Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Sexual Sin and Identity Struggles

Question:

We have a pretty heavy, vulnerable question that a student asked. "When one is in sexual sin and gay, how can we get out of it?"

Answer: 
The first thought I give you is to let you know that everyone struggles in some form or fashion.

There is not one perfect person in this world aside from Jesus. So, as you're navigating through your sin (I don't give a license to sin), I just want you to recognize that I don't stand across from you saying, “Hey, I've got life all figured out, and let me preach and talk down to you.”

I want to express my empathy for what you're going through. Dealing with these emotions, questions about identity, and navigating sexual attractions can be challenging. This challenge is particularly profound when considering the scriptural references, acknowledging that you feel you're living in sexual sin.

The Bible very explicitly says that there are multiple types of things that qualify as sexual sin, such as having sex outside of marriage or engaging in pornography, and even when we're in a relationship, that is outside of the bounds of God's standard. In essence, scripture portrays that a true God-honoring relationship would result in marriage, be pure from sex until marriage, and would be between a man and a woman for a lifetime. 

And so now, as someone says they are struggling with feelings of being gay, or at this point in life, identify as being gay - I want you to remember that only one person has lived that perfect life.

All of us need a savior. You just need that saving grace of God daily, moment by moment, that abiding grace of Jesus Christ. And it's not something you can just necessarily pray away, and it's just gonna go away. But you have to be ready to go in for the battle and to say, “Hey, you know I love Christ, and I want to honor Christ so much that I'm willing to lay aside my own agenda.” And didn't Jesus say that if you want to be my disciple, deny yourself and take up your cross and follow after me?

The verse that I'll share with you is Colossians 3:3-4 NLV. 

"For you died to this life in your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory."

Just remember that your true identity is not of your sexual orientation or even some of those feelings you could have, but your real life is hidden in Christ. The more you know who you are and who you belong to, is how you navigate through those battles. 

So, forsake sexual sin. And day by day, just submit yourself to the will of God, to the heart of God, and you'll see results - immeasurable results over time.

Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Sexual Sin and Identity Struggles

Dating Non-Believers: A Wise Choice for Christians?

Question:

Can I date a non-Christian or non-believer? 

Answer: 

It seems like this question is coming from a believer, a disciple of Jesus, who wants to follow Him. The question is, "Can I date someone who is not a believer, who is not a Christian?" My answer would be no, as it's not a wise decision and goes against what God's Word teaches us.

There are a couple of things I want you guys to look at. 

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 NLT says: 

"Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil, and how can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" 

It's evident here, as Paul writes this inspired by the Holy Spirit, that he's emphasizing the challenge of being in a partnership or relationship with a non-believer. Considering this in your own life, why would you want to date someone who is not a believer?

You might have feelings and attraction towards that person, and there may be great qualities about them. However, if Jesus is truly the Lord of your life and the center of your life, and if you desire to follow Him and center your life around Him, why would you want to enter into a close and intimate relationship with someone who doesn't share those same values or prioritize the things of the Lord?

And so, as Paul would say, he just asks these questions. "What harmony can there be between a Christ and the devil, and how can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" 

Even in a dating relationship, the principle of being unequally yoked applies. Just as it's unwise to enter into a marriage with a non-believer, the same applies to dating. A dating relationship is special and involves a closer connection than other types of relationships. You want to be heading in the same direction as your partner. If they are headed toward worldly pursuits rather than toward Christ, their life will likely follow that direction, too. It's not wise, doesn't honor the Lord, and sets you up for potential failure, heartache, and pain.

Another verse I'd like to share is from Amos 3 NLT in the Old Testament. Amos, a prophet, poses a simple yet profound question that's worth pondering as you consider who you want to date and the relationships you want to pursue.

 "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" 

So, think about the direction of your life. Is your life headed in the direction of growing in the Lord, serving the Lord, living for the Lord, laying your life down for the Lord? If your life is directed towards Christ, the person you're dating or pursuing a relationship with must also be headed in the same direction. Otherwise, how can you really walk together? How can you really have a relationship? 

I hope that answers your question. How can you walk together without agreeing on a direction? And if you don't agree on who Jesus Christ is in your life, how can there be a relationship?

To Listen to more or ask your own questions, click here: https://youtu.be/CFwnzM-AEvw

Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Sexual Sin and Identity Struggles

Calvary Youth

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