True IdentityEsimerkki

SEXUALITY

As we turn our view to how our true identity impacts our view on sexuality, we want first to make sure that you know that you are dearly loved and that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1-2). This plan does not attempt to cover all things related to sexuality. Think of this as a first step in exploring and understanding how our identity in Christ relates to our sexuality.

The American culture emphasizes that happiness is based on how you feel and that we each need to find our own identity within ourselves (remember the horizontal identity on day 3). This impacts the sexuality and identity conversation in two ways.

First, we must consider the value of our bodies and gender association. God created our bodies as male and female in his image. Both genders have value in being expressions of who God is, and we all have value in our gender. A result of the fall is the brokenness in our acceptance of our bodies and the deep anguish some people feel about being in the wrong body. Jesus wants to meet people in that struggle and help restore their embodied identity by following him. As Christians, we must love all people well, including people struggling with their gender identity. And we must point people to Jesus, for He is the one who loves us best and from whom we learn to love ourselves as He made us.

Second- the way we view sex. American culture glorifies sex, seeing it primarily as a way to fulfill our physical desires. Since we find our identity within ourselves, and we should do what makes us happy, then expressing our sexual identity however we desire sounds right, whether that be through viewing pornography, sex before marriage, homosexuality, or adultery. Our identity as Christians is so much more than our sexuality! Following Jesus means surrendering our whole self to His ways. Jesus wants us to follow him, not our desires.

1 Corinthians lists several sins that will not be a part of the kingdom of God. Among them are sexual immorality and homosexuality, yes, but there is also greed, slander, drunks, and thieves. Every person in the world is included in that list. There is no sin that is bigger or more important than another. All of them need us to seek God’s forgiveness and deny our desires for God’s desires. The historical Biblical teaching is that sex is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman. Anything else, viewing pornography, sex before marriage, homosexuality, or adultery, all fall short of God’s good plan for sex. He wants to protect us from sin and provide for us to experience the fullness of his design by creating these boundaries for sex.

Christians must live counter-culturally and hold our identity as children of God as more important than our sexuality. It’s not easy, and it takes intentionality and care, but Jesus will be with you and walk you through it all.

Ask Yourself:

-If my primary identity is hidden in Christ, what sin do I need to repent of- sexual, idolatry, greed, selfishness, etc.?

Pause to Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to see my identity in Christ as better than my sexuality. Help me to love others well who may be struggling with their sexuality.

Take a Next Step: Commit to learning more about the historical Biblical teaching about sexuality by listening to a podcast, reading a book, or exploring the resources provided by the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender.