What Old Testament principles align with 1 Thessalonians 4:6's call for fairness? Foundational Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:6 “that no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.” Love Your Neighbor—The Bedrock of Fairness • Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall not seek vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” • Leviticus 19:11 – “You must not steal or lie or deceive one another.” A heart that truly loves will not exploit or defraud. Honor Marriage and Sexual Boundaries • Exodus 20:14 – “You shall not commit adultery.” • Deuteronomy 22:22 – “If a man is found lying with a married woman, both the man who lay with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.” • Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife…” Sexual sin is portrayed as theft of what rightfully belongs to another, mirroring Paul’s warning. Honest Weights, Honest Hearts • Leviticus 19:35-36 – “You must not use dishonest standards in measures of length, weight, or volume… honest scales and honest weights…” • Deuteronomy 25:13-16 – “You shall not have two differing weights in your bag…” Cheating people in business is another form of taking advantage of a brother. Respect Property and Personal Rights • Deuteronomy 19:14 – “You must not move your neighbor’s boundary stone…” • Exodus 20:15 – “You shall not steal.” Fairness extends to everything a neighbor owns, including land, goods, and reputation. Protect the Vulnerable from Exploitation • Leviticus 19:13 – “You must not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired man must not remain with you until morning.” • Deuteronomy 24:14-15 – “Do not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy…” Those with less power receive special mention because they are easily defrauded. The Lord—Avenger of the Wronged • Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay…” • Malachi 3:5 – “Then I will draw near to you for judgment… against those who oppress the hired worker…” Paul echoes the Old Testament truth that God Himself will right every wrong. The Old Testament & 1 Thessalonians 4:6 in Harmony • Love refuses to exploit. • Purity respects covenants. • Honesty guards commerce. • Property lines stay untouched. • The weak are shielded. • God stands as the ultimate enforcer. Living these principles fulfills Paul’s call: never transgress or defraud a brother, because the same righteous Lord who spoke through Moses and the prophets is still the Avenger in all things. |
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