How we treat people who experience same-sex attraction has eternal consequences. God calls us to help with love and grace. In this three-session study, we learn that God transforms us through our struggles, and the road to change is slow—whatever our struggle. As God's ambassadors, we need to learn to express our own weaknesses so others know we're on a journey, too. Finally, we need to give God room to work, because only he can truly bring life change.
Session One
God Transforms Us Through Our Struggles
The road to change is a process.
2 Samuel 12:11; Psalm 51; Lamentations 3:32-33; Acts 26:17-18; Romans 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:7; 2 Peter 1:3-11
Church is a place for sinners. And since we all have been delivered from sin and death, yet continue to struggle with sin, we know we need fellowship, understanding, challenge, and healing. So it is particularly tragic that those who struggle with same-sex attraction often believe that church is the last place they will find solutions. We must find common ground and express our own struggles if we want to effectively minister to people in the LGBT community.
Session Two
You Are God's Ambassador
As we express our weaknesses, others will learn to trust the One we represent.
Romans 3:9-18; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 6:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:13-20; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:3-11; 1 John 3:18
The LGBT community sometimes feels like a separate group of people that cannot be known or understood by outsiders, especially Christians. This concept erects a false barrier preventing many from following the leading of the Holy Spirit to be salt and light to the LGBT community.
In order to break this stronghold of misbelief, believers must first understand what the Bible teaches about how we should relate to hurting people, many of whom seek change for their lives. It's important that we have clarity on the issue of sin, allowing God to be God—the author and finisher of our faith and the supreme architect of his plan for redemption in Jesus Christ.
Session Three
Let God Produce Change
We need to have the courage to let God do the hard work of life change.
Matthew 18:15-19; Luke 18:7-8; 1 Corinthians 5; Hebrews 12:4-5; Revelation 3:15-16
Many Christians feel pressure to fully accept the LGBT community, condoning sinful behavior. How can we share the truth of Scripture in a loving and gracious way? God gives us a first-century example of a similar moral crisis in 1 Corinthians 5.
Total number of pages - 24
