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Questions
On Christians Relating To Others
Question 1. What is said
in the Bible about prejudice among society and the church in the bible?
Answer The bible is clear on this subject.
It is sinful to think of ourselves as better than others because we have a particular skin
color. It is also wrong for us to look down on and mistreat others because they have a
different skin color.
When it comes to sin, we have all committed sin against God, if we have reached the age of
knowing right from wrong. No matter what our skin color, our problem is, we have violated
the Law of God and stand condemned before Him. We are condemned because of our evil
unlawful actions, not because of particular skin color, economic status or any other
external factor.
ROM 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Seeing that we all have the same problem, sin, we all must come to God the same way that
He has determined, believing in Jesus to be the Son of God, repenting of our sins,
confessing Him before men and being baptized (immersed) in water for the forgiveness of
our sins. When this is done in trusting faith, we, no matter what our skin color or social
background, become one in Christ Jesus.
GAL 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
GAL 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
GAL 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is
neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
GAL 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to
promise.
Among God's people, there is no room for distinctions made along racial,me social,
economic or any other lines contrived by men. We all are brothers and sisters in Christ
and should treat one another in a loving manner.
JAM 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an
attitude of personal favoritism.
JAM 2:2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine
clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,
JAM 2:3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say,
"You sit here in a good place,"and you say to the poor man, "You stand over
there, or sit down by my footstool,"
JAM 2:4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil
motives?
JAM 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich
in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
JAM 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and
personally drag you into court?
JAM 2:7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?
JAM 2:8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"you are doing well.
JAM 2:9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as
transgressors.
JAM 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become
guilty of all.
JAM 2:11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery,"also said, "Do not
commit murder."Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have
become a transgressor of the law.
JAM 2:12 So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.
JAM 2:13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over
judgment.
As to mixed (racially, socially or otherwise), there are no prohibition placed upon us in
the New Testament. However, depending on conditions in society, there might be more
problems for those who marry others from different backgrounds. Even so, there is still no
prohibition by God along this line. The most important thing to anyone considering
marriage should be, are they a Christian and is the one they are going to marry a faithful
Christian. Depending and serving the One who has created marriage to begin with, is the
greatest thing we can do to make sure marriage is all that God intended it to be. Contact Gary
Question 2. According to Matthew 7:1,
judging others is forbidden. However, judging is a necessary evil for the betterment of
man himself and his society, I think. Do do think that judging the right and wrong or
effective and ineffective is really bad thing?
Answer You are
correct in your understanding of judging as presented in Matthew 7:1–3. Many use this
passage with the mistaken idea that Jesus prohibited us from making any kind of judgments.
This, of course can not be what the passage means. In the verses following, He said,
"beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are
ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn
bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but
the bad tree bears bad fruit" (Matt. 7:15-17). Certainly, just as we must judge what
is good and bad fruit, we must be able to judge good and bad teachers. But on what basis
shall we judge? In John 7:24 Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearances, but
judge with righteous judgment." In Matt. 7:1-3, therefore, Jesus must be speaking of
unfair or self-righteous judgment. When we judge according to God’s word, if our
hearts are right, we understand that we will all be judged by that standard. If we
ourselves live according to His standard, then we have no fear of "unexpected
judgments" in the end, because God has revealed to us ahead of time how He will
judge. But when we use our own standard of judgment, then we are sure to fail, because our
standard is not perfect, and can always be used against us. Whenever a person judges
another by his own standard, he fails to realize that his own standard condemns him in
areas he himself does not see. There is no exceptions to his rule. A person who complains
about someone else’s habits ALWAYS has some habit himself that is annoying to
another. Simple annoyances may not be too significant, but when we accuse someone of sin,
we better be sure we know what we’re talking about. Whether I think something is
sinful or not has no bearing whatsoever on the truth of the matter. Only God can say that.
