GENDER IDENTITY AND THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

GENDER IDENTITY AND THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 1:27, Deuteronomy 22:5

Supporting Texts: Matthew 19:4-6, Romans 1:24-28, Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Isaiah 45:9

INTRODUCTION:
In recent times, society has witnessed a growing wave of confusion and controversy surrounding gender identity. Terms such as “transgender,” “non-binary,” “gender fluid,” and “preferred pronouns” have emerged, challenging the traditional and biblical understanding of gender as male and female. The world now encourages people to define their gender based on feelings rather than biological or divine design.

However, Scripture is clear: God created humanity in His image—male and female—and declared it very good. God is not the author of confusion. Gender is not a random assignment but a divine gift, intricately designed with purpose. Rejecting this design is not only an identity crisis; it is a spiritual rebellion against the Creator.

This message seeks to reaffirm the biblical view of gender identity, warn against the deception of modern ideologies, and offer hope to those struggling with confusion through the truth and love of God.

1. GOD CREATED MALE AND FEMALE BY DESIGN
Gender is not man’s invention but God’s divine design and order.

a) Gender Was Defined at Creation (Genesis 1:27)
God made them male and female, not based on choice but by His will.

b) God Declares His Creation Very Good (Genesis 1:31)
Our gender is a reflection of His wisdom and beauty, not a mistake.

c) Jesus Affirmed the Gender Binary (Matthew 19:4-6)
In His teachings on marriage, Jesus reinforced God’s original design.

d) God is Not the Author of Confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Where confusion reigns, deception is at work—not God’s Spirit.

Biblical Example: Eve was formed as a woman, distinct and complementary to Adam, affirming God’s gender order (Genesis 2:18-23).

2. TRANSGENDER IDEOLOGY CONTRADICTS GOD’S TRUTH
Any attempt to redefine gender is rebellion against the Creator’s authority.

a) Wearing Opposite Gender Clothing is Forbidden (Deuteronomy 22:5)
God clearly distinguishes between male and female roles and appearance.

b) People Have Exchanged the Truth for a Lie (Romans 1:24–28)
Gender distortion is part of a larger moral decline and spiritual deception.

c) Identity Should Come from the Creator, Not Culture (Isaiah 45:9)
Shall the clay say to the potter, "Why did You make me this way?"

d) Satan Seeks to Corrupt God’s Image in Man (John 10:10)
The enemy uses confusion to steal identity and destroy purpose.

Biblical Example: The builders of Babel tried to create their own identity apart from God, and it led to confusion and scattering (Genesis 11:1–9).

3. OUR TRUE IDENTITY IS FOUND IN CHRIST
In Christ, we discover who we truly are and why we were created.

a) You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139:13–16)
Your gender is part of God’s intentional design from your mother’s womb.

b) God Does Not Make Mistakes (Jeremiah 1:5)
Before you were formed, God knew your identity and purpose.

c) In Christ, Confusion is Replaced with Clarity (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Old lies are broken; a new creation walks in truth and peace.

d) God Restores the Confused and the Broken (1 Corinthians 6:9–11)
Some were lost in identity sins, but they were washed, sanctified, and justified.

Biblical Example: The woman at the well was confused and broken, but her identity was restored by an encounter with Jesus (John 4:7–26).

4. THE CHURCH MUST TEACH TRUTH IN LOVE
We must defend biblical gender identity with compassion and courage.

a) Speak the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15)
Truth must not be compromised, but it must be delivered with grace.

b) Do Not Conform to the Pattern of the World (Romans 12:2)
Believers must renew their minds to align with God's truth, not culture.

c) Equip the Next Generation with Biblical Truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Our children must be rooted in Scripture, not social media ideologies.

d) Create a Safe Place for Healing and Identity Restoration (Galatians 6:1–2)
The Church must help the confused to encounter truth and freedom in Christ.

Biblical Example: Jesus restored Mary Magdalene’s dignity and purpose, making her a faithful witness of the resurrection (Luke 8:2, John 20:11–18).

CONCLUSION:
Gender identity is not a feeling, a personal choice, or a cultural trend—it is a sacred assignment from God. When we tamper with God’s design, we invite disorder and brokenness. But when we embrace His purpose, we find peace, joy, and fulfilment.

As believers, we are called to uphold the truth of God’s Word without compromise, even in a world that celebrates rebellion. At the same time, we are to reach out with compassion to those who are confused or struggling, pointing them to the love and healing of Jesus Christ. God still saves, restores, and gives new identity to all who come to Him in humility.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open the eyes of this generation to Your truth concerning gender.
2. Father, deliver every soul entangled in gender confusion and deception.
3. Let the Church rise with boldness to speak truth in love without compromise.
4. Heal and restore those who feel broken, rejected, or lost in identity.
5. Raise a generation of youths who will celebrate and walk in divine purpose.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will walk confidently in the identity God has given you!
2. Every confusion planted by the enemy is uprooted in your life!
3. Your life shall reflect God's original design and divine purpose!
4. The Spirit of truth shall guide you and preserve your destiny!
5. You are marked by God’s image, and no lie of the devil shall distort your future!

