The Man Who Cursed God - Are Christians Under The Law?

On February 17th you read for your devotions & . The Employment Point was: Honor God’s Word, trusting Him to supply your needs as you give. Tonight we are going to look at .

Tonight’s Outline

You will be given time to study and work-through the passage using the F.I.R.E. method

We will review your findings together

I will show you my “work” on setting this passage on F.I.R.E.

I will take you through the passage verse by verse

We will learn what this passage teaches us about God, and how we should react based on that information

Using F.I.R.E.

Pastor Ken created the method of F.I.R.E. in order to understand a passage.

The letter F stands for familiarity.

This is when you read the text and ask questions to better understand the passage. read, ask questions, and become familiar with the passage

The letter I stands for interpretation.

This is when you try to understand the meaning of the text. You answer the questions you asked which interprets the author’s intent for this passage. simply explain the passage

The letter R stands for relationship.

This is when you look to see the relationship of this passage with other passages. how does this single passage relate to it’s context, book, and entire Bible

The letter E stands for employment.

What is the timeless truth in this passage. How can we take that truth and employ it in our everyday lives?how can I employ the timeless truth from this passage?

Available Books in My Library I Recommend For This Lesson!

Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

Walvoord & Zuck: The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Jeremiah: The Jeremiah Study Bible

MacArthur: MacArthur Study Bible

Tenney: The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible

btw: feel free to bring your own books or resources!

Set On F.I.R.E.

We have more time tonight, so try to work through this passage! Feel free to use any resource you want - but if you use a resource simply cite it.

Important!

For familiarity - Read the text before you try to understand it. Don’t take shortcuts.

For interpretation - Don’t be afraid to ask hard question.

For relationship - ask yourself how this text applies today? Why don’t we stone people who blaspheme God (base it on the Bible and not your own feelings.)

For employment - don’t base the timeless truth off of your feelings - base it off the passage!

Pastor Kenny’s F.I.R.E.

Familiarity

What’s the importance of knowing “this man” is half Egyptian and half Jewish?

Are there any hints to what this man was fighting about?

What does it mean that he blasphemed and cursed?

Why did they put him in custody and wait for the Lord?

Why should those who heard the man execute him?

Why use the method of stoning?

Why does God demand the death penalty for those who curse His name (under the Law?)

Why does God punish the foreigner the same as the Jew?

Why does God add 6 more verses (verses 17-22) that are not directly related to this case?

Interpretation

Why does God end His command by saying “I am the Lord your God” - Is that significant?

Interpretation

Q1. What’s the importance of knowing “this man” is half Egyptian and half Jewish?

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 113). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

A1. The whole dilemma of this passage is based off of the man’s nationality. The Law stated in :

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

Exodus 20:7 NKJV

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

The Law was given to Moses who presented it to the children of Israel. Therefore, this Law applied to all Jews. However, this man’s father was Egyptian, thus he would be considered an Egyptian. So the question was asked, “Should a foreigner face the same justice as a Jews?” This was a legal question that had not been addressed. Therefore, the whole point of this passage is answering this question, “does a foreigner face the same justice under the Law as a citizen?”

Q2. Are there any hints to what this man was fighting about?

I love how Robertson describe this moment in time, “Mark alone mentions this vivid detail. He is seeing with Peter’s eyes again. Peter no doubt watched the beautiful scene with pride and gratitude as Jesus stood in the door and healed the great crowds in the glory of that sunset. He loved to tell it afterwards.”

Q2. Are there any hints to what this man was fighting about?

A2. After a close examination of the text, and relentlessly studying at the Hebrew - I have come up with an answer. They were fighting over which froot-loop flavor was the tastiest. Sadly, it took over 3,000 years to discover that all the colorful Os are flavored the same. Honestly, we have no clue what they were fighting about, and it is foolish to speculate. If Moses wanted us to know he would have written it down.

Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.Relationship

Q3. What does it mean that he blasphemed and cursed?

Q#4. Why does John Mark keep stating the difference between the sick and those possessed? v.34A#4. Mark wants to make it clear that there is a difference between being sick and being demon possessed. There are some Biblical cases in which a demon caused a physical disorders such as the mute man in . However, notice that with sickness, Jesus often touches the individual whereas with demons he speaks to them and rebukes them. Schnabel writes,“Mark maintains the distinction between people who have a physical illness which Jesus heals (therapeuō), often with touch, and people who are possessed by demons which are cast out (daimonia ekballō), accomplished by a word of command (cf. ; ).”

