7/5/25 - Heavy Part 3: Transgenderism - Pastor Josh Stelly

Sermon Notes

Jesus modeled a revolutionary approach to women in ministry that transcends cultural limitations, calling the church to embrace God's original design where both men and women serve as equal participants in advancing His kingdom.

Point 1: The Foundation: What Does the Bible Say About Male and Female?

Genesis 1:26–27 NIV- God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

First, we are made in God's image. This sets us apart from every other creature. We alone bear the imago Dei—the image of God.

Second, we are given dominion over creation and called to be fruitful and multiply. This speaks to our purpose and calling.

Third, and this is crucial for our discussion today—we are created as male and female.

Genesis 1:27 NIV- So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

John 4:24 NIV- God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Genesis 2:21–22 NIV- So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

Point 2: Addressing Common Arguments

A. “Genesis 1 Assumes Non-Binary Aspects of Creation"

B. “Jesus' Acceptance of Eunuchs Affirms Non-Binary Identities"

Matthew 19:12 NIV- For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

Matthew 19:10 NLT- Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!”

C. "Galatians 3:28 - 'Neither Male nor Female'"

Galatians 3:28 NIV- There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Point 3: The Biblical View of Human Nature

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV- Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Romans 12:1 NIV- Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 6:13 NIV- Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Romans 6:16 NIV- Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Point 4. Pastoral and Practical Applications

A. Distinguishing Between Cultural Stereotypes and Biblical Truth

B. Responding with Truth and Grace

First, we respond with genuine compassion. 

Second, we acknowledge the church's failures. 

Third, we gently offer biblical perspective. 

C. Addressing Medical Transition

D. Creating Safe Spaces in the Church

Creating environments where questions are welcome. 

Building genuine relationships. 

Speaking truthfully but humbly. 

Offering ongoing support. 

Conclusion: Truth and Grace Together

John 1:14 NIV- The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The truth we must speak.

The grace we must show.

Study more deeply. 

Love more fully. 

Speak more carefully.

Walk more humbly.