“Sex and gender [Pt. 1]”
SERMON Title: Sex and gender [Pt. 1]
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:26-27; 2:4-7; 20b-25 (ESV)
Introduction:
When we speak about sex and gender, there are nuances that are not apparent to each person.
Sex often refers to the physical body – the biological aspects and physicalities that are true to our human bodies.
Gender refers to the sense of self that is culturally, psychologically, socially, and spiritually created. Gender is more subjective and less tangible than the use of sex.
From today’s passages, we see God’s formation of Adam and Eve from the ground. In this process of physical formation of the first man and the first woman, God spoke on the notion of biological sex. We will explore the following four questions:
Is biological sex more complex than Genesis 2 makes it out to be?
Should someone change their biological sex?
What does God say to those who are struggling with the complexities of biological sex?
How should Christians respond to people who face these struggles?
Overview:
(1) Is biological sex more complex than Genesis 2 makes it out to be?
Yes, for there are a myriad of reasons why one’s biological sex is the way it is. There are also associated burdens with working out how our biological sex is the way it is.
There are those who experience the sufferings and the difficulties of living in a world that is dimorphic. Not solely by their own choice but succumbing to the choice of others.
There are some who are born into the complexity of, the choice of self, and the choice of others – in struggling with their biological sex.
However, it is clear that all are created in the image of God. All have intrinsic dignity and value being made in the image of God.
(2) Should someone change their biological sex?
No, not from a Christian POV. Why?
Jesus’ affirmation from the passage is to live in a way that is consistent with and displays a decision to be set apart for the Kingdom of God.
God’s choice for us through our biological sex is His design and His will for us. He desires from us a submission through the decision He makes over our lives.
Through it all, God:
Desires to give us a plan for our lives.
Loves to forgive and delights to show mercy to us.
Desires us to submit to Him.
(3) What does God say to those who are struggling with the complexities of biological sex?
For us to hold fast to His promise of hope amidst the suffering and difficulty we encounter.
God’s invitation for all is His grace and forgiveness. For all to come and experience life; to let God walk with us in our struggles; and to let God bless and pour out His love for us.
(4) How should Christians respond to people who are struggling with the complexities of biological sex in this world?
The reasoning behind why people may struggle with the concepts of biological sex are not always made clear.
Jesus came as a man to experience the same struggles and difficulties of those He desired to save, so that they may come to faith and receive life in Him.
To love like He did!
Sermon reflection questions:
Where do you stand in the conversation on the intersection of sex and gender?
How do you understand the idea of God’s design and will through how He creates us man and woman, all in the image of Him? Does it hold to be true for you in a biblical sense?
How can you choose to love others who struggle with the complexities of biological sex amidst the suffering and struggles of biological sex in this world?
