There are those that would argue that to be “totally set free” is an impossibility since we will always sin as long as we are in the flesh. While I certainly agree we will always sin as long as we are in the flesh, “it” does not have to be idolatrous, addictive, or enable unreal levels of evil desires that war against God’s truth.
Today, some would say that offering a message of freedom from homosexuality is to hold out a message of false hope to people caught in this particular sin. However, I would present the biblical fact that people were being set free in the Apostle Paul’s day (1 Corinthians 6:11) and those whom the Son sets free are free indeed (John 8:36).
It is abundantly clear that Jesus counted ungodly lust with any participation or activity as sin when He said, “Everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
It is time that we all purify ourselves by uprooting ungodly reactions and lies that hold us captive and remember that God Himself has called each of His followers to holiness and not just those who struggle with homosexuality.
Today, far too many individuals, ministries, and churches are stating and teaching that the very best a man or woman struggling with same-sex attraction can hope for is celibacy. In other words, each man and each woman can successfully stop activity but they will just have to live with the desires. I believe Jesus spoke clearly regarding all sexual sin.
A believer in Christ Jesus must see lust as a sin, confess it as such and then work to uproot “fueling agents” that often accompany attempts at justifying our sin just because we have been hurt. God knows every detail of our pain, abuse, and neglect and He desires to set us free but we must purify ourselves and that always involves the “process” of holiness. Admittedly, holiness is progressive and it does not occur in anyone’s life overnight.
Clearly, every born-again believer must obey the truth in order to be purified and walk in holiness.
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers: love one another deeply from your heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)
It seems to me if we (Christians) are to purify ourselves, obedience to God’s Word is imperative. Practically speaking, reading one’s Bible, spending time in prayer, journaling our thoughts and feelings, spiritual work such as addressing ungodly vows, bitterness, envy, and renouncing justification of sin because of hurt, are just a few of the areas that must be potentially addressed.
Also, we must confess our sins and believe that in doing so…”God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Clearly, if we claim to be without sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
I like what Oswald Chambers states in My Utmost for His Highest, “The one marvelous secret of a holy life lies not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus manifest themselves in my mortal flesh.”
When any man or woman thoroughly and completely gives up the entire context of homosexuality, there is no more keeping of records of how long it has been since a fall occurred or how long it has been since looking on someone to lust after them. Frankly, I believe that is pretty much useless because God does not want us to keep records of falls or victories, but rather a complete change of heart so we will love what He loves and hate what He hates.
Indeed, it takes time to cleanse and purify our hearts. However, the process and journey are well worth the effort if for no other reason than God will be glorified.
When we embrace the totality and truth of Scripture without compromise, God empowers us to walk in His purposes.
Those who choose to live by God’s unchanging truth engage in the ongoing challenge of applying God’s unchanging standards to our ever-changing society, world, and this journey, with its many twists and turns called…life.
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee