What role does teaching play in understanding "clean and unclean" today? Key Verse “Again a voice came to him a second time: ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’” (Acts 10:15) Setting the Stage • Under the Law (Leviticus 11), Israel learned clear distinctions between clean and unclean food, places, and people. • These distinctions protected covenant identity and pointed forward to deeper spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). • When Peter received the rooftop vision in Acts 10, God Himself provided fresh instruction, preparing the church to welcome Gentiles and redefining purity for the new covenant era. God Teaches Peter—And Us • The vision came three times (Acts 10:16), emphasizing divine authority: God teaches, not speculation. • Peter’s immediate confusion (10:17) shows that teaching bridges the gap between old assumptions and new revelation. • The Spirit interprets: “Rise, go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation” (10:20). Teaching here is Spirit-led, Scripture-aligned, and mission-driven. • Peter passes the lesson on to Cornelius’ household (10:34-43). Teaching moves truth from heaven to heart to community. Clean and Unclean Reframed in the New Covenant • Jesus had already declared, “Thus He declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:18-19). The apostolic witness now applies that word. • Moral defilement, not ceremonial diet, is central (Mark 7:20-23). • Paul echoes the shift: – “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself” (Romans 14:14). – “For every creation of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4-5). • Yet purity still matters: “Do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22). Why Teaching Matters for Us Today • Guards the flock: “He gave some…teachers…so we may no longer be infants…tossed by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:11-14). • Shapes conscience: clear teaching prevents legalism on one side (Colossians 2:20-23) and moral laxity on the other (Jude 4). • Centers on Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Encourages freedom with holiness: – Enjoy God’s provision (1 Corinthians 10:25-26). – Refuse what truly defiles—sin of heart and action (James 1:27). • Equips believers to teach others: “What you have heard…entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Practical Takeaways • Seek teachers who open the whole counsel of God, not personal opinion. • Let Scripture interpret Scripture; Old-Testament categories find their fulfillment and guidance through New-Testament explanation. • Exercise liberty with gratitude, always mindful of weaker consciences (Romans 14:15). • Pursue inward purity—thoughts, motives, relationships—knowing external rituals cannot cleanse a sinful heart (Hebrews 10:22). • Keep teaching central in corporate worship and personal discipleship; understanding clean and unclean today depends on clear, faithful exposition of God’s unchanging Word. |
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