In His Image: Sex and Gender
Sermon Notes
We live in a time when culture changes fast and can often confuse people. From what are the distinctions and roles of men and women, to the purpose and role of marriage, to the gift of sex, we are going to study how the Bible clearly explains how God designs gender, marriage, and sex to lead to every person flourishing.
This week we addressed the confusion between gender and biological sex and the harmful effects of gender ideology. We walked through Genesis 1–2 and Romans 1, and the passages encouraged us to battle sin, hold onto truth, protect children, love others, and find hope in God's victory.
This series, Sex By Design, will discuss how we have departed from the perfect God-given design for gender and sexuality. Parents of kids in Middle School and younger, we recommend that you use caution in letting your kids stream this series.
The Designer and the Design
God's design for humanity includes the equality of men and women, reflecting His image while maintaining distinct qualities.
Our identity as image bearers of God is given to us and surpasses any earthly identity, and our purpose is to have dominion, fill the earth, and bring order to it according to God's design.
Rejection of God and His design leads to deception, depravity, and destructive consequences.
The Departure
The departure from God's design regarding sexuality and gender began with figures like Sigmund Freud and Alfred Kinsey, who promoted sexual desire as the driving force of Mankind and reshaped perspectives on sexuality.
Kinsey's fraudulent research and distorted findings influenced societal views regarding sex and gender, leading to widespread distrust in marriages, a redefined perspective on sexuality, and the belief that sexual expression outside of marriage is the norm.
The gender revolution, influenced by figures like John Money, promoted the idea that gender is a social construct separate from biological sex. Tragic cases like that of Bruce Reimer exposed the damaging consequences of these theories, but indoctrination in schools and mainstream media continues to spread gender ideology and distort the understanding of gender being exclusively male and female.
The Destruction
The destructive consequences of gender transitioning include robbing children of their future, as a significant percentage of those with gender dysphoria naturally grow out of it during adolescence. Hormonal treatments and puberty blockers have potential risks and irreversible effects on fertility and overall health.
The suicide rate increases among those who undergo surgery and hormonal transitioning, contradicting the notion that transitioning prevents suicide. The largest academic study on transitioning found a higher suicide attempt rate post-operation, with a significantly increased risk of death by suicide.
The pursuit of gender transitioning damages individuals by ignoring the image of God in them, exposing them to hormonal dangers, and opening the gate to harmful ideologies and potential exploitation, such as pedophilia. The devaluation, dehumanization, and destruction of lives result from these practices.
Our Response
Live fully devoted to Christ (2 Peter 3:10-12). Prioritize battling sin in our own lives, over pointing out the sin in others.
Hold onto these truths (John 17:17): God designed us Male and Female (Genesis 1:27), and He "fearfully and wonderfully made" each person with beauty and purpose (Psalm 139:14). God loves all people and died for all people, to save all who call on the Name of the Lord, through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9).
Fight for a healthy home (Deuteronomy 6:7). Engage and provide your kids with a biblical understanding of God's design of male and female and the gift of sex within the institution of marriage.
Love people (Galatians 5:14). If you have gender dysphoria or know someone who does, you are loved, valuable, and matter to God and us.
Have Hope (Matthew 16:18). God's victory is certain. The church is unstoppable. Ultimately, God wins.
Discussion Questions
How do you think the conversation around gender and sex in popular culture affects our perception of gender and sexuality?
What are your thoughts on the intersection between biblical teachings on gender, marriage, sexuality, and contemporary cultural beliefs?
How can we navigate the sensitive subjects of sexuality, gender, and identity in a way that promotes healing, hope, and understanding?
What challenges do you see in reconciling personal beliefs with the love and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals? How can we bridge the gap and foster dialogue?
In what ways can the church play a role in providing support, love, and guidance for individuals struggling with gender dysphoria and feelings of misalignment?