The sordid details of yet another sexual scandal has lit up the news media. Unfortunately, such stories are becoming a daily occurrence. Since these exploits reveal the prevalence of sexual sin in our day, it is a good time to review some Biblical truths regarding the subject of purity. 1. The innocent will not be put to shame (Ps 25:3). Those who live clean lives will not be disgraced. Chastity has the simple reward of being free from public embarrassment and the shame of guilt. On the contrary, dishonorable people will eventually be dishonored. If the latest news spin tells us anything, it is this: What is said (or done) in secret will be proclaimed on housetops. 2. God avenges the powerless. Closely related is the fact that God acts to assist those who are weak and defenseless. To be sure, sexual harassment is a form of oppression. Crude talk and lewd advances are at their core power plays (perpetrated by both men and women). Respectful attitudes and actions towards the opposite sex is further reinforced when we remember that the Lord "executes justice for the oppressed." (Psalm 146:7). 3. Keeping Good Company is Wisdom - Who is laughing at Mike Pence now? His policy of never dining with a woman who is not his wife (sometimes called the Billy Graham Rule) has become the gold standard for purity and non-accusation. Proverbs 2 reminds us that wisdom is the greatest friend a person can have because it connects with people of integrity and provides unassailable alibis. 4. Biblical sexuality is the most fulfilling - Marital fidelity not only offers a life of no regret, but it provides the avenue for the greatest joy and fulfillment. God designed marriage for the express purpose of sexual gratification. Scripture repeatedly associates the deeper concepts fulfillment (unity, intimacy, and happiness) with fidelity, while associating death, despair, and difficulty with fornication. 5. Decency = contentment - Much of the unfaithfulness that occurs in the world has to do with one simple thing: discontent. It is because people are not content with God and His plan that they seek exploits and eroticism. What Paul says about those who are not content with material things is also true for those who are not content with their wife (or lack thereof)--they "fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."
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One of the most perplexing parts of the Bible involves the Old Testament food laws. Indeed, many unbelievers will go so far as to use these laws to mock the Christian religion.
While these laws are no longer binding on Christians today, understanding their place and role helps us know more about God's will for our lives now. 1. God is watching out for us - The Jews were some of the healthiest people on the planet. The reason was much because of their diet. Most of the animals that God forbid were, to some degree or other, toxic for consumption. Jews didn't have to worry about scurvy and trichinosis b/c God was watching out for them. Other animals had unsanitary eating habits...and who wants to eat toilet bowl cleaner? We must remember that obedience is good for us. God's law is meant to facilitate life. If we obey God's law we will likely see good health and much happiness. 2. God loves us immensely - God had given the food laws so that the people of Israel would be distinguished from all the other people's of the earth. They were to stand out as a holy nation, a peculiar people, etc. Their diet only served to reinforce the notion that they belonged specifically to the Lord. The food laws may not make for devotional reading, but each line should remind us that God has a special love for us. We are His unique people and He has chosen us out of all the people of the earth. 3. Unity - Food is the great unifier, is it not? Our carry-in meals create greater bonds of fellowship among us. We gain encouragement and strength as we sit and eat with each other. So too with the Jews! The food laws of the OT helped the Israelites bond as a people. It reinforced their identity and faith in God. As the wise have said: "Intimate friendships are formed at table." 4. Bad company corrupts good character - It's not too hard to figure out who doesn't come to a vegan party, does it? Just as food unites, it also separates. It can keep people apart. The finicky diet of the Jews kept them from having unholy companionship. Since they couldn't fellowship with pagans very well due to the different menues, they were often kept from relationships that would lead to idolatry and sin. From this we may be reminded that we ought not to be unequally yoked and develop deep relationships with people of different faiths. 5. Redemptive reminder - One of the prime food laws regarded the eating/drinking of blood. Not only was this a practice that was unhealthy and typically associated with idolatrous rites, but it was a reminder of the realities of life and death. Blood (which is a symbol of life) must be shed due to sin. To profane blood is to profane life. Moreover, it reflects poorly upon the blood sacrifice of Christ, whose aim is to restore life. I have created a study guide for the second question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It delves into why the Bible is the only reliable foundation for our lives and absolutely necessary for determining what is right/wrong. Barak Obama makes a guest appearance, along with the Grand Sezwhoo. In this self study you'll deal with exploding bombs, gender confusion, and birthday cakes. Check it out now. Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him? The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. |
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