A3. The word “blaspheme” means “to pierce” or “bore.” It signifies ripping a hole through someone’s reputation. Blaspheming God is attacking who He is.

According to the The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible,

Q4. Why did they put him in custody and wait for the Lord?

“blasphemy. This English term and the verb blaspheme are used to render various Hebrew words, of which the most common is gādap H1552 (piel, “to revile, hurl insults”; cf. ); note also nāʾaṣ H5540 (piel, “to treat disrespectfully”; cf. ). Blasphemy is one of the most serious of all spiritual iniquities in the OT, because it denies and makes sport of the overwhelming biblical concept of the sovereignty of the Creator. More than any other act of man, it eradicates the fundamental creator-creature distinction upon which all the cosmic law orders are based. So horrible was this crime considered that numerous passages of the OT containing the names of pagan deities and making mention of speeches and actions against Yahweh were edited to give some less provocative circumlocution that would not be construed as irreverent. The name of God in the OT was the personal revelation of his character and so to defame or defile the sacred name of Yahweh was to reject the mercy and power of God.”

Silva, M., & Tenney, M. C. (2009). In The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, A-C (Revised, Full-Color Edition, Vol. 1, pp. 646–647). Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.

Schnabel, E. J. (2017). Mark: An Introduction and Commentary. (E. J. Schnabel, Ed.) (Vol. 2, p. 60). London: Inter-Varsity Press.

The CSB Study Bible gives some helpful insight,

The CSB Study Bible gives some helpful insite,

“To blaspheme the name of God was to blaspheme God himself, just as to praise his name was to praise him.”

Matthews, K. A. (2017). Leviticus. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 193). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

The man not only blasphemed but he also cursed. The word curse means, “to be small, insignificant.” This carries the same idea as taking God’s name in vain. Using God’s all-powerful name in a small or insignificant way showed how little respect or fear that person had for God!

Q4. Why did they put him in custody and wait for the Lord?

Wiersbe writes,

“So fearful were the Jews of breaking this commandment [the 3rd commandment] that they substituted the name “Adonai” for “Jehovah” when they read the Scriptures, thus never speaking God’s name at all.”

Q4. Why did they put him in custody and wait for the Lord?

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Holy (p. 117). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Q4. Why did they put him in custody and wait for the Lord?

A4. As mentioned before, the Jews were not sure if the death penalty should apply to the foreigner. Therefore, Moses being a wise leader waited to see what God had to say.

It should be noted that many “Biblical-era” cultures did not jail individuals. When someone broke the Law they would either pay a fine, be physically punished or executed for their crime. Judgment came swiftly! This odd circumstance lead to a brief “time in custody” while Moses and the people waited on the Lord.

When someone broke the Law they would either pay a fine, be physically punished or executed for their crime. Judgment came swiftly! This

Pastor Wiersbe makes a wise observation about leadership. He writes,

Q#5. What’s the importance of not letting the demons speak? v.34A#5. The demons knew who Jesus was. After all, He was the one who created them (.) We see how demons recognize Jesus throughout the book of Mark. In , before they asked to be cast into the pigs they call Jesus the “The Holy One of God.” In , all the demons cried out when they came into Jesus presence and yelled “You are the Son of God.” Also, in , the demon cried in terror “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” builds on by adding, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” MacArthur writes, “Jesus always rebuked demons for their testimonies about Him. He wanted His teaching and actions, not the impure words of demons, to proclaim who He was.” MacArthur adds, “Jesus wanted no testimony to the truth from the demonic realm to fuel charges that he was in league with Satan (cf. ; ).”

Q5. Why should those who heard the man execute him?

Moses was humble enough to admit that he didn’t know everything and had to ask the Lord what to do. That’s a good example for leaders to follow in the church today. “The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way” (, NKJV).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Holy (p. 118). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Moses used wisdom, went against the cultural norm (swift justice) and waited on the Lord for the answer.

Q5. Why should those who heard the man execute him?

A5. A Leviticus scholar (did you know such a scholar existed?) Jay Sklar gave us a wealth of information on this topic.

First, the blasphemer was to be taken outside the camp. This is where executions were carried out (), undoubtedly because dead bodies were ritually defiling () and the Israelite camp was to be pure (cf. ; ).

Second, those who heard him were to lay their hands on his head. Given the legal context and the importance of witnesses to a crime (), this rite may have been a way for the witnesses to identify the guilty party and take the first step in condemning him (cf. ). Alternatively, if hearing the curse somehow polluted the witnesses, the rite might also transfer this pollution back to the guilty party (cf. ). Of course, it is also possible for rites to accomplish more than one thing, so both these options may be correct.

