The Kingdom Ethic: guiding moral values within the family of God
• Biblical witness—you cannot separate our mission from the way we live (our ethic)
• Genesis 18:19—to keep the way of the Lord and do what is right and just
• New Testament—27+ different meaning “one another” commands
• Jesus/NT summary: John 13:34-35
• The Kingdom Ethic is LOVE
What is the proof that we love one another (and thus fulfill the Kingdom Ethic)?
- If we keep God’s commands (1 John 2:3, 2:5-6, 5:1-3). Keeping God’s commands is the proof that we love God and proof that we love one another.
- If we lay down our lives for each other (1 John 3:16-18). Consider ways God is calling you to lay down your life for fellow believers.
We can only love like that because God first loved us (1 John 4:7-12).
When we love each other by keeping God’s commands and laying down our lives for each other, then it becomes a compelling witness to the world that glorifies God and draws people into God’s Kingdom. Our mission/witness cannot be separated from our ethic.