#65 -- Gospel and Spiritual Growth

Valley – November 3, 2002 a.m.

THE STANDARDS OF THE MOSAIC LAW AND THE GOVERNMENTAL STANDARDS OF THE WORLD SYSTEM -- I

The next two messages involve a comparison and contrast of the standards within the Mosaic Law and the governmental standards in the world system. Several terms are used in Scripture to describe elements of the Mosaic Law. These are listed in A. and B. of the introduction. Ancient government usually had some connection with the religion of the nations. Israel's government was originally designed to be a theocracy. Later it was designed to be a theocratic monarchy. The world system had its own law and that law often reflected religious mores. The elements of world system government often had similar concepts to elements of the Mosaic Law. These were based on completely different premises and with different objectives. They could use the same terms that Jehovah did for the government of Israel but they were different in what they were, why they existed and how they were applied to the nations. Jehovah made it clear to Israel that she was not to copy the similar elements of government from the world system and not to compromise her own standards established by Jehovah. The Law of Moses has an ongoing emphasis on the necessity for Israel to separate from the governments of the world system. This not only involved separation from their operational systems but also from the laws, commandments, judgments, statutes and precepts that had been established within those governments.

The divine standard for Israel was established at Mount Sinai when the Mosaic Law was given to the nation. Their presumption in which they expressed a preference for working or doing something to please God instead of believing God under promise set the premise for the giving of the Law. During the process of the giving of the Law to Israel through Moses, God identified elements for the practice of the people. Two elements, the words and the judgments, (Ex. 24:3) were identified in the book of the covenant (Ex. 24:7). These began with the giving of the ten words (or commandments) at Sinai in Exodus 20. Verse one identifies them as words that were given to Israel. Even though the AV describes them as the "ten commandments" there is no place where the Hebrew identifies them as the Ten Commandments. The verb "to command" is found in the second statement of the ten before entry into the land (Deut. 5:12, 16) but not in the original giving in Ex. 20. The Hebrew identifies them as the "ten words" in Ex. 34:28; Deut. 4:13; 10:4. Individual "commandments" are identified either by the noun "commandment" or by the verb "command" in some instances. Ex. 21:1 identifies the materials in chapters 21-23 as "the judgments." Other elements in the Mosaic Law prohibited any political alliances with the nations of the world system because of the inevitability of religious corruption as a result of such alliances. The Law provided one standard for Israel and the strangers among them in its words and statutes (Num. 15:15, 16).

Nehemiah looked back at the Law given at Sinai with a set of descriptive adjectives and relationships. These descriptive terms infer that there were opposite characteristics in the law of the world system. That is to say that Israel had straight or right judgments implying that the nations did not have judgments that were so straight or right. The laws of Israel were laws of truth meaning that they saw things from the divine absolute perspective versus the laws of the world system that didn't really see things as they really are. The statutes of the Mosaic Law were good in that they made one happy when they were applied with equity. The world system had statutes that weren't always good in that they didn't have the kind of objectivity that would apply them equitably. The commandments of the Mosaic Law were designed to make the one who kept them happy. The commandments of the system did not create a result that would make everyone happy. The Law of divine origin maintained a balance with fair treatment to all of its subjects. It is interesting that Nehemiah also mentioned the set apart Sabbath of Israel as something that was considered as unique among the nations of the world system (Neh. 9:13). The Mosaic Law was "commanded" with its commandments, statutes and Law (9:14). The focus of the Law for Israel was that it was from Jehovah and so God-centered directing fear toward Jehovah. Meanwhile the law of the nations of the world system would have been centered on mankind and its demonic or Satanic originators.

Isaiah 29 describes the double standard that Israel had in relation to the Law of Moses versus the law of men. The people of Jerusalem were saying a great deal about their relationship and loyalty to Jehovah while in their hearts they were far away from Jehovah (29:13). They had a kind of fear of Jehovah that was taught by the commandment of men. This was a different commandment than those of divine origin. Here the wisdom of men behind the commandment of men had its origin in the world system and its influences on the nation of Israel. Divine intervention was necessary to remove the standards of men and of the world system from the Israelite heart. Too often people follow men and what they say rather than the Word of God and its revelation. Just because someone teaches something does not make it valid. It is only valid if it conforms to the Word of God rightly divided and literally taken.

2 Kings 17 describes the statutes that were the standards for Israel (the Ten Tribes) instead of the Law of Moses. This was the reason for their defeat and captivity in 722 B.C. (17:6). They walked in the world system statutes of the nations instead of the statutes of Jehovah. They turned from the Law and turned to evil ways. In all of this they rejected Jehovah's statutes, covenant and testimonies while leaving all of the commandments of Jehovah (17:15). A sad part of the story is that Judah had the same problem. The world system had been an important part of the influences that would ultimately lead Judah into captivity.