Third, the blasphemer was to be stoned to death by the entire assembly (entire assembly can refer to certain men of Israel acting on the people’s behalf; ). In ancient Israel, as in many cultures, treason against the king was a capital crime (), since it was a personal offence against the king as well as a danger to the kingdom’s well-being. It is therefore no surprise that cursing a king was also a capital crime (), since those who did so were acting as traitors by speaking evil of the king and holding him in utter contempt. This is exactly what the blasphemer has done with the King of heaven, and so he faced a punishment that fitted his crime. As Wright (1994: 152) notes, ‘The death penalty in a sense sealed the offender’s own decision.’”

MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 1459). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

Sklar, J. (2013). Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary. (D. G. Firth, Ed.) (Vol. 3, pp. 291–292). Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press.

Q6. Why use the method of stoning?

A6. Stoning was a form of execution that was reserved for those who broke the Law of God. This is defined in The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible .

This is defined in The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible

“stoning. The act of throwing stones, usually for the purpose of killing a person. The most common form of capital punishment prescribed by biblical law was stoning. It usually took place outside the city (; ; ). The prosecution witnesses (the law required two or more, ) placed their hands on the offender’s head () to transfer the guilt of the whole community to the offender. The witnesses then cast the first stones, and the rest of the people followed (). All this was done to purge out evil from the community (22:21).

Q#6. What time is “a long while before daylight?” What is John Mark implying? v.35A#6. According to Robertson, “The word πρῳ [prōi] in Mark means the last watch of the night from three to six a.m. Ἐννυχα λιαν [Ennucha lian] means in the early part of the watch while it was still a bit dark (cf. λιαν πρῳ [lian prōi]).”

stoning. The act of throwing stones, usually for the purpose of killing a person. The most common form of capital punishment prescribed by biblical law was stoning. It usually took place outside the city (; ; ). The prosecution witnesses (the law required two or more, ) placed their hands on the offender’s head () to transfer the guilt of the whole community to the offender. The witnesses then cast the first stones, and the rest of the people followed (). All this was done to purge out evil from the community (22:21).

The following ten offenses were punished by stoning: (1) idolatry, that is, the worship of other gods or any heavenly bodies (); (2) enticement to idolatry (); (3) blasphemy (; ); (4) child sacrifice to Molech (); (5) spirit divination (); (6) breaking the Sabbath (); (7) adultery (); (8) disobedience of a son (); (9) violation of the ban (, burning also occurs here); (10) homicide by an ox (). The last case is the only one concerning an animal, though threatens both man and beast with stoning if either touches Mount Sinai. Finally, this punishment may be implied, though not expressly mentioned, when the death penalty is prescribed for the prophet who prophesies in the name of another god (). (See further R. de Vaux, Ancient Israel [1961], 143–63.)

The abundance of stones in Palestine made stoning the most common death penalty. It was also a convenient way to express anger or hatred. It was often threatened (; ; ), especially against Jesus and Paul (; ; , ). Actual cases of death by stoning are recorded several times: Adoram (; see Adoniram), Zechariah (), and Stephen ().”

Silva, M., & Tenney, M. C. (2009). In The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, Q-Z (Revised, Full-Color Edition, Vol. 5, pp. 614–615). Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.

From a historical aspect, stoning could be done in two different ways.

Q7. Why does God demand the death penalty for those who curse His name (under the Law?)

...the entire community of Israel were to execute the man by throwing stones at him until he was dead, a punishment associated with serious encroachment upon what was sacred (see 20:2, 27; ; ).

The first way was to simply pick up stones and throw them at the criminal until the criminal was killed. The second way was to hold down the criminal and drop large stones on his head which would crush the skull. It would appear from the Biblical accounts that the first method was used because the people would not come into contact with the criminal, thus they would not be defiled.

Q7. Why does God demand the death penalty for those who curse His name (under the Law?)

Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.

The second way was to hold down the criminal and drop large stones on his head which would crush the skull.

Baker, D. W. (1996). Leviticus. In P. W. Comfort (Ed.), Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Vol. 2, p. 182). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

It would appear from the Biblical accounts that the first method was used because the people would not have to come in contact with the criminal, thus they would not be defiled.

Q7. Why does God demand the death penalty for those who curse His name (under the Law?)

