Applying Biblical Principles to Modern Social Issues with Caution
Applying biblical principles to contemporary social issues requires careful discernment, as the cultural and historical contexts of the biblical texts differ significantly from modern society. One must be cautious not to allow human philosophy or tradition to distort the teachings of Christ [2].
A primary caution involves avoiding alliances or societies with those who are considered "enemies of God" in a spiritual sense, as such associations are forbidden in scripture and can lead to idolatry, defilement, and provoke divine anger [5]. This principle, found in passages like Exodus 23:32 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, warns against partnerships that compromise faith or lead believers astray [5]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Hebrews 10:24 emphasizes the importance of believers fixing their minds attentively on "one another" to offer mutual help and counsel, rather than provoking hatred [6]. This suggests that while separation from certain influences is necessary, fostering love and support within the believing community is paramount.
Another area of caution is the potential for flattery, which the Bible consistently condemns. Saints and ministers are admonished not to use flattery, and the wicked, hypocrites, and false prophets are often characterized by it [3]. Proverbs 28:23 notes that flattery seldom gains respect, and Proverbs 20:19 advises avoiding those given to it [3]. This principle can be applied to social discourse, where rhetoric might be used to gain favor rather than speak truth.
The concept of "offence" also requires careful handling. While occasions of offense are inevitable, believers are forbidden from causing them [4]. Persecution can cause mere professors to stumble, but true believers are blessed even when suffering for righteousness [4, 8]. Augustine, as cited in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, noted that "not the suffering, but the cause for which one suffers, makes the martyr" [8]. This suggests that while believers should strive to live peaceably, they should not compromise biblical principles to avoid causing offense to those who reject truth.
Furthermore, believers are warned against falling short of God's grace or allowing a "root of bitterness" to spring up and defile many [1]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Hebrews 12:15 connects this to the need for diligent consideration of one another within the community, ensuring no one fails to receive God's grace [6]. This implies a responsibility to uphold spiritual health within the community, which can impact how it engages with broader social issues.
The prosperity of the wicked and the troubles of the righteous have long perplexed observers, as noted by Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 8:14 [7]. Solomon advises not to be surprised by this phenomenon, acknowledging that even just individuals may suffer greatly [7]. This perspective encourages a long-term view of justice and divine sovereignty, rather than expecting immediate worldly rewards or punishments for actions related to social issues.
Sources
- Hebrews “looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it; -- Hebrews 12:15”
- Colossians “Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. -- Colossians 2:8”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God — Forbidden -- Ex 23:32; 34:12; De 7:2,3; 13:6,8; Jos 23:6,7; Jdj 2:2; Ezr 9:12; Pr 1:10,15; 2Co 6:14-17; Eph 5:11. Lead to idolatry -- Ex 34:15,16; Nu 25:1-8; De 7:4; Jdj 3:5-7; Re 2:20. Have led to murder and human sacrifice -- Ps 106:37,38. Provoke the anger of God -- De 7:4; 31:16,17; 2Ch 19:2; Ezr 9:13,14; Ps 106:29,40; Isa 2:6. Provoke God to leave mean to reap the fruits of them -- Jos 23:12,13; Jdj 2:1-3. Are ensnaring -- Ex 23:33; Nu 25:18; De 12:30; 13:6; Ps 106:36. Are enslaved -- 2Pe 2:18,19. Are defiling -- Ez”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:24: Here, as elsewhere, hope and love follow faith; the Pauline triad of Christian graces. consider--with the mind attentively fixed on "one another" (see on Heb 3:1), contemplating with continual consideration the characters and wants of our brethren, so as to render mutual help and counsel. Compare "consider," Psa 41:1, and Heb 12:15, "(All) looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God." to provoke--Greek, "with a view to provoking unto love," instead of provoking to hatred, as is too often the case.”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 8:14: Wise and good men have, of old, been perplexed with this difficulty, how the prosperity of the wicked and the troubles of the righteous can be reconciled with the holiness and goodness of the God that governs the world. Concerning this Solomon here gives us his advice. I. He would not have us to be surprised at it, as though some strange thing happened, for he himself saw it in his days, Ecc 8:14. 1. He saw just men to whom it happened according to the work of the wicked, who, notwithstanding their righteousness, suffered very hard things, and continued long”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 3:14: But and if--"But if even." "The promises of this life extend only so far as it is expedient for us that they should be fulfilled" [CALVIN]. So he proceeds to state the exceptions to the promise (Pe1 3:10), and how the truly wise will behave in such exceptional cases. "If ye should suffer"; if it should so happen; "suffer," a milder word than harm. for righteousness--"not the suffering, but the cause for which one suffers, makes the martyr" [AUGUSTINE]. happy--Not even can suffering take away your blessedness, but rather promotes it. and--Greek, ”