Polarized, Part 3: Gender Identity
February 18, 2024

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Message Review

In today's world, we are witnessing an increasing polarization where people are divided into opposing groups. People are taking a stand on their positions, divided from people who disagree. This kind of division is not conducive to glorifying God. Throughout this series, we’re looking at four issues that have created polarization within the Church. One of those issues is gender identity. The issue of gender identity is not a new thing but has become extraordinarily polarizing in recent years.

Main Point: God created the two biological sexes of male and female and does not separate sex from gender.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 1:27-28, 2:18, 2:23; Romans 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:16-17

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Galatians 5:16-25. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?

  • Why do you think that Gender Identity is causing such a polarizing divide between people? 

  • Read the following 4 passages from the creation account in Genesis as a group, then discuss the questions that follow: (1) Genesis 1:27-28, (2) Genesis 2:18-24, (3) Genesis 2:18 (4) Genesis 2:23

    • What similarities do you notice in these passages? What words or phrases stick out, and why? 

    • Based on Genesis 1 & 2 and on what’s reinforced throughout the rest of Scripture, how many sexes and genders did God create?

    • Based on Genesis 1 & 2 and on what’s reinforced throughout the rest of Scripture, do you believe someone is a different gender from their biological sex? Why?

  • Based on the creation account in Genesis 1 & 2 and on what’s reinforced throughout the rest of Scripture, Ronnie concluded God created the two biological sexes of male and female and does not separate sex from gender. Do you agree with this conclusion, and why or why not? Is your conclusion based on Biblical truth, or something else?

  • Read Romans 5:12. What big idea(s) is Paul communicating in this passage about every person? How do you think that impacts our minds, hearts, behavior, and identity?

  • Read Galatians 5:16-17 again. According to Paul, what is true about every person who puts their faith in Jesus? How does Paul say we conquer our sinful nature, and what does that practically look like?

  • Ronnie said the question Christ-followers should not be asking is, “Who do I identify myself as?” Instead, the question we should be asking is, “Who does God say I am?” Who does God say you are? How would Jesus have you surrender to that today? 

  • Regarding gender identity, in what practical ways can you stand in the messy middle with people who disagree with you? 

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.