After twelve chapters of ideas and arguments, Paul arrives at the application. The applications given are generally all found elsewhere in
Scripture, almost as though Paul is culling from the most important issues raised in his past experiences.
Review of 9-11
I argued for a very Calvinistic approach. I would like to be clear that:
Many argue differently.
- the argument is hypothetical
- the argument is applied to people groups, not people
In my defense, I also embrace many Arminian tenats that directly contradict Calvinism. So I don't make any sense.
The Point? Israel's failure isn't God's failure.
At the end of the day, the point is that God didn't fail; stick to that.
They are all contained elsewhere in the New Testament, and are all consistent with the expectations set by the Old
Testament.
Of course, based on how Paul has argued so far, what they are is relatively arbitrary; so long as they are declared
necessary by God, then they are.
2. What's with rules? I thought we didn't have to do things?
Paul might cry to hear you say that; he has been arguing against that
1. Rom 12:1 - 12:8: Use your Gifts to serve
Also in: 1 Cor 12-14
1. Everyone is different, everyone has something to offer (gifts).
2. Everyone needs to be useful.
Also in: 1 Thess 5:12-22 (long list of stuff to do)
A scattered survey of Christian morals.
Remember Paul's propensity for lists when he gets excited?
the question "what is expected of the christian" is neatly answered here.
things that strike me as unusually difficult for our time (v13):
be devoted to prayer
personally difficult for me...
contributing to the needs of the saints.
that's right, we're talking about money.
practicing hospitality
when's the last time you did this?
it might be argued that we have come so far from this that we don't even know what it is.
Also in: 1 Pet 2:13-17
Government is from God; obey it as you obey God.
huh?
how unamerican!
are there exceptions?
yes...if the government commands direct disobedience to god, disobey the government (e.g. rahab and the spies).
Also in: Matt 22:34-40
"Love your neighbor" is the summary of our duties.
debt? can i have a mortgage?
well...that seems like a planned set of payments more than a debt.
but some would disagree.
Also in: 1 Thess 4:1-12
Make no provision for the lusts of the flesh.
Note that Paul is willing to talk about these things.
Two comments:
We should believe these things to be necessary to talk about (they do happen in the churches Paul addressed too).
We should believe these things to be serious and worth addressing.
Also in: 1 Cor 8 - 10
"Pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (v19)
14:1-12 - Two situations
Meat vs Vegetables (meat sacrificed to idols), One day vs another (sabbath practices)
Do not judge.
Feel it's wrong (weaker brother)? don't judge
Feel it's ok (stronger brother), don't regard with contempt
does Paul say that meat is wrong (sabbath is right)?
no, but he certainly doesn't come across with contempt.
14:13-23 do what is best, act in faith
stronger: do what helps, not what tastes good.
weaker: don't do things you believe are wrong.
what is the sin the stronger will cause the weaker to participate in?
idolatry?
violating his conscience?
15;1-13 do not please yourself, please others
christs example