Why Believers Think Differently
International Bible Lesson
Exodus 23:1-9
Sunday, June 3, 2012
International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2—KJV).
“Do not follow the majority when they do wrong or when they give testimony that perverts justice” (Exodus 23:2—GNB).
“You shall not follow a majority in wrongdoing; when you bear witness in a lawsuit, you shall not side with the majority so as to pervert justice” (Exodus 23:2—NRSV).
Some legislators enact laws, some judges make rulings, and some parties write platforms, because they choose to follow the majority or some influential pressure groups. Even though the Bible teaches people not to follow the majority in wrongdoing, some in positions of power think they can turn wrongs into rights to satisfy others and themselves.
Secular society, what the Bible calls “the world,” has turned from God, God’s laws, and the Bible’s teachings. The laws, rulings, and values of a secular society often oppose and seek to overturn the laws of God. The world tries to lead people away from their conscience, from the laws of God written on their hearts, from commonsense, and from the ways of a just society revealed in the Bible. Therefore, many people today show no understanding of right and wrong, and they expect others to prevent them from suffering the natural consequences of wrongdoing.
Though the worldly majority may never accept this fact, believers know that God has taught in the Bible what is right and wrong, lawful and unlawful, just and unjust, loving and hateful. The Bible is the only objective, infallible, written guide to knowing the truth and the way God expects people to live. Jesus came to teach the true application of the Bible; and by His life, Jesus showed how to obey God perfectly. Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to guide and empower His followers to obey the Bible’s teachings in specific situations. No wonder believers think differently from the world and feel appalled at the ideas and goals of secular society.
[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on Exodus 23:1-9]
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Thinking Further
1. How do we know what is just and unjust?
2. How can God’s people live justly in an unjust society or where majority rules?
3. How does the lesson teach us to be concerned for all people and all domestic animals?
4. In what ways does God’s law show concern for the poor?
5. What is the difference between a resident alien and an illegal alien?
Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further
[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Exodus 23:1-9]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Exodus 23:1-9]
[Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on Exodus 23:1-9]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons Commentary]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons]
[Bible Lessons Archives from 2007-2012 at the original: InternationalBibleLessons.com]
— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.
Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
— © Copyright 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Permission Granted for Not for Profit Use.