Romans 1:18–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

Bible Studies for Life 
Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University

Ready When Homosexuality Devastates

Romans 1:18–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

Without a doubt the hot button topic for today’s church is homosexuality. The Bible clearly speaks against the lifestyle, but the real issue for Christians is how to communicate this truth. Homosexuality has quickly become an accepted lifestyle in America. It is trendy or “cool” to come out of the closet and is glamourized by Hollywood and even SportsCenter. How do Christians respond to this widely accepted lifestyle that the Bible so clearly speaks against? Only God’s Word can offer objective views on these controversial issues.

The wrath of God. (Rom. 1:18–23) 

Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians gives quick attention to God’s view of a sinful lifestyle. The Roman lifestyle was debased and outwardly worldly as their philosophers target a “you only live once” message. The Roman church was a mixture of Diaspora Jews and newly converted Gentiles who were somehow trying to fit together as a body of Christ. 

Paul wastes little time before dealing with the hedonistic behavior of Roman society. Many of the Roman Christians were involved in this lifestyle before their conversion and the threat to return to former habits was a constant temptation. There is a phrase used in verse 18 that we don’t often speak of, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven.” Some translations use the term “anger.” Paul is not speaking of uncontrolled anger. The Greek word he uses is “orge” which signifies a settled and abiding anger. 

The wrath of God is a controlled anger. His wrath has a very distinct purpose — to reveal unrighteousness and ungodliness. For someone to remain in a lifestyle that Scripture clearly speaks against is to live in rebellion against God. Could we truly call God “righteous” if He didn’t show wrath against unrighteousness and ungodliness? Verse 21 differentiates those who “know God” and those who don’t “glorify Him as God.” To know God and not glorify Him with your lifestyle is foolish.

Is homosexuality unrighteousness? (Rom. 1:24–27) 

When men’s hearts are “darkened” to sin they become fools, according to Paul. How does God respond to those who have darkened hearts and foolish minds? “Therefore God also delivered them over,” or gave them over to their lusts. This phrase should bring chills to our spines. God is essentially saying, “If you want the sin that bad then here it is — I am giving you over to it.” Paul uses this phrase three different times. While Paul doesn’t use the term “homosexuality” in this passage, it is obvious from the explicit details which “vile passions” he is referring to. 

The Greek culture celebrated homosexual love as pure. Commentator R. Kent Hughes points out that 14 of the first 15 Roman emperors were homosexuals. It is interesting that the first sin Paul describes in this passage is homosexuality. This sin perverts the purposes of God. It exchanges the “natural use” or God given use of gender with the perversion of the unnatural. Notice that Paul calls it “shameful acts” and “inflamed lusts.” The “penalty” that God hands down is the worst kind: to be handed over to the sinful lusts by the only One who can save you from eternal judgment and to suffer the wrath of God as a result.

The way out. (1 Cor. 6:9–11) 

“The unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom.” Paul’s description of the unrighteous should not be considered an exhaustive list. Anyone who dies in an “unrighteous” state will spend eternity in hell. But notice the cure: “You were washed, you were sanctified and justified” through Jesus Christ. There is only one way to escape the wrath of God at judgment: trust the Son of God today. Homosexuality is not inescapable. Christ will set free the one who calls upon Him for salvation.