That’s why when we preach and teach, we need to do so with "book, chapter and
verse" so that if anyone should disagree with what is preached, let him disagree with
the Scriptures rather than the teacher. In that case, the teacher is not the judge, simply
the messenger of the judgment. Contact
Doug
Question 3. Is there any scriptural
references about self-defense? Specifically justification for taking someone else's life?
Answer There are not
"clear-cut" passages that I am aware of which specifically condemn nor allow the
taking of a life in self-defense. Consequently, I can only express my opinion on this
matter. It is ultimately a matter of individual conscience. But here are some concrete
guidelines:
1. The universal principle of life for life is
spelled out in Scripture from the earliest times. In Gen. 9:6 reads, "Whoever sheds
man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made
man." The law of capital punishment for murder is based upon man being created in
God’s image and by God. It is not man’s prerogative to take a life which belongs
to God (even one’s own life!). See also Ezek. 18:4.
2. Under the law of Moses, the death penalty was
enacted for murder, but not for accidental death or self-defense. This show that there is
an importance attached to the reason that someone’s life is taken. In fact, those who
argue against capital punishment on the basis of "Thou shalt not kill" fail to
understand that murder is different than execution, self-defense and accidental death.
3. The Christian is not allowed to take his own
vengeance when he is wronged. In Romans 12:19–21 we are told, "Never take your
own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written,
‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed
him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals
upon his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." The
way in which God renders His vengeance toward evil-doers is through governments,
specifically designed for that purpose. This is explained in Romans 13:1–7 where it
is required of Christians to be in subjection to these authorities because they exist for
the purpose of rendering God’s wrath. This authority does not "bear the sword
for nothing" (vs.4). A sword in the Scriptures is always used to represent an
instrument of death. Nevertheless, a person who is protecting himself is regarded by
nearly all governments as being justified if it is deemed that such action was necessary.
In such cases, a Christian would not necessarily regard an intruder as an
"enemy" in the sense it is used in chapter 12 (there would be no time or chance
to "feed him or cloth him!"). By the way, one sure way to know that civil
government and not church government is under discussion in Romans 13, is the phrase in
13:6, "for this reason you pay taxes, for the rulers are servants of God, devoting
themselves to this very thing." Contributions to the church are never considered as
"taxes" but rather are free-will offerings (2 Cor. 9:6-7 for example). Nor does
the fact that some governments are corrupt and unjust negate the general truth of this
statement. Those governments will also be judged.
In my opinion, these are matters of the heart. At the very least, it must
be admitted that if one’s intent was without malice, and there was no other option,
then before God, taking another’s life in self-defense would not be considered in the
same light as murder. There is one more point that is important to realize. To someone who
loves God and has given himself to obedience to the gospel of Christ, it is promised that
he will never be put in a situation where sin becomes the only option. The way of escape
will always be provided. The promise of 1 Cor. 10:13 is important to remember: "No
temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will
n9t allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide
the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." Contact Doug
Question 4. I know some people who don't
believe in Christ because the Bible was used to defend slavery. Is this true and if so
does God condone slavery?
Answer This is a difficult question to
answer in a way, but I will do my best to relate what I believe the Bible teaches, without
imposing any prejudices on my part upon the Bible.
First, slavery, in various forms, has been a reality in the world, almost from the
beginning of time, especially after nations were formed after the Flood. At various times,
including today, there exists in various parts of the world some form or degree of
slavery. Also, when we look back at history, we will find that all peoples, no matter what
their national background, have experienced some form of slavery.
In Short, the bible acknowledges the reality of slavery in the world. Does God approve of
cruelty and evil displayed by one human being against another. No, not even when we
examine the relationship between slave and master.
Second, in both the Old Testament and New Testament, God gives direction to both slaves
and master and how they were to behave. The type of abuse and cruelty that might come to
our minds based on what happened in the 19th century in this country, was not to be
tolerated, either under the Law of Moses or the gospel. God held both slaves as well as
masters accountable for their behavior.
EXO 21:26 ¶ "And if a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave, and destroys
it, he shall let him go free on account of his eye.