A7. For whoever curses the name of God curses God’s attributes and holiness. Whoever uses His name without thinking reveals their lack of Godly fear. Those who do not fear God will face His justice for their sin. That is why God said “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

This means that Jesus had a busy day, yet got up around 3 to 4 am to pray! This shows us the importance of prayer!Q#7. What’s the importance of “a solitary place?” v.35A#7. See chart to understand the word.It shows that Jesus wanted to be uninterrupted and alone as He prayed.Q#8. If Jesus is God - why does He need to pray? v.35A#8. Zuck Writes, “Mark selectively portrayed Jesus at prayer on three crucial occasions, each in a setting of darkness and aloneness: near the beginning of his account (v. 35), near the middle (6:46), and near the end (14:32–42). All three were occasions when He was faced with the possibility of achieving His messianic mission in a more attractive, less costly way. But in each case He gained strength through prayer.”

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Q8. Why does God punish the foreigner the same as the Jew?

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Q8. Why does God punish the foreigner the same as the Jew?

Grassmick, J. D. (1985). Mark. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 110). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

A8. This passage clearly answers this question! Those who break God’s Law - both Jew and Gentile must pay the penalty for blaspheming. Why? Because God is the creator of both the Jew and Gentile thus His name should be respected by both! Jesus, (the God who created everything) said,

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The end of this Passage God says,

Q9. Why does God add 6 more verses (verses 17-22) that are not directly related to this case?

You shall have the same law for the stranger and for one from your own country; for I am the Lord your God.’

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.Q9. Why does God add 6 more verses (verses 17-22) that are not directly related to this case?

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Keith Green sings in His song - Until That Final DayMy flesh is tired of seeking God But on my knees I'll stay I want to be a pleasing child Until that final dayQ#9. What is the meaning behind “Everyone is looking for you?” v.37A#9. The literal meaning behind “looking for Him” means “hunting down.” The people along with the Disciples went hunting to find Jesus.Just imagine the setting! The people had been healed by Jesus the day before at Peter’s house. They all went home excited! The next morning came and they gathered outside Peter’s house. They were all waiting to see Jesus appear. However, Peter, not Jesus came out of the house and said that His Master was not there!!! The people were shocked, so the disciple said they will go and find Him! Q#10. Why did Jesus leave town when He was so popular? v.38A#10. Jesus knew that people in His town viewed Him more as a miracle worker than a teacher. He knew from the Father it was time to go!Wessel writes,Jesus’ reply shows that he feared his healings and exorcisms were hindrances to understanding who he really was. The people of Capernaum were interested in him as a popular miracle-worker only. So Jesus suggests that they move on to other villages that he might “preach there also” (v. 38). His coming into the world was more to proclaim God’s Good News and all that was involved in discipleship and suffering than to be a popular miracle-worker.

Q9. Why does God add 6 more verses (verses 17-22) that are not directly related to this case?

A9. God reveals more of His Law to Moses, and shows that both the foreigner and citizen should receive the same treatment. Jay Sklar writes,

These verses come in between two others that make clear that justice applies equally to all (vv. 16, 22)... Three principles in particular may be identified.

These verses come in between two others that make clear that justice applies equally to all (vv. 16, 22). This suggests that verses 17–21 are also stating principles of justice. Three principles in particular may be identified.

First, crimes against humans are far more serious than crimes against property (v. 21; cf. also vv. 17 and 18). This fits well with the biblical teaching that humans are created in God’s image and therefore of special worth (; ). It also explains why murder is a capital offence in ancient Israel, although crimes against property are not...

Second, penalties must be appropriate to the crimes (vv. 19–20)...

The third principle is closely related: the penalty must not only fit the crime, it must also be applied equally to all, whether resident alien or native citizen, and, by implication, whether rich or poor, slave or free. This is again in keeping with the biblical teaching that all humans are created in God’s image and again contrasts with some Ancient Near Eastern laws in which the ‘eye-for-an-eye’ principle was applied if you injured someone of your own social status or above, although not if you injured someone of a lower status...

Sklar, J. (2013). Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary. (D. G. Firth, Ed.) (Vol. 3, pp. 293–294). Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press.

Baker adds,

Q10. Why does God end His command by saying “I am the Lord your God” - Is that significant?

Wessel, W. W. (1984). Mark. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, p. 629). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

The biblical laws were thus tempering possible overreaction. The Hebrew could also be read as granting permission rather than giving a strict command: “may be paid back” rather than “must be paid back.”

Baker, D. W. (1996). Leviticus. In P. W. Comfort (Ed.), Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Vol. 2, p. 183). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Q10. Why does God end His command by saying “I am the Lord your God” - Is that significant?

