Lesson 6 | The Word and the World [1]
Holiness and context
The word gives us a vision of holiness, the world gives context for incarnation.
Translating right and wrong
The standard of right and wrong comes from the Book, not from the world. On this point we must be clear. And yet, some translation might need be done to make that right and wrong understandable.
But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
—Matthew 5:39-41
Have those things ever happened to you?
I am guessing not—or at least not in the specific way Jesus highlights. (Perhaps you've been slapped by a woman, but if so you likely deserved it. I doubt you own a tunic. And who has the authority to make you walk a mile?) The reason is that these exhortations have strong cultural roots, now distant from the norms in our societies. Thus, they need some translation into the context of the world in which we live.
How would you transform the commands above to be embodied in the world today, while maintaining the same essence?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Modern targets of the prophetic word
Likewise, the world also determines the details of the prophetic call and rebuke. I do not mean that we should “reinterpret” scripture to modernize its meaning. But I do mean that the core message in the original text should be incarnated with modern details. Otherwise, we would never preach on abortion, pornography, plagiarism, or social media addiction.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
—1 John 2:15-17
If you were teaching on 1 John 2:15-17, what are the specific manifestations of loving the world that you would highlight in your context?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.