The Levitical Priesthood Interpreting the Law of God (50) The Law of God establishes the office of the priest/pastor. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 1 Corinthians 9:13 It ...
The Mind of Christ Interpreting the Law of God (49) Interpreting God’s Law requires the mind of Christ. But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 Let’s sum up what we can learn about interpreting the Law of God from the situation involving the excommunicated man in the Church at Corinth. First, the ...
Overwhelmed by Sorrow Interpreting the Law of God (48) There is always room for the repentant to return to the community of life and light. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive ...
The Threat of Death Interpreting the Law of God (47) The death penalty might still be applied. …you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 5:5 As we have seen, delivering this sinful ...
Thrust from the Altar of God Interpreting the Law of God (46) Removal from the community of faith is a type of death sentence. “But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.” Exodus 21:14 The Apostle Paul understood that ...
Take Jurisdiction Interpreting the Law of God (45) Church leaders must act on behalf of the purity of the Body of Christ. Let him who has done this thing be removed from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:2 The Law of God exposed the immorality of a church member who was having a sexual relationship ...
Still a Sin Interpreting the Law of God (44) We live in an age of grace, but the Law still serves to define sin. It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s ...
Capital Punishment Interpreting the Law of God (43) The Law of God endorses the death penalty under certain conditions. “A man shall not take his father’s wife, so that he does not uncover his father’s nakedness.” Deuteronomy 22:30 “If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of ...
Once More, for Emphasis Interpreting the Law of God (42) The oxen statute packs a double whammy. Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” ...
The Corinthians Are Like the Greedy Owner Interpreting the Law of God (41) If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? 1 Corinthians 9:12 Paul saw himself as like ...