MARRIAGE DIVORCE AND COHABITATION IN TODAY'S WORLD

MARRIAGE, DIVORCE AND COHABITATION IN TODAY’S WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 19:4-9, Hebrews 13:4

Supporting Texts: Genesis 2:18–25, Malachi 2:14-16, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Ephesians 5:22-33

INTRODUCTION:
Marriage, as ordained by God, is a holy covenant and not a casual contract. In today’s world, however, the sanctity of marriage is under attack. Divorce is becoming more common, cohabitation is increasing, and the concept of godly courtship is being abandoned for worldly alternatives. This cultural shift is threatening the foundation of homes, families, and even the Church.

God’s standard for marriage is clear from the beginning: one man, one woman, joined together in covenant for life. Divorce was never His original intention, and cohabitation without the blessing of marriage dishonours God’s design. Many couples today choose convenience over commitment, and pleasure over purity, but Scripture calls believers to honour marriage with holiness and integrity.

This message seeks to confront cultural norms with biblical truth, challenging believers to uphold godly standards in courtship, marriage, and family life. The Church must be a light in this dark age—showing what Christlike love, faithfulness, and purity look like in relationships.

1. GOD’S ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE MUST BE HONOURED
Marriage is a divine institution, not a social experiment or convenience.

a) God Made Them Male and Female (Matthew 19:4)
Marriage is between one man and one woman, created by God for companionship, purpose, and procreation.

b) Marriage Is a Covenant, Not a Contract (Malachi 2:14–15)
God views marriage as sacred; it reflects His covenantal love.

c) The Two Shall Become One Flesh (Genesis 2:24)
God joins husband and wife in spiritual, emotional, and physical unity.

d) What God Has Joined Together, Let No Man Separate (Matthew 19:6)
Marriage is not to be dissolved by human decision but to be preserved through divine grace.

Biblical Example: Adam and Eve were joined by God in the Garden of Eden, setting the standard for marriage (Genesis 2:18–25).

2. DIVORCE GRIEVES THE HEART OF GOD
Though permitted under certain conditions, divorce is not God’s perfect will.

a) God Hates Divorce (Malachi 2:16)
Divorce disrupts the covenant, damages lives, and reflects brokenness, not God’s design.

b) Divorce Was Allowed Because of Hardness of Heart (Matthew 19:8)
Jesus clarified that divorce is a concession, not a command.

c) Adultery Is One Biblical Ground for Divorce (Matthew 19:9)
Even with biblical grounds, forgiveness and restoration are always encouraged first.

d) Reconciliation Is God’s Desire (1 Corinthians 7:10–11)
Couples are encouraged to work through differences rather than separate.

Biblical Example: Hosea’s persistent love for Gomer, despite her unfaithfulness, reflects God’s heart for reconciliation (Hosea 3:1–3).

3. COHABITATION IS A DISTORTION OF GOD’S PLAN
Living together before marriage violates biblical principles of purity and honour.

a) Marriage Should Be Honoured by All (Hebrews 13:4)
Sexual relations belong within the covenant of marriage, not outside it.

b) Fornication and Impurity Dishonour the Body (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5)
God’s will is our sanctification—living in holiness, not lust.

c) Cohabitation Breeds Temptation and Instability
Without commitment, couples are more vulnerable to sin and separation.

d) God’s Blessing Rests on Obedience
Cohabiting couples miss out on the full blessing God intends for marriage.

Biblical Example: Joseph refused to touch Mary before marriage, demonstrating honour and self-control (Matthew 1:18–25).

4. GODLY COURTSHIP BUILDS A STRONG FOUNDATION
Christian relationships should reflect purity, prayer, and purpose.

a) Do Not Be Unequally Yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Believers must marry those who share their faith in Christ.

b) Seek God’s Will in Choosing a Life Partner (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Rely on God’s direction—not feelings alone—in choosing whom to marry.

c) Build Relationships on Love, Not Lust (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)
Godly love is patient, kind, and pure.

d) Involve Godly Mentors and Accountability (Proverbs 15:22)
Wise counsel ensures spiritual alignment and emotional maturity.

Biblical Example: Isaac and Rebekah’s courtship involved prayer, family counsel, and divine leading (Genesis 24:12–27).

CONCLUSION:
Marriage is God’s sacred design, created for companionship, covenant, and Christlike love. In a generation that is redefining marriage and rejecting biblical values, believers must uphold the truth. Divorce, while permitted under certain circumstances, is not to be taken lightly. Cohabitation and ungodly courtship dishonour God and damage lives.

Let us honour marriage, uphold purity, and pursue relationships God’s way. Whether you are single, married, or divorced, God’s grace is available to guide and restore. His plan for your life and relationships is always for your good and His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me honour marriage according to Your Word.
2. Father, restore every broken relationship and home.
3. Deliver me from every form of impurity and compromise.
4. Teach me to wait on You and choose wisely in relationships.
5. Let godly love and covenant keep my marriage strong and enduring.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your marriage shall reflect the glory and covenant of God!
2. Every foundation of impurity in your relationship is broken today!
3. You will enjoy peace, purpose, and purity in your courtship and marriage!
4. God is restoring broken homes and healing wounded hearts!
5. You shall walk in honour, wisdom, and lasting joy in your relationships!