Later in the chapter there is an interesting relationship to the idea of judgments. The world system of the day understood that there were certain judgments that came with a part of the land. Violation of these or, in this case, this judgment brought catastrophe. The Assyrians had transplanted a mixed population of people from nations that they had defeated in the land in the vicinity of Samaria (17:24). Because they did not fear Jehovah, He played a little game of "cat and mouse" with them. He sent lions among them and they were slayers of them (lit.) [vs. 25]. The word "judgment" is found seven times in the last half of the chapter. It is translated "manner" (vss. 26 [2x], 27, 33, 34, 40 and "ordinances" in vs. 37. These people had the wisdom of the world system and sent to the king of Assyria for help with the lions because they believed that there was a judgment connected with the land. As a result, the king sent a priest from Israel to instruct them in Bethel how they should fear Jehovah (vs. 28). They feared the Jehovah and made priests from the worst of the people (vs. 32). They feared Jehovah and served their gods after (according to) the judgments of the nations (vs. 33). This behavior persisted and as a result they really didn't fear Jehovah in a right way because they lived their lives practicing the former judgments of the nations and all of the governmental regulations of the nations of the world system (vs. 34). These nations were deluded in that they thought they could follow one judgment that involved the fear of Jehovah and prevent the judgments of lions. They simply followed all of their previous judgments and served their gods adding Jehovah to the fear shelf with their other gods. This persisted beyond the dispersion of Judah. It is always interesting how far people will go to protect their own lives while hanging on to their previous beliefs and practices. The world system encourages this.

This week has been a special week yet difficult for me. Lucille Woodward, one of our ladies at Valley Baptist, entered the presence of the Lord suddenly Thursday night. I was out of town and Dr. and Mrs. Schafer and Joel and Linda Konrad went to share with her husband Wayne, sons Gary and Dale and grandson Robert and other family members that night. Wayne and Lucille were married 63 years. This couple has been a real encouragement to us over the years as we have seen them grow in the grace of our God. They have been at Valley from the beginning of our ministry here and before. In season Lucille always had flowers in the church building for services. She was a special blessing and was attentive to the preaching of the Word. Intercede for Wayne and the family. A memorial service will be held at Valley Baptist, Friday, November 15 at 1:30 p.m. We trust that God will be glorified in special ways through this.

The blessed hope is once again a little more blessed. Today? Perhaps! Perhaps today!

Enjoying the togetherness in Christ on earth and in heaven,

DKS

THE STANDARDS OF THE MOSAIC LAW AND THE GOVERNMENTAL STANDARDS OF THE WORLD SYSTEM -- I

1 John 2:15

Proposition: To show that the world system has similar qualities of law that would compromise the Mosaic Law and how those elements would draw Israel into their influence. Once again there is a close correlation of the laws of government and the practice of the religion of the nations.

Introduction

A. The Components of the Mosaic Law – hr'wOT (torah)

1. The Words or Commandments -- ~yrib'D.h; (hadevereem) and twOc.mi (mitzoth)

2. The Judgments -- ~yjiP'v.mi (mishpahteem)

B. Its Correspondence to Added Concepts

1. Statutes -- qxo (choq) and hQ'xu (chooqaah)

2. Precepts -- ~ydiWQPi (piqoodim)

3. Testimonies – hd'[e (eedah) and tWd[e (eedoth)

C. The Connection of National Government with Religion

1. Under Jehovah

2. Under the World System

D. The Cosmos and Its Substitutes for the Religion of Jehovah

1. The Same Terms with Similar Concepts

2. The Contrasts Between the Same Terms

E. The Commands Concerning the Elements of Governments of the World System

1. Not to Copy

2. Not to Compromise

3. To Separate from Them

TRANS: First we must consider the components of the Mosaic Law and their importance to the nation of Israel. These are clearly delineated in the Pentateuch.

I. THE DIVINE STANDARD FOR ISRAEL ESTABLISHED IN THE MOSAIC COVENANT IN THE DISPENSATION OF LAW – JEHOVAH'S ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GOVERNANCE OF THE NATION ISRAEL – THE DETAILS OF THE LAW PRESCRIBED FOR GOVERNING THE NATION

A. The Determination of the Nation to Do Something Rather Than Believe – Ex. 19:8

B. The Divine Provision of the Elements of the Mosaic Covenant in the Book of the Covenant – Ex. 24:3, 7

1. "These Words" – Ex. 20:1 (20:1-17)

2. "These Are the Judgments" – Ex. 21:1 (chapters 21-23)

C. The Discrimination Against the World System and Its National Governments

1. Political Connections Prohibited

2. Religious Corruption Expected to Result

D. The Demand That Israel Isolate Herself from the Elements of the World System

E. The Directions That There Be One Standard in Every Element of Government – Num. 15:15, 16

1. One Statute for the Assembly and Strangers – vs. 15

2. One Law for Nation and Stranger – vs. 16

3. One Judgment for Nation and Stranger – vs. 16

TRANS: It is interesting how some of the terms for elements of the Mosaic Law are modified by terms that contrast the similar elements of the government and laws of the world system to the unique character of Jehovah's provisions in the Mosaic Law.

