(Exodus) Exodus 22 Introduction
The 22nd chapter of Exodus outlines social laws that provide a foundation for a civilized society and a standard for right and wrong.
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of basing our beliefs and conclusions on the Word of God. He acknowledges that our human nature may tempt us to compromise or lower our standards, but there is a standard set by God that has produced a just and orderly society. The speaker highlights how the laws of our society are largely based on the principles found in the Word of God, such as not killing or stealing. He then discusses the social legislation outlined in the book of Exodus, which includes laws for the protection of both individuals and property. The sermon concludes with a mention of a college professor who argues that right and wrong are relative, but the speaker affirms the absolute nature of God's standards.
Full Transcript
And now, friends, as we come to the 22nd chapter of the book of Exodus, we're in this section that deals with what we've labeled social legislation. You see the Ten Commandments and the Order for the Altar were given in chapter 20. Then you have this social legislation, 21 to 24, and then you have the instructions for building the tabernacle, which was part of the Mosaic system, and then the service of it in the book of Leviticus.
Now, certain basic social laws are put down here, and these laws are basic for any kind of what we would call a civilized society. There are those that raise the question about what's right and what's wrong. Well, today, what is right and what's wrong is relative.
There's no question about that. A college professor was discussing this with me. He claims to be an atheist, and he said that the right and wrong's relative.
It's what you think is right. What I might think is right would be something else, and that's true. And he said, then, what do you base your dogmatic conclusions? I said, well, I base them on the Word of God.
I said, now, very candidly, my nature's like your nature, and I'd like to give in in certain places, and I'd like to let down the bars here and there, but I said there is a standard. And the very interesting thing is that this standard has produced a society in which there has been a measure of law and of justice in the world. And these things are basic to that type of thing.
And it gets down and just deals with everyday living, right down with the nitty-gritty, right where we live today, where we live and move and have our being. And it, frankly, is very boresome in a way just to read through. It's like almost reading through a law book.
And the very interesting thing, our laws are based largely upon this. I'm very happy that the Word of God says, thou shall not kill. It protects me and my family.
It's a law that's been put down. And I'm happy that it says, thou shall not steal, because it protects what little property that I've got. And these things, you see, are basic to any kind of an ordered society.
Now, I'm reading, and I'll not read everything through here, but there are certain things we'll lift out. Back in 21, we dealt with the person, that there were injuries to the person, laws for the protection of the person. Now you have here the protection of property.
Sermon Outline
- Social Legislation in Exodus
- Introduction to the 22nd chapter of Exodus
- Social laws as the foundation of a civilized society
- The importance of a standard for right and wrong
Key Quotes
“There is a standard, and the very interesting thing is that this standard has produced a society in which there has been a measure of law and of justice in the world.” — J. Vernon McGee
“I'm happy that the Word of God says, thou shall not kill. It protects me and my family.” — J. Vernon McGee
“It's a law that's been put down. And I'm happy that it says, thou shall not steal, because it protects what little property that I've got.” — J. Vernon McGee
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of a standard for right and wrong in everyday life.
- Understand how social laws impact society and provide order and protection for individuals and their property.
- Acknowledge the significance of the commandments in the Word of God and their relevance to modern society.