EXO 21:27 "And if he knocks out a tooth of his male or female slave, he shall let him
go free on account of his tooth.
DEU 15:12 ¶ "If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall
serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free.
DEU 15:13 "And when you set him free, you shall not send him away emptyhanded.
DEU 15:14 "You shall furnish him liberally from your flock and from your threshing
floor and from your wine vat; you shall give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you.
DEU 15:15 "And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the
Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this today.
DEU 15:16 "And it shall come about if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,'
because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you;
DEU 15:17 then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he
shall be your servant forever. And also you shall do likewise to your maidservant.
DEU 15:18 "It shall not seem hard to you when you set him free, for he has given you
six years with double the service of a hired man; so the Lord your God will bless you in
whatever you do.
EPH 6:5 ¶ Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with
fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
EPH 6:6 not by way of eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will
of God from the heart.
EPH 6:7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
EPH 6:8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the
Lord, whether slave or free.
EPH 6:9 And, masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that
both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Thirdly, whether one is a slave or not, we can serve the Lord as He has commanded. The
gospel seems to be focused on the spiritual situation of men and women rather than the
political or social conditions. Then, as the spiritual situation changes between masters
and slaves so the social conditions change, either by the cruelty and abuse being removed
from them or their destruction altogether. Regardless of our condition in the world, we
should treat others as we would want to be treated.
1CO 7:17 ¶ Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this
manner let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches.
1CO 7:18 Was any man called already circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has
anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
1CO 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the
keeping of the commandments of God.
1CO 7:20 Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called.
1CO 7:21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to
become free, rather do that.
1CO 7:22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord's freedman; likewise
he who was called while free, is Christ's slave.
1CO 7:23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
1CO 7:24 Brethren, let each man remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
MAT 7:12 "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is
the Law and the Prophets. Contact Gary
Question 5. What does the Bible say
about proper dress attire for both men and women?
Answer Thank you for
asking that question. I'm afraid many people in today's world don't give much thought to
what the Bible says about proper clothing, both for women AND men. Women are told to dress
modestly so as not to call improper attention to themselves. Two notable passages are 1
Timothy 2:8-10 and 1 Peter 3:1:14. There are two vital aspects of this topic: (1) The
emphasis must be on adorning the heart first, not the body (hence, the first thought
should not be for fashion or style); and (2) a woman should dress "shyly." This
is the meaning of the word in 1 Timothy 2:9 which is translated "with
shamefacedness" in the King James version ("modestly" in the New American
Standard; "propriety" in the New King James version, and "with
decency" in the New International version). There are two things that most people
consider when wearing clothing: Style and comfort. But for the Christian, the first
consideration must be modesty. I've reproduced here part of my outline on modesty in
dress. If you would like the entire outline, please email me and let me know if you want
it as a text file or as a Word file (*.TXT or *.DOC) or in some other format you can use.
Here are some general scriptures often used: Often,
lessons along these lines deal with two aspects of modesty. The first is women's clothing
and dress: "modest apparel." This is understandable, since all New Testament
passages regarding this are directed toward women, but it doesn't mean that men don't have
anything to be concerned about, either. Here are some of these passages:
I TIMOTHY 2:910 "...Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing,
modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; but
rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness." (NASV)
I PETER 3:34: "And let not your adornment be merely externalbraiding the hair, and
wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart,
with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight
of God." (NASV)
TITUS 2:35 is also often used, which urges older women to teach the younger to be chaste
in their behavior and, as well as to be subject to their husbands and "workers at
home."
There are several observations to be made from the
above scriptures:
1. There is no specifically stated reason given in these passages WHY women have to be
careful about what they wear and how they wear it, BUT;
2. It is implied in I PT 3:3 that our appearance is an indication of what is inside.
Simply put: The way we dress is a reflection of the kind of persons we are.
The criteria that people use when determining their
apparel generally centers around comfort and style.
1. Ask someone, "Why do you wear shorts?" and they will invariably say,
"Because they are comfortable."
