I recently preached a message at my church largely based on 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:33-36 (to be clear, I’m an egalitarian, and reading these passages ripped from their context is usually done to support one’s own feelings, as the rest of Scripture does not support the “plain meaning” of the texts). I said that there are very few things that truly annoy me: one being Neal Brown, and the other being poor theology. I realized it was a good idea to continue on this thought.
Stop Making Others “Less Than”
Nearly every person in the church claims that they want to be just like Jesus. A noble goal! However, most people fail because they get what the Bible says all jumbled up. If your theology causes you to make somebody else feel “less than,” or causes you to diminish their value to God, you’re doing it wrong.
Always remember verses like Romans 5:8—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We used to be “them.”
Non-Christians Aren’t Obligated to Your Rules
Expecting non-Christians to act like Christians—or holding them to your values—is a waste of time and non-missional. The Bible was written for everybody made in God’s image, yes, but the warnings are to His people. If somebody doesn’t believe in the veracity of Scripture, they aren’t going to pay attention to the laws, proverbs, or suggestions—except to call a Christian on their hypocrisy.
Many atheists know Scripture. Not well, but enough to throw a rock at folks attempting to beat them over the head with their Bible and rules. One has to accede to living under the rules for them to apply. This becomes a hateful confrontation with those who clearly state that they do not believe in God, which, for some reason, is extremely insulting to Christians.
Here’s a secret: apart from wanting to share the good news of Jesus, their choice should not bother you at all. It’s not YOUR battle to win.
Remember Where You Came From
We tend to forget that we were once on the other side of the line. Nobody is “born a Christian.” It is impossible to be “a Christian all my life.” One has to make a real decision. I believe in a true age of accountability, situational, based on the individual.
Think of it this way: when my oldest son got his permit, I had a quick chat to convey a simple message—just because you’re legal doesn’t mean you’re ready. His maturity was revealed in his agreement. He recognized it on his own.
I’m not denying that it’s possible for a five-year-old to genuinely accept Christ, but the true test is in living the life. I typically withhold judgment until mid-teen years.
Here’s the thing: we have to see non-Christians the same way… and we better be consistent.
1 Corinthians 6:9–11 and Selective Outrage
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Let’s be honest. The church is obsessed with what goes on in the bedroom, and this is typically the proof text for their beliefs. However, those same people ignore theft, greed, idolatry, or drunkenness—often excusing drunkenness as a disease or seeing it as no big deal.
Even extramarital sexual dalliances are often explained away—“only human,” “what’s the harm?”—but tell them to leave a gay man alone, and watch the dander fly.
Translation Matters
I am not here—and WILL NOT—to debate what Paul is saying. The “plain sense” reading is often wrong when ripped from context.
- μαλακοὶ (malakoi) = generally “effeminate”
- ἀρσενοκοῖται (arsenokoitai) = literally “man bed” (arsen = man, koitai = bed), possibly invented by Paul
In the King James Version (1611): “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.” Here, arsenokoitai denotes exploitative acts, not a modern sexual identity.
Key point: The modern concept of “homosexuality” as an orientation didn’t exist until the 19th century. Translating these words as “homosexual” imposes a modern framework on an ancient text.
Leviticus 18:22 in Context
Leviticus 18:22 is often cited as a categorical condemnation of gay people. Yet, the Hebrew text targets a specific sexual act, not a person’s identity.
- The term “abomination” often marks behaviors that violate covenantal or ritual norms—not universal moral law.
- Context matters: the chapter also forbids incest and bestiality.
Like Paul’s list, Leviticus focuses on conduct that is disruptive to the community and God’s covenant, not innate orientation.
What the Bible Actually Focuses On
Paul forbids drunkenness, theft, greed, and so forth. Leviticus has a far larger scope than any sexual sin, including:
- Not defrauding your neighbor
- Not tripping blind people
- Not cursing deaf people
- Gluttony and drunkenness (especially for priests)
- Deceitful speech
- Idolatry
God wants a holy people, separated from the evil of the world, not obsessed with one particular behavior.
Hypocrisy in Action: A Quick Comparison
Let’s visualize this hypocrisy: here’s what Paul listed versus what Christians often overlook or excuse.
| 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Sins | Often-Ignored/Excused Sins |
|---|---|
| Sexually immoral / Fornicators | Theft / Fraud |
| Idolaters | Greed / Materialism |
| Adulterers | Drunkenness / Gluttony |
| Men who practice homosexuality / Malakoi & Arsenokoitai | Lying / Deceitful Speech |
| Thieves | Neglecting the poor / Oppression of the vulnerable |
| The greedy | Idolatry (modern forms: money, power, celebrity) |
| Drunkards | Exploiting others / Dishonesty in business or politics |
| Revilers / Slanderers | Gossip / Character assassination |
| Swindlers | Abusing positions of authority |
One-line summary: If you obsess over sexual sins while ignoring these, you’re missing the point—and Jesus isn’t impressed.
The Jesus Standard
How are we handling judgment? Simple: if your theology makes another feel “less than” or makes you feel superior, you’re doing it wrong.
- Matthew 7:1–2: “Judge not… for with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
- Luke 6:37–38: “Judge not… forgive, and you will be forgiven… For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
- Matthew 12:36–37: “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Modern Hypocrisy and Warnings
We live in a terrible political climate in the U.S. (writing October 2025). Some people lump all undocumented immigrants together with violent criminals. That’s not love.
Especially since the Bible is clearer on lying, cheating, stealing, drunkenness, and adultery than it is on sexual orientation.
I’ve seen it firsthand. Years ago, a professor told me about someone misrepresenting himself to question the church’s relationship with gay people. Anything other than strict condemnation caused the man to berate the recipient. Bible check: don’t lie. Period.
Jesus’ Example
Jesus didn’t scream or doom non-Israelite sinners. He was amazed by some of their faith—the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5–13) acknowledged his unworthiness, and Jesus responded positively.
He also expressed righteous anger toward hypocrites, like Nicodemus (John 3) and the Pharisees (Matthew 23). He was furious at those who demeaned others, especially God’s people judging the lost.
The Takeaway
The root of Matthew 7 is clear: how you judge another is how you will be judged. Clean your own closet first. If you still insist on placing somebody beneath you for their “sins,” you’re doing it wrong.
Rooted & Reckoned 
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