Exploring the values vacuum in society, the podcast delves into the biblical perspective on moral absolutes and freedom. It highlights the liberating aspect of submitting to God's moral laws and the consequences of ignoring them. The importance of aligning one's values with universal truths is emphasized, offering a nuanced approach to addressing contemporary doubts about faith and values.
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Quick takeaways
Moral values must be based on universal moral absolutes, not subjective assessments.
Submission to God's moral absolutes leads to liberation, not enslavement, emphasizing true freedom within restrictions.
Deep dives
The Law of God: Basis for Moral Values
The podcast emphasizes that moral values must be grounded in universal moral absolutes rather than subjective assessments. It highlights the importance of aligning personal values with the moral standards set by the law of God, which is depicted as perfect, trustworthy, and radiant. Through examples and biblical references, the discussion showcases the significance of basing moral decisions on objective truths rather than emotional or societal norms.
Submission to God's Law as Liberation
The episode delves into how submission to God's moral absolutes leads to liberation rather than enslavement. By portraying the law of God as perfect and soul-reviving, it challenges the misconception that following moral standards restricts freedom. Through analogies like the sparrow in water or a polar bear in Miami, it conveys that true freedom is found within the right restrictions, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing God's commandments.
Role of God's Law in Personal Transformation
The podcast explores how the law of God serves a multifaceted purpose in individuals' lives. It discusses that the law functions to reveal one's moral failures, point to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and guide believers in pleasuring God by aligning with His desires. It emphasizes that the law should not be viewed as a means to earn favor or manipulate God, but rather as a pathway to deepen one's relationship with Him and experience true joy.
The Joy of Giving Pleasure to God Through Obedience
Lastly, the episode stresses the joy and fulfillment found in obeying God's law as an expression of love and devotion. It elucidates that obedience to the law should stem from a desire to bring delight to God, reflecting a deepening bond with Him. By understanding the law as a guide to intimacy with the Creator, individuals are encouraged to view obedience as a means of experiencing the profound joy of pleasing God and nurturing a loving relationship.
A Newsweek cover story said that after a 30-year spree, our entire society is waking up with a monstrous hangover, facing a values vacuum. It said that we realize unlimited personal freedom is not the way to build a society, but now we face the question of whose values we should use.
If you think the Bible’s answer to the values vacuum is simply “Let’s get back to traditional values,” you don’t understand how penetrating and nuanced and sophisticated the biblical answer is.
What is the biblical answer to the search for values? Psalm 19 tells us three things: 1) so-called “moral values” must be based on universal moral absolutes, 2) submission to God’s moral absolutes do not enslave—they liberate, and 3) God’s moral absolutes will destroy you unless they have assumed the right role in your life.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on October 17, 1993. Series: Modern Problems; Ancient Solutions. Scripture: Psalm 19.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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