Coe Whittern speaks on the holiday of thanksgiving and remembering how we started as a nation.

Jon Paden - Addenda to 1 Corinthians 5-6 Discussion

Does the Law of Moses hold for the Church?

In the Roman letter, as in the Galatian, too, Paul argues the inadequacy of the Law of Moses to help people become holy. Paul shows that while knowledge is powerful, knowledge does not guarantee prescribed behavior. Knowledge of the Law does not give the will power to obey it. Rather, knowledge has emphasized all the more keenly the failure to behave in a way consistent with holiness.

Yet, there are several places in the New Testament (NT) in which we find an appeal made to some aspect of the Mosaic Law. When Paul levels the charge against the man who lives with his father�s wife in 1 Corinthians 5:2, he makes an implicit reference to Deuteronomy 27:20, �Cursed be he who lies with his father�s wife, because he has uncovered her who is his father�s.� The phrasing of the Old Testament (OT) passage leaves no ambiguity: it is of no consequence whether the father�s wife was mother to the son. Now, it hardly seems likely that the woman was the man�s actual mother. Nonetheless, the prohibition stands against any son of a father who would lay with his father�s wife, whomever she may be.

We also note Romans 7:1-3. In 7:2 Paul says a woman is bound �by law to her husband as long as he lives.� Paul will again make use of this same marriage ideal in 1 Corinthians 7:39.

The Law of Moses does not hold as the means or evidence of covenant relationship with God�s people. Rather, the sacrifice of Christ does this. However, the ethics of the Law still point Christians to God�s desire for their obedience and walk with Christ.

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Paul�s authority, and its moderation

Scripture indicates that the apostles form an aspect of the foundation of the Church. For example, Ephesians 2:20 indicates that Jesus is the cornerstone for the Church, the apostles and prophets are the foundation, and individual Christians are the stones or bricks that make up its structure. This whole become the temple in which dwells God by means of the Holy Spirit.

Despite the place and authority that the apostle holds, Paul rarely makes overt use of this authority. He prefers to persuade disciples of Christ through dialogue. (See also 2 Corinthians 4:2.) He prefers to appeal to their better judgment, indeed, to their love.

An example of this stands in Philemon 8-10. Paul writes, �Though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love�s sake I prefer to appeal to you � I, Paul, an ambassador and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus � I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment.�

Here Paul indicates his prerogative as an apostle of Christ to command Philemon to accede to his will, but Paul expressly states he prefers to appeal to Philemon�s better judgment. Indeed, to Philemon�s love.

In 1 Corinthians 5:3-4, Paul exercises his apostolic authority. He allows for no discussion of the matter, and directs the Church unequivocally to the outcome of the affair.

posted by: Jon Paden on Sat, 11/25 03:22 PM EST

Dave Honan shares his testimony.
 How we settle for less than what God has for us.

Jon Paden continues teaching Adult Sunday school.
10am Sunday morning -

John Honan continues teaching from 1 Thessalonians in Chapter 4

Jon Paden continues teaching from 1st Corinthians in Chapter 3.
Adult Sunday School is at 10am Sunday morning.