Offensive Laws (Outlawed 3)

If God is good and just, why did He give certain Old Testament laws that seem harsh or offensive by today’s standards?

Key Quotes from the Message

"When people say, how come Moses allowed for divorce? It's a very similar thing. God was taking the people where they were and he was helping, working with his people over a long period of time to help them mature and understand God's will and how he made things to work."

"The poor person is to live among you as your slave. And we think of that as like, oh, they mean dwell among you as your slave. No, they meant, as opposed to dying among you, the poor person is to live among you. You will provide the means for them to continue living through this institution of Old Testament slavery."

"As Christians, we should be the people who lift up the value of people."

Q. & A.

1. Why does the Old Testament contain laws that seem harsh and unjust by today's standards, especially regarding slavery?
The Old Testament laws, including those about slavery, should be understood within their historical and cultural context. While they may seem offensive now, they actually represented significant progress compared to the surrounding cultures of that time. God was working within a broken world, gradually moving his people towards a higher standard of morality. He used these laws as stepping stones towards the ultimate goal of full human equality.

2. If God is good and just, why didn't he simply abolish slavery outright in the Old Testament?
God's approach to moral transformation involves patience and a gradual process. The ancient world viewed slavery as a normal and acceptable practice. God's laws, while permitting certain forms of servitude, introduced crucial protections for slaves that were absent in other cultures. These regulations represented a significant step towards recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.

3. What was the purpose of the Old Testament laws regarding slavery?
The Old Testament laws regarding slavery served several purposes:
To provide a safety net for the poor: Indentured servitude allowed individuals facing extreme poverty to work off their debts and avoid starvation.
To regulate an existing practice: Rather than abolishing slavery outright, God chose to regulate it, setting limits on its duration and severity. This helped to mitigate the worst abuses of the system.
To lay the groundwork for future abolition: By emphasizing the humanity of slaves and granting them certain rights, these laws established a trajectory towards the eventual abolition of slavery.

4. How did Old Testament slavery differ from the slavery practiced in America?
Old Testament slavery was primarily a form of indentured servitude, typically lasting six years. It was often a means of dealing with debt and did not involve the same level of dehumanization and brutality as the chattel slavery practiced in America. Additionally, Hebrew slaves were granted specific rights and protections, unlike slaves in other ancient cultures.

5. Does the New Testament condone slavery?
No, the New Testament does not condone slavery. While it acknowledges the existence of slavery in the Roman world, it undermines the very foundation of slavery by emphasizing the equality of all people in Christ. The Apostle Paul, for example, urged Philemon, a Christian slave owner, to treat his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ, not as property.

6. What does the example of Philemon and Onesimus teach us about Christian attitudes towards slavery?
The story of Philemon and Onesimus demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul's letter to Philemon challenges the social hierarchy of the time and calls for a radical reimagining of relationships between masters and slaves. By appealing to Philemon's love for Christ, Paul implicitly calls for the emancipation of Onesimus and encourages a relationship of mutual respect and brotherly love.

7. What should Christians do when they encounter offensive laws in the Old Testament?
When confronted with challenging Old Testament laws, it's crucial to:
Study the historical context: Understand the cultural norms and practices of the time to gain a more informed perspective.
Consider the New Testament's teachings: Look for how the New Testament might offer a trajectory of moral progress on the issue.
Apply the principles to contemporary life: Discern how the underlying principles behind these laws can guide our actions and attitudes in today's world.

8. How can Christians contribute to the fight against modern-day slavery?
Christians can combat modern slavery through:
Awareness and education: Learn about the various forms of human trafficking and exploitation that exist today.
Support anti-slavery organizations: Contribute financially or volunteer time to organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating victims of slavery.
Advocate for policy changes: Contact elected officials and urge them to support legislation aimed at combating human trafficking.
Treat all people with dignity and respect: Challenge any attitudes or actions that dehumanize or exploit others, starting in our own communities.

Message Listening Guide
Offensive Laws – Outlawed Week 3
Leviticus 25:44-46; Deuteronomy 23:15-16; Philemon

Guiding Question: If God is good and just, why did He give certain Old Testament laws that seem harsh or offensive by today’s standards?

Two Types of Offensive Laws:
Offense due to their cultural limitations: Some laws offend us because the ancient Hebrew culture was far from God’s standards of holiness, love and justice, and they needed to change.
Offense due to our own cultural blindspots: Some laws offend us because our modern culture is far from God’s standards of holiness, love, and justice, and we are the ones who need to change.

Trajectory in Action
God’s initial Laws on slavery ( Exodus 21:20-21; Leviticus 25:44-46): These laws may seem harsh today, but they were a first step toward dignity and humane treatment in a world where exploitation was widespread.
Better than the surrounding cultures (Deuteronomy 23:15-16): Unlike other ancient cultures, Israel was commanded to protect runaway slaves, creating an ethic of respect and protection.
New Testament Orientation (Philemon): In Christ, Paul calls Philemon to treat Onesimus, a former slave, as a brother—representing a move toward full equality.

The Point: We find some Old Testament laws offensive because they did exactly what God intended—they were stepping stones, not the end goal.

Application: When you encounter an offensive moral law in the Old Testament, ask:
Does New Testament teaching establish a trajectory on this matter?
If yes, then this law reflects God’s heart of patience with a culture that required gradual transformation.
If no, then it is our cultural understanding that needs to be challenged and changed.

Conclusion: Through Jesus, we’re called to carry forward God’s work of liberating the oppressed, seeking freedom and dignity for all—especially those trapped in modern forms of slavery.

Connection Group Conversation Guide

Get to know you Question: Luke mentioned that sometimes we feel offended, not because of unfairness, but due to a misperception on our part. Share your name with the group and tell us about a time when this happened to you.

Review: Last Sunday's message explored the challenges of interpreting offensive Old Testament laws, particularly those about slavery. The sermon introduced the idea of a "trajectory ethic," where God worked within the cultural norms of the time to guide His people toward greater justice and mercy. New Testament teaching completes this trajectory, showing God's ultimate intention for human relationships, justice, and equality.

Discuss: If you could ask God one question about a specific Old Testament law, what would it be?

Discuss: Luke brought up several categories of offensive laws: capital punishment for “minor” offenses, treatment of women, guidelines for holy war, and laws about slavery. Which of these topics intrigues you the most or raises the biggest questions for you?

Discuss: Have you ever been in a conversation where someone criticized the Bible because of a difficult passage? How did you respond?

Discuss: Considering the cultural norms of the time, what stands out to you about the protections God established for slaves in the Old Testament?

Read: Have someone read Philemon 1:8-16.

Discuss: If you were part of the ancient world where slavery and other practices were normalized, how do you think you would have reacted to this letter from Paul?

Discuss: The trajectory ethic illustrates God’s patience in working with His people over time, meeting them where they are but not leaving them there. How has God done this in your personal life—meeting you where you were but helping you grow?

Discuss: Today, as followers of Jesus, how can we reflect God’s value for every human being and ensure we treat everyone with dignity and respect in our daily lives?

Pray: Share prayer requests and close in prayer.