Morality

MORALITY (SURFACE LEVEL)

The distinction between what behaviors and decisions are right and wrong. Morality is an obligation for which every person is accountable (e.g. code of conduct in sports, government, organizations).

Without an objective moral standard, appropriate or inappropriate behaviors cannot be weighed. The debate hinges upon whether morality is relative or absolute (e.g. Is the world is getting better or worse?).

From the Christian perspective, the Bible provides boundaries and guidelines to make proper decisions (cp. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 13:8-10; Deut. 22:1-11). [Early Christians inherited many of their ethical ideas from Judaism. We would do well to know the “why” behind the “what.”]

MORALITY (THEOLOGICAL LEVEL)

Rooted (Lk. 6:36; Tit. 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:15; 1 Jn. 4:19). God’s moral standards flow from His character and extend to all people, in all cultures, for all of history.

Modeled (Heb. 4:14-16; Rom. 8:29; 1 Jn. 2:6). Jesus never sinned. He is the ultimate standard in morality and the One we are called to be like.

Revealed (1 Thess. 4:1; Heb. 5:13-14; 2 Pet. 1:2-4). The Bible explains and demonstrates proper behavior and how we are to live to please God (this includes both the Old and New Testaments).

MORALITY (CONCEPTUAL LEVEL)

What does the Lord require (Deut. 10:12-13; Ecc. 12:13)? Love God and keep His commandments.

What does the Lord require (Mic. 6:8; Isa. 1:17; Ps. 82:3-4; Rom. 13:3-4)? Promote justice and help those in danger or oppressed.

Why does the Lord require (Deut. 6:20-25; Ex. 18:16)? So we may pursue righteousness and point people to His statutes and laws for their good always.

MORALITY (PRACTICAL LEVEL)

Thus far in our series, we’ve discussed how all life is equally valuable and love is both vertical (God) and horizontal (neighbor). If we misunderstand these two issues, our understanding of morality is clouded. To live a life pleasing to God we must love God and love our neighbor. This is only possible by living as God would have us and doing what He has called for us to do.

Be Imitators of God As Dear Children (Ephesians 5:1)

The goal of the Christian life is to lead a life that glorifies God (1 Cor. 10:31). This is accomplished by manifesting a Christ-like character, living a life that bears fruit for God’s kingdom, and exhibiting behavior that is in accordance with His will.

Read the following passages and describe how God is calling us to be like Him:

1 John 4:19: God is ______________, so we are to _____________.

1 Peter 1:15: God is ______________, so we are to be _____________.

Luke 6:36: ______________, so we are to be _____________.

Titus 1:2: God cannot ____________, and he commands us not to bear ______________ witness (Exodus 20:16).

How do you think the world would be different if everyone sought to love as God loves, showed mercy as God shows mercy, lived holy lives as God is holy, and spoke the truth as God is truth?

Behaving Ethically In Society (Mark 12:13-17)

Jesus and His apostles taught submission to authorities except when it entailed disobedience to God (Acts 5:29). Jesus said very little about the laws that should govern society. His primary concern was with personal conduct. Consider a few passages on how Christians are to live in society:

Pray for rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Submit to Authority (Romans 13:1-5)

Pay Taxes (Romans 13:6-7)

While some Christians are consumed with political reform, the Bible encourages us to be concerned about social issues. In short, our interest should be focussed on proper justice, good stewardship, and godly living.

Promoting justice (Deuteronomy 16:19-20; Micah 6:8)

Helping the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-9; James 2:3-4)

Feeding the hungry (Deuteronomy 26:12; Ex. 23:11; Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22)

Protecting the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3-4; Exodus 22:22; 23:9)

Making Peace instead of causing trouble (Proverbs 12:20; Romans 12:18; 14:19)

The passages above were selected to show that the overall teaching of the Bible (not just the New Testament) is concerned with doing the right thing (which is much more than just avoiding the wrong things).

How much different do you think the world would be if Christians expended their energies on justice, stewardship, and godly living as opposed to engaging in political discussions?