A10. The term “I am the Lord your God” is “I Yahweh your Elohim.”

John MacArthur writes,

I am the Lord your God. This phrase, used over 50 times, asserts the uniqueness of the One True and Living God, who calls His people to holiness as He is holy, and calls them to reject all other gods.

MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 179). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

It is by God’s holy Name that He declared the Law to Moses! The Law is based on God’s very nature. So to insult His name (as the man did in the account) is to insult God’s Law!

The Jews respected God’s name so much that they would not even speak it (out of respect and Holy fear.)

Wiersbe writes,

Q#11. Why does John Mark tell us 3 different times that Jesus cast out demons? v.32, 34, & 39A#11. It is showing Jesus’ authority over everything, including demons! Jesus has power and authority over everything! says,22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

So fearful were the Jews of breaking this commandment that they substituted the name “Adonai” for “Jehovah” when they read the Scriptures, thus never speaking God’s name at all.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Holy (p. 117). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Relationship

MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 179). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

Relationship

In-light of the entire Bible - why are we still not under the Law of Moses? Why don’t we kill people who blaspheme?

You must understand that if you placed your faith in Jesus, you are no longer under the Law. Let me explain.

Jesus said that He was coming to fulfill (or complete) the Law. He said,

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. -

Also understand that the Law (Old Covenant / keeping the Law) cannot save you. Paul wrote,

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. -

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. - 7

imputed

God took Jesus, and placed the sin of the world on Him - that we might be made righteous - remember the Law cannot save you - only faith in Jesus Christ can make you righteous.

Galatians 2:16 NKJV

16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin [He was perfect] to be sin for us [Jesus took all our sin], that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. -

Jesus died - fulfilling the Law - thus the Law is no longer needed

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. -

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The Faithlife Study Bible adds,

Cor. 5:21

Matthew 5:17–18 NKJV

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

“The Greek word used here, telos, often translated “end,” could refer to a goal, result, or termination. Thus, Christ can be understood as the law’s fulfillment, in the sense that His death and resurrection achieved God’s purpose for the law.”

The Greek word used here, telos, often translated “end,” could refer to a goal, result, or termination. Thus, Christ can be understood as the law’s fulfillment, in the sense that His death and resurrection achieved God’s purpose for the law.

Romans 10:4 NKJV

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

We are no longer under the Law of Moses but under the Grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. -

Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. -

Since we are no longer under the Law but grace, we do not have to keep the Old Laws (such as killing someone for blasphemy.) All of these things were a shadow of what was to come (Christ!)

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. -

explains how we are no longer under the Law (Old Covenant) but under Grace (New Covenant)

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

explains how we are no longer under the Law (Old Covenant) but the Grace (New Covenant)

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 13 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

7 For if that (L)first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: (M)“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the (N)Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and (O)I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 (P)None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the (Q)Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, (R)and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Galatians 3:23–25 NKJV

23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

13 (S)In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Colossians 2:16–17 NKJV

16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

So what do we do with the Law? Two Verses help us to answer this question

It was given to instruct us. From reading the Law we can understand the mind of God. After all, God has not changed.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. -

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. -

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The Law also showed us how sinful we were and that we needed a Savior!

But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. -

We don’t have time to go into progressive revelation (how God’s will and plan was revealed through time) or dispensationalism. However, these facts show us that we are not under the Law, but under grace. Yet, we can learn about God from reading the Law. For if God hated when people blasphemed back in the time of Moses - He still hates it as much today - for God does not change.

But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore (A)the law was our tutor to bring usto Christ, (B)that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

We don’t have time to go into progressive revelation (how God’s will and plan is revealed through time) or dispensationalism. However, these facts show us that we are not under the Law, but under grace. Yet, we can learn about God from reading the Law. For if God hated when people blasphmed back in the time of Moses - He still hates it as much today - for God does not change.

This is theology - learning about our God! It should cause all of us to marvel and respect Him even more!

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The Timeless Truth is: Do Not Misuse the Name of God Almighty- It is Holy, so Honor It!

29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. Michael Card on This Passage

If This Was A Sermon

… we would have laid the groundwork. But because you guys dug into the passage we will do a simple verse by verse study. For your benefit - I’ll add a few verses that reflect the passage - and add a few more applications that should challenge you. There will not be anymore fill in the blanks. But I want you guys to focus and understand this passage as I teach it to you...

Verses by Verse

Now let’s go verse by verse to sum up this passage.

