Total Restructuring | Homosexuality | ACBC Exam Question #43

 Define “total restructuring”. Describe how it works, using a case regarding homosexuality as the model.

“Total restructuring” refers to complete overhaul in core beliefs, thinking, and thus resulting in actions/lifestyle change according to God’s truth rather than secular standards; stripping a counseling situation back from behaviour to the core doctrine which propels the sinful choices at the foundational level.    

Homosexuality is permissible in our culture today, even glorified to an extent.  Society says, “If it feels good do it”, there is no standard other than your own satisfaction so if an intimate relationship with someone of the same sex fills the bill for you, congrats, you found your thing. Big red flags ought to fly up in our minds, and sirens ringing loudly against these lies.   WRONG!!!  Scripture is clear on this; “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” (Lev. 18:22) “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.  And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,” (Romans 1:26-28)

“Every time you step outside of God's boundaries, you question the wisdom of the One who created and controls it all.”¹  Because gender confusion and sexual freedom philosophies so permeates culture even believers are dooped into accepting and living by these guidelines/principles.  “Traditional views are out, so called ‘progressive’ views are in, and despite the incessant discourse of the champions of sexual liberation, people remain confused – confused about who we are as human beings, what it means to be male and female, and what parameters are for healthy relationships and sexual expression.”² I think it is important to note here that homosexuality is not worse or different than any other sin problem.  If someone came for counseling saying; “I was born a murderer, and not allowing myself to kill is just wrong.  It’s who I am, and how was made” they too would require total restructuring to deal with their sin of murdering, and the foundational beliefs this is built upon (moral code).  

In counseling an individual struggling with homosexual tendencies a total restructuring is necessary to bring them to biblical convictions (doctrine) about the matter, as a foundation on which their thinking, choices, and lifestyle flow from.  First it must be established and agreed with by the counselee that God exists (Romans 1:18-20), is our ultimate authority, and rightfully deserves obedience. (Jeremiah 7:23, Ecclesiastes 12:13)  Then the counselee must see the Bible as the Word of God, His standard for living, and agree to submit their lives to it fully in obedience (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Deuteronomy 32:46-47, Joshua 1:8, Micah 6:8, Psalm 119:105).  Teaching then must be communicated to the counselee about homosexuality, lust and that grace and forgiveness is available (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20, Micah 7:18-19, Romans 6:6,11-14,19, 2 Timothy 2:22, Proverbs 1:10, 2:11-15, 4:25-27).  Repentance must take place for the counselee (1 John 1:9); agreeing with God about their sinful thinking and actions, and commitment to change.  Together a plan needs to be set in place to avoid temptation, how to deal with it when it comes, and regular, personal accountability for the counselee to help them live out of biblical truth, a changed life (Ephesians 4:17-32).  There is hope for homosexuals.  There is grace for every sin (Ephesians 1:7, Titus 3:7).                  

¹ Paul Tripp https://www.facebook.com/pdtripp, June 18, 2014 status post

²“Jubilee: Recovering Biblical Foundations for our Time” (periodical), Jennifer Forbes, page 6