searching the Scriptures to determine God's view of "gay pride" that has received
             a great amount of attention this month.

Discussion:

I.           LET  US  FIRST  DETERMINE  GOD'S  VIEW  OF  "GAY  PRIDE"  IN  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT  (Romans 15:4)

         A. Let us begin with the Creation.
             1. God made Adam and Eve on the 6th day (Genesis 1:26-28).
             2. God's plan for marriage is revealed in Genesis 2:24, and His plan has not changed
                 (Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31).
         B. From the Creation, let us turn our attention to the time of the patriarchs.
             1. According to Genesis 19:1-14, homosexuality was widespread in Sodom.
             2. The Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25).
             3. The Bible clearly teaches why these cities were destroyed (Romans 1:26-27; Jude 7).
         C. From the time of the patriarchs, let us consider the time when the Law of Moses was in effect
             (Leviticus 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17).
         D. Concerning "gay pride," we learn something important from the Old Testament: "we ought to obey
             God rather than men."

II.          LET  US  ALSO  DETERMINE  GOD'S  VIEW  OF  "GAY  PRIDE"  IN  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT

         A. Jesus included "fornications" with other activities that will cause a person to be defiled (Mark 7:20-23).
         B. "Fornication" [illicit sexual activity, including homosexuality] is a work of the flesh that will prevent a
             person from inheriting God's kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21).
         C. Homosexuals will not inherit God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
         D. Thankfully, forgiveness is available (1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8).
         E. Concerning "gay pride," we learn something important from the New Testament: "we ought to obey
             God rather than men."

Conclusion:

         1. Many people would consider this lesson to be "hate speech."
         2. According to Ephesians 4:15,  we are responsible for "speaking the truth in love."
         3. On that last great day we will be judged by the Lord's Word (John 12:48).
         4. By all means, "let us obey God rather than men."