II. THE DISTINCT SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ELEMENTS OF LAW SEEN IN CONTRAST BY MODIFIERS – JEHOVAH'S ABSOLUTES IN LAW VERSUS THE STANDARDS OF THE NATIONS FOR LAWS IN THE COSMOS – THE SISTINCTNESS OF THE MOSAIC LAW FROM ALL OTHER LEGAL CONCEPTS OF THE WORLD SYSTEM ESTABLISHED AT SINAI – Nehemiah 9:13, 14

A. Straight/Right Judgments Versus Not So Straight/Not So Right Judgments

B. Laws of Truth Versus Laws That Don't Really See Things as They Really Are

C. Good Statutes Versus Not So Good Statutes

D. Good Commandments Versus Not So Good Commandments

E. The Knowledge of the Holy Sabbath Versus No Sabbath

F. Commanded = Direct Divine Intervention with Israel From Mankind – 9:14

1. Commandments [pl.] {All Three in Emphatic Position}

2. Statutes [pl.]

3. Law [sing.]

G. Specific Commanded Regulations Unique from the World System Regulations

1. Israel = Theocentric in Character

2. Cosmos Nations = Satanic, Demonic and Anthropocentric

TRANS: Israel lived in relation to the Law with a double standard. They claimed to have a real relationship to Jehovah when in reality their fear of Jehovah was based upon human standards taught by men with an influence from the world system that really did not match up to the requirements of Jehovah.

III. THE DOUBLE STANDARD FOR THE MOSAIC COVENANT FEAR OF JEHOVAH BY THE COMMANDMENT OF MAN – THE SUBTLE ATTACK OF FAULTY INSTRUCTION BY THE COMMANDMENT OF MEN – THE DELUSION OF THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM BY THE TEACHING OF HER TEACHERS BY THE COMMANDMENT OF MEN – Isaiah 29:13, 14

A. The Reality of a Double Standard Presented – vs. 13

1. Voluntary Drawing Near with Their Mouth – by What They Say

2. Verbal Honoring of Jehovah with Their Lips

3. Vital Distance of Their Heart from Jehovah

B. The Relationship to the World System in Their Fear of Jehovah

1. The Fear of Jehovah Is Taught

2. Taught by the Commandment of Men

3. Wisdom of Men = Wisdom Related to the World System

C. The Requirement for Divine Involvement by Doing – vs. 14

1. A Marvelous Work

2. A Wonder

D. The Removal of World System Standards

1. The Wisdom of the (His) Wise Ones Will Perish

2. The Understanding of the (His) Understanding Ones Will Be Hid

TRANS: The fall of the Northern Kingdom (the Ten Tribes) was a direct result of their acceptance of the standards of the world system in government and the religious results in their lives. This led them into the dispersion at the hand of the Assyrian in 722 B. C.

IV. THE DETERMINED SELECTION OF THE STANDARDS OF THE NATIONS OVER THE LAW OF JEHOVAH LEADS TO THE CAPTIVITY OF ISRAEL – ISRAEL'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE LAWS OF THE ANTIONS OF THE WORLD SYSTEM – THE DISINTEGRATION OF A CONNECTION WITH THE LAW OF JEHOVAH FOR THE LAW OF THE NATIONS – 2 KINGS 17:6-19

A. The Reason for the Captivity of the Northern Kingdom in 722 B. C. – 17:6

B. Walked in the Statutes of the Nations – 17:8

C. Turned to Evil Ways from the Law – 17:13

D. Rejected His Statutes and Covenant and Testimonies -- 17:15

E. Left All of the Commandments of Jehovah

F. Problem with Judah – 17:19

TRANS: 2 Kings 17 gives a very clear illustration of the attitude of the governments of the world system toward the Law of Israel and its relationship to the land.

V. THE DELUDED SYSTEM CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF PHYSICAL PROTECTION FROM THE JUDGMENTS OF THE LAND – THE ATTITUDE OF THE SAMARITAN MIXTURE TOWARD THE JUDGMENTS OF THE LAW – THE DETERMINATION TO LEARN THE JUDGMENT OF THE LAND FOR PROTECTION FROM LIONS – 2 Kings 17:24-41

A. The Populating of Israel with a Mixed Population by the Assyrian King – 17:24

B. The Problem with Lions in the Land of Israel – 17:25

C. The Perspective of the People Concerning the Judgment of the God of the Land –

17:26-28

1. Their Ignorance of the Judgment of the God of the Land – vs. 26

2. The Instruction by One of the Priests of the Dispersion – vss. 27, 28

D. The Placing of the Gods of the Nations – 17:29-33

1. Feared Jehovah

2. Served Their Gods

E. The Persistence of the Nations Against Jehovah – 17:34-41

1. Feared Jehovah

2. Ignored His Law

3. Served Their Graven Images

TRANS: The "judgment" of the land occupied by the 10 tribes was considered to be just another kind of judgment like those of the nations. The lack of familiarity with the judgment of the God of Israel was evident in all the imported nationals who came to occupy the land. They recognized that there were certain things involving religion and government that were attached to the land and sought to know how to live to protect themselves from the lions.

Valley Baptist Church

P. O. Box 99, Gaston, OR 97119