I Will Not Be a Velvet-Mouthed Preacher! by John Piper

[wwjd4u3]

Again, the Bible primarily details the account of how God has chosen to deal with the tragic results of a sin-fallen world down through the ages. While recognizing the reality of slavery as it existed in various forms, the Bible never actually condones it. It rather gives slaves, both then and more recently, a spiritual basis for worth, dignity, equality, and hope to face difficult circumstances. In the end, at a deeper level, its position is clear.

[wwjd4u3]

lavery in Bible times significantly differed from slavery in modern times. It was not based on race. It was often less imperialistic. Some believe that in many cases it was actually more of an indentured servant type arrangement. In the Old Testament Book of Leviticus 25:44-46, slaves are actually referred to as possessions. And Jesus Himself sometimes used analogies that seem to tacitly condone slavery.

[wwjd4u3]

God's way is often to work from within, dealing primarily with the spiritual component. Jesus was typically apolitical. Otherwise, encouraging direct confrontation over such a hot button social issue may have fomented revolution, providing Rome with a political excuse for persecuting Christians.

[wwjd4u3]

In New Testament times some say, "Why didn't Jesus, as a moral authority, speak out boldly against slavery? Well, numerous New Testament texts, such as Colossians 4:1, Galatians 3:28, and the Book of Philemon, make the case for the inherent spiritual worth of slaves, which effectively laid a base for deep down authentic change in social practice, over time.

[wwjd4u3]

You know that in the Old Testament, slaves were often prisoners of war? The law of Moses in fact served to regulate the care of slaves by their Hebrews masters, i.e. Exodus 21:20 and 26, Leviticus 25:40. Consequently, Israel never captured and sold humans as did the the Phoenicians and Philistines.

[wwjd4u3]

It's true slavery isn't just a political issue. It's a moral issue. Some ask, "Isn't the Christian Bible supposed to be a moral guide?" Of course. But as a rule, the best way to change moral behavior is to transform moral views. And guess what. Beginning in the second century, many masters, upon converting to Christ, began to release their slaves. Slavery was abolished in Great Britain after people began being converted to Christ under the preaching of John Wesley and George Whitefield.

[chiggaboy88]

I don't understand the point he's making at the end about slavery. Is slavery a sin? I thought the bible is pretty clear that its not a sin... The way slavery was being done in the States and the Carribean and in countless other parts of the world of course is done in a sinful way and for sinful greed, but the bible doesn't say that slavery is sinful tho. No?

[lewecca]

@chiggaboy88 I think its because this kind of slavery was only toward black people

[tqn1972]

" We're sorry, this video is no longer available" is what I get everytime I try to play it. Perhaps it's just my computer??

[FillTheirVoid]

That happens to me sometimes too. You need some sort of update for your web browser or something. There is a workaround however, at the end of the video put this

&fmt=6

That should make it work.

[tqn1972]

Thank you so much! It worked for me! I appreciated that.

[tqn1972]

what happenned to this video??

[sermonindex]

what do you mean?