2. Ask a woman "why do you wear tight `designer' jeans or shorts?" and they are
likely to answer, "Because they are stylish."
3. One may wish to argue here that besides the considerations of comfort and style, some
women will dress for the express purpose of enticing men. With that I would agree, but my
point here is that style in women's clothing often embraces that very purpose. One need
not be a Sherlock Holmes to notice what part of a woman's anatomy is highlighted in most
of the advertisements for "designer" clothing! It should not be necessary for us
to expose the wrong in that for women professing godliness. This study is directed toward
men and women who WANT to do what is right, but who may not have considered the influence
that our society has had open them to compromise divine principles.
4. For the Christian, there is another consideration besides comfort and style when
choosing clothing. It is MODESTY. In fact, this should be the FIRST consideration. It is
not wrong to dress comfortably and stylish, but these ought not to be our primary, or even
secondary motivators.
a. If comfort and style are our main concerns in
choosing what we wear, then we are admitting to a selfcentered life.
b. "Braided hair" (or "plaited")1Pt. 3:34was not a mark of immorality
in those days, but of high fashion and style!
c. Modesty must always take precedence over style and fashion.
A CLOSER LOOK AT I TIMOTHY 2:
Is modesty really a matter of lust, or even of being "scantily" clothed?
1. Vv 910 The Greek literally reads: "Similarly, women in clothing ordering
themselves orderly with modesty and sobriety, not with plaiting and gold or pearls or
costly raiment, but what suits women professing reverence, by good works."
2. In considering the word meanings, notice the emphasis to affairs of the heart:
a. "Order/orderly" (Translated
"modest" or "modestly" in most translations; "proper" in
NASV). From the Greek, kosmos; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; adorning, world.
b. "Modestly" (Translated "shamefacedness, shamefastness, with decency,
with propriety, modestly"). From the Greek, aidos, carrying the idea of downcast
eyes, bashfulness, sense of shame, having the ability to blush. In this instance, the word
"shyly" or "bashfully" would fit well here.
c. "Sobriety" (Translated "sobriety, propriety, moderation,
discreetly"). From sophrosune, soundness of mind, selfcontrol, soberminded. See also
Acts 26:25: (Paul before Festus: "...I utter words of sober truth" NASV).
3. Applications:
a. Note I Tim 3:2. In listing the qualities of an
elder (bishop, overseer), both kosmos and sophrosune are used (they are the second and
third words after the phrase "...husband of one wife." What's good for the
goose...etc.!
b. The terms "wellordered, soberminded and bashfulness" are the essence of
modesty.
c. Clothing, like actions, is a direct expression of what is in the heart.
But modesty is MUCH MORE than: How short? How tight?
How little? Matt 5:2729 is often used. It deals with men lusting after women. Some
observations:
1. While this is addressed to MEN, lusting is wrong no matter who does it.
2. Matt 5 also does not indicate HOW the woman is dressed. The emphasis is strictly on the
heart of the one lusting. But this does lead inevitably to another sobering thought:
3. Luke 17:1-2: Do not let yourself, by your actions, speech, or attire, contribute to
another's sin! Application in this discussion: If a woman dresses in such a way as to
entice a man, then she becomes guilty of his sin as well. Immodesty in dress or action is
ANYTHING THAT CALLS IMPROPER ATTENTION TO ONESELF
How to nitpick:
1. "If someone's going to lust after me, that's their problem!"
a. Not if you take Luke 17:1-2 seriously. Besides,
b. No one is likely to lust after a 600pound nude woman, but would you call her modest?
2. "I can go to the beech without
lusting."
a. Are you sure someone won't lust after you?
b. Are you sure you won't cause someone to stumble by your example?
c. Lusting is not the only issue, not even the main issue: what you wear and why you wear;
what you do and why you do; these are the issues.
3. "What's wrong with wearing..." If you have to ask, you
haven't understood: as in everything governing the life of a Christian, we should rather
ask: "What is the best I can do" and "what is right and good about
wearing..." Contact Doug
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