Is Homosexuality a sin?

Undoubtedly this is the most controversial teen Bile lesson I’ve ever published as Youth Pastors and theologians spar with each other as well as the LBGQ+ community’s vocal spokespeople in there push for fair treatment in our society today.

Without input from any source but The Bible we take a look at references to homosexuality to determine why this issue creates such a firestorm of controversy.

How should Christians respond to Homosexuals?

So, how should Christians respond? Is homosexuality a sin in the Bible?

Yes, but…
Homosexuality is named in Leviticus as a sin for the Israelite’s along with 613 other rules. Some of these rules seem trivial to us today. Cloths made of two types of material, trimming the sides of your beard, and tattoos were prohibited while slavery was allowed. Seems a little silly.

Do we just disregard the laws given to the Israelite’s then?

Paul says in Romans that it was thru the law that we became conscious of our sin and that everyone has messed up. Everyone.

Homosexuality is no worse than any other sin. We are encouraged, in Philippians 2, to consider everyone better than ourselves. This includes homosexuals. We’re not more special to God just because we attend church.

Didn’t Jesus’ death cover all sins? It did indeed. The Corinthians realized that since there was no condemnation they were free to do anything. Paul did not disagree with that but warned them that some actions, like sexual immorality, had negative effects. He also pointed out that since the Holy Spirit lives in us we should never drag Him into such actions.

Why does sexual immorality survive as a major taboo?

In Acts 15 the Jewish council met to talk about Gentiles being allowed to be saved by their Christ. They decided that only five laws would be placed on the gentiles and one was to refrain from sexual immorality. In Romans 1 Paul also says that homosexuality was a punishment for those who denied God.

Is Homosexuality within “normal” parameters for humans?

Researches see that there are many genes involved in a persons sexual preferences. Social and environmental factors also play a role. (Sexual abuse can also be a factor so keep your senses open for that.)

The photo compares the tallest woman and the shortest man demonstrating a huge range of height considered within the “normal” range for people. Having six fingers  and toes is also considered within the normal range for humans.

Homosexuality could therefore be considered a normal variant of human sexuality. The argument follows, then, that homosexuality in not a sin either. That makes perfect sense in human understanding.

But, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin. Here’s where people get hostile. Nobody likes being called a sinner. Even Christians and Christian Youth Pastors (who you think understand the gospel message) get really angry that I’d have the nerve to call homosexuals sinners. “It’s not even their fault! It’s normal!”

“You can’t tell a kid they’re a sinner,” they spit. In their rush to not offend they forget that all are sinners saved by grace. It doesn’t matter the sin deeds. Whether it be overeating, child abuse, or homosexuality. Without grace we’re all screwed. There is no difference.

See my Teen Bible Lessons Sin and Sin Nature if you need a theological refresher.

Being a sinner doesn’t mean you’re a bad person.

On the contrary. Knowing you are a sinner can keep you humble which makes you more inclined to treat others with respect. But people immediately jump to the conclusion that if you call them a sinner you are damming them to hell.

Dude, with out Jesus you are dammed to hell. Doesn’t matter what you do.

Here is a good YouTube® video about sexual identity:

Jackie Hill Perry—poet and hip-hop artist—explains in this video what Christians need to know about sexual identity if their children seem confused.

Finally, Here is my Teen Bible: Lesson: Is Homosexuality a Sin?

Society is pushing hard to normalize alternative lifestyles. By now you may have kids in your youth group who identify as gay, trans, bi, or other sexual labels. How do you stick to Biblical values without alienating those emerging adults?

Want to do a Bible lesson on the topic but haven’t had the time to formulate a careful response? Download this free youth group Bible lesson and see if it works for you.

Love your kids without compromising your values. This is a two page lesson plan with leaders guide and pre-lesson activity to illustrate the point.