Rahab’s Lies

Northwest Bible Church – July 14, 2024 – Joshua – Alan Conner

Josh. 2

Rahab’s lies

Intro

 

Christian ethics have identified the two opposing moral principles:

1) we are to speak the truth, it is wrong to lie

2) one must protect human life (exceptions: capital punishment)

 

POSITION #1 –  “Conflicting absolutes”.   Also called, “the lesser of two evils.”    

a. Explanation.  Moral absolutes can conflict, so do lesser of two sins and repent.  

b. Proponents.  

c. Support.  1 Jn. 1:9

d. Problems. 

POSITION #2 –  “Hierarchicalism”, or “Graded absolutism.”  

a. Explanation.  Moral absolutes can conflict but some are more important than other.  Do the greater good and you are exempt from doing the lesser good.

b. Proponents.

c. Support.  Mt. 23:23

d. Problems.

 

POSITION #3 – “Non-conflicting absolutes”.  

a. Explanation.  Moral absolutes may seem to conflict but there is always a third option that can prevent sin.

b. Proponents.

c. Support.  1 Cor. 10:13

d. Problems. 

 

Conclusion

 

Discussion questions:  How are we tempted to justify our sins?   How might some of the views above be used to excuse our sins?  Why is telling the truth so important?