Leviticus 24:10 NKJV

10 Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel; and this Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought each other in the camp.

A man who was half Egyptian (Father’s side) and half Jewish (mother’s side) got into a fight with a Jew.

To bad for the Egyptian that Solomon had not been born or else the man could have read

Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

If you guys are wise - you will avoid needless arguments and fights - it would cost this man his life!

11 And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD and cursed; and so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.)

The New King James Version Chapter 24

11 And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD and cursed; and so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) 12 Then they put him in custody, that the mind of the LORD might

In the midsts of the fight the man cursed the name of God!

Jesus would say,

“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” -

Solomon wrote,

“The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,But the righteous will come through trouble.” -

Before you judge this man, how often do you take God’s name in vain? How many times do you say the name of God without meaning it? How about saying OM- without thinking? If so, in God’s eyes, and under God’s Law you deserve death.

Think about this, Avengers: Infinity War misuses God’s name 10 times. Forrest Gump takes God’s name in vain 20 times (and almost each use has a curse word before it) and takes Jesus’ name in vain 4 times. You get the point. This man cursed God 1 time (and would be condemned by God Himself.) James tells us that part of pure religion before God is to be unspotted from the world- let that marinade. If your mind is throwing objections right now be quite and listen to the Spirit.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. -

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” -

Wiersbe as some helpful insight,

Of course, it’s possible to blaspheme God’s name in other ways beside swearing. Perjury dishonors God’s name (), and so does stealing (). Jesus taught that our lives should be so pure that we won’t need to use oaths or vows in order to make people believe us (). A multitude of words could be evidence that sin is present somewhere ().

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Holy (p. 117). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

12 Then they put him in custody, that the mind of the LORD might be shown to them.

He broke the Law by cursing the name of God almighty! The people wisely took this man to their authority (Moses) and Moses took this to His authority (God.)

Always be under authority. If you don’t have an answer, take time to find the right one!

13 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 14 “Take outside the camp him who has cursed; then let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

God is a righteous God, and those who take His name in vain must be punished for their gross disrespect. This Egyptian would be killed for his crime against God!

Think of David, and how he was protective of God’s holiness. He was angry at those who abused God’s Holy name! David wrote,

20 For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. -

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

The New King James Version Chapter 24

15 “Then you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. 16 And whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the LORD, he shall be put to death.

Anyone in Israel - from the Jew to the Gentile were under the same Law: Death to anyone who cursed God’s name.

17 ‘Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death. 18 Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, animal for animal. 19 ‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him—20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. 21 And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death. 22 You shall have the same law for the stranger and for one from your own country; for I am the LORD your God.’ ”

The New King James Version Chapter 24

17 ‘Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death. 18 Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, animal for animal.

19 ‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him—20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. 21 And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death. 22 You shall have the same law for the stranger and for one from your own country; for I am the LORD your God.’ ”

God in His grace gives Moses more Laws. Notice that the punishment should always fit the crime.

Jesus would later reveal that people had the right to demand and eye for an eye - yet out of love they should turn the other cheek and forgive.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 24

Quoting this verse, Jesus raised the bar in his teaching on turning the other cheek (Mt 5:38–42)—that is, offering of forgiveness instead of retribution

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 24

Quoting this verse, Jesus raised the bar in his teaching on turning the other cheek (Mt 5:38–42)—that is, offering of forgiveness instead of retribution

“Quoting this verse, Jesus raised the bar in his teaching on turning the other cheek ()—that is, offering of forgiveness instead of retribution”

Quoting this verse, Jesus raised the bar in his teaching on turning the other cheek ()—that is, offering of forgiveness instead of retribution

Matthews, K. A. (2017). Leviticus. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 194). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

23 Then Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they took outside the camp him who had cursed, and stoned him with stones. So the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The New King James Version Chapter 24

23 Then Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they took outside the camp him who had cursed, and stoned him with stones. So the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.

23 Then Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they took outside the camp him who had cursed, and stoned him with stones. So the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses.

The people obeyed Moses and carried out God’s will. This is an example of the Jews doing the right thing. Notice how they handled this situation.

They saw the crime against God take place

They took the criminal to their authority (Moses.)

Moses was unsure what to do, so He waited on God.

They took the criminal to their authority (Moses.)

God revealed His will to Moses.

Moses was unsure what to do - so He waited on God.

Moses revealed God’s will to the people.

God revealed His will.

The people carried out God’s will.

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The Timeless Truth is: Do Not Misuse the Name of God Almighty- It is Holy, so Honor It!

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If This Was A Sermon

Verses by Verse

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