How Then Shall We Live?

“I believe Christians ought to be the most thoughtful, the most informed, the most educated, on
every single question our culture is asking. We have a responsibility to do that because the
Scriptures and the Church throughout history has always had the best answers to the questions
human beings face.” -Gabe Lyons

1.) Why should we care about ethics?

Romans 12:1-2--- I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not
be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you
may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

John 14:15-- “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Luke 24:46-- “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance
for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem”
(NIV).

“How can unbelievers repent of their sins if they do not even know what God’s moral standards
are? I do not believe that widespread revival will come to any nation apart from widespread,
heartfelt repentance for sin. Therefore, Gospel proclamation today must include an element of
teaching about God’s moral standards, which means teaching about Christian ethics.” -Wayne
Grudem (Christian Ethics)

Matthew 28:19-20-- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

“Most of the developments in technology could not have been foreseen or addressed by writers of
Holy Scripture. Because of this, some may think it impossible to address these topics from a
Christian perspective. We strongly disagree. Though Scripture never addresses directly many of the
topics covered in this book, it sets forth enough principles about life and death, human sexuality
and a citizen’s relation to government that it is possible to evaluate contemporary practices in light
of biblical teaching. Moreover, it is not only possible to address these matters biblically— it is
mandatory to do so.” -John and Paul Feinberg (Ethics for a Brave New World)

“Every thoughtful person should be concerned about and interested in ethics, since it addresses
the ultimate questions about the good life, the good person, and the good society. As Socrates said
in Plato’s Republic, “We are discussing no small matter, but how we ought to live.” -Scott Rae
(Moral Choices)

Jeremiah 29:7-- But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the
LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

2.) What are some societal challenges around ethics?

“How do we live with our deepest differences, especially when those differences are religious and
ideological, and when those differences concern matters of our common public life.” -Os Guinness

Philosopher Russ Shafer-Landau insists, “Were we convinced that there was no truth of the matter,
most would see their continued disagreement as pointless; as pointless as, say, entering an
intractable debate about whether red or orange was really the most beautiful color.” If morality is
nothing more than an expression of our personal tastes and preferences, it is very difficult to make
sense of the way we debate moral issues. -Scott Rae (Moral Choices)

3.) What is a Christian approach to ethics?

“Any study that answers the question: What does the whole Bible teach us about which acts,
attitudes and personal character traits receive God’s approval, and which do not?” -Wayne Grudem
(Christian Ethics)

1 John 2:5b-6-- This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as
Jesus did. (NIV)

Ephesians 5:1-2a-- Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ
loved us and gave himself up for us...

“Part of the hermeneutical task that is foundational to ethics is to properly read Scripture to
determine the moral norms that are applicable for today.” -Scott Rae (Moral Choices)

Deuteronomy 22:8-- “When you build a new house, you must build a railing around the edge of its
flat roof. That way you will not be considered guilty of murder if someone falls from the roof.
(NLT)

“Although the New Testament greatly emphasizes principles, it also places high value on virtue,
thereby reflecting the blend of virtues and principles that characterizes Christian ethics. The
Gospels and Epistles never envision the moral life as simply doing the right thing—as the religious
leaders emphasized—apart from developing character and virtue. The virtues centered on those of
Christ, and the development of character was synonymous with becoming more like Christ.” -Scott
Rae (Moral Choices)

Matthew 22:37-40--- “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law
and the Prophets.”

Proverbs 12:15-- The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Acts 15:28a-- “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and it seemed good to us...”

Romans 13:1-- Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Acts 5:29-- “We must obey God rather than men.”

4.) How Then Shall We Live?

A.) Develop a solid and practical approach to deal with ethical questions and dilemmas.

1. Define the problem.

2. Pray for wisdom and discernment.

3. Search the Scriptures for commands, principles, or relevant analogies.

4. Ask virtue type questions.

5. Seek the Spirit and godly counsel.

6. Make a decision.

7. Evaluate the result.

B.) Be humble and patient with fellow believers with whom you disagree, especially on new or
debatable matters.

C.) Be willing to hold the line on Christian ethics, even when it costs you.

D.) Look for ways to graciously promote and winsomely defend Christian ethics in the public
square.