Male. Female. Gender. What do these terms mean in the context of our changing society? In this program, guest teacher Pastor Tim Lundy focuses on the newest and probably most complicated aspect of today’s sexual ethic: transgenderism. Hear what the Bible says about this pressing issue that is impacting countless families everywhere.
Main Points
Introduction:
- As Christians, our approach to sex and gender must be marked by grace and truth.
- When approaching transgender issues, we protect against the ideology while still caring about the individual. -John 10:11-12; Luke 15:4
Understanding the terms:
- Sex: Refers to a person’s biological status and is typically categorized as male, female, or intersex.
- Gender: The psychological, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female.
- Gender Dysphoria: Distress some people feel when their internal sense of self doesn’t match their biological sex. (Early onset, Late / Adolescent onset, and Rapid onset gender dysphoria)
- Transgender: An umbrella term that describes people whose gender identity or expression does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
What does the Bible say? (Sprinkle, pages 63-77)
- The body is essential to our image-bearing status. -Genesis 1:27
- Male and female in Genesis 1 are categories of sex, not gender. -Genesis 1:28a
- Adam and Eve’s bodies are viewed as sacred. -Genesis 2:21-22
- Jesus views Genesis 1-2 as normative. -Matthew 19:4-5
- Paul sees the body as significant for moral behavior and correlates the body to personhood. -1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 6:13
- Scripture prohibits cross-sex behavior. -Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
- The incarnation of Christ affirms the goodness of our sexed embodiment. -Colossians 2:9
- Sex difference probably remains after the resurrection. -Luke 20:35-36; Romans 8:11; 1 John 3:2
- Jesus’ acceptance of the eunuch is not a pattern for understanding gender identity. -Matthew 19:12
- Paul’s reference to neither “male or female†does not overturn sex differences. -Galatians 3:28
Summary points and next steps:
- Biological sex and gender are linked together and important to God’s design.
- Instead of transitioning, we should help people accept their bodies as part of their God-given identity.
- Recognize the unique struggle for Christians who suffer with Gender Dysphoria.
- As a church, we must strive to create a safe place where all people can find and follow Jesus.
- Avoid defining gender according to stereotypes and embrace the diversityof expression in God’s design.
- We must confront the lies of the current ideology because it is destroying lives.
- We must never lose sight of the individual that Christ loves no matter how their lives have been impacted by sin.
Broadcast Resource
Additional Resource Mentions
About Chip Ingram
Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.
About Tim Lundy
Tim Lundy has been in ministry for three decades. A graduate of Crichton College and Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), he is currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Venture Christian Church in Los Gatos, California, and previously gave pastoral leadership to Christ Community Church and Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
About Living on the Edge
Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.
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