The Law of God Miscellanies (9)

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But such as keep the law contend with them. Proverbs 28.4

Reflect and discuss.
1.  What does it mean to “forsake” the Law of God? Why would someone want to forsake God’s holy and righteous and good Law?

2.  What is it about keeping God’s Law that puts someone in contention with wicked people? Is this a contention to be avoided?

Think about it.
Where the Law of God is forsaken, the wicked enjoy a free hand to pursue their wicked ways. There are no moral or spiritual vacuums in the world. Where God and His truth and wisdom are not present, the ways of evil will grow and prevail. Paul understood this when he wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5.15, 16). Every moment of time and every aspect of life that are not brought under the wisdom of God and His Word will be lost to wickedness.

The Christian community’s neglect of the Law is a major reason why wickedness continues to flourish and abound in our society.

All who forsake the Law thus give encouragement to wicked ways, and praise those who pursue them. God has put His Spirit in the hearts of His New Covenant people, that we might learn and obey His Law. We must persevere in this effort, for there is always more to learn. And persevering will mean striving with wickedness, beginning in our own souls. 

They who live the Law of God cannot sit by while wickedness increases. They must “meddle” even if it means they “grate” on those who pursue wickedness (these are alternative meanings of גָּרָהwhich is translated “contend”). Think of John the Baptist. Think of Jesus and Paul. Think of those faithful martyrs and witnesses who would not back down from God’s ways even in the face of death.

God expects His people to contend with wickedness, which we do as we learn, obey, and augur for the Law of God. We don’t need to carry signs, picket or protest, or mount a boycott or petition. We simply need to live in obedience to God every day in every aspect of our lives (Rom. 12.21). God will honor His Word and cause us to be lights in the darkness, but we must keep and guard the Law diligently, and carry our two-edged sword into every area of life (Ps. 149).

Persevere in learning and obeying God’s Law and in calling His people to it. Look for ways of injecting the Law into matters of ethics and public policy. Let the truth of God’s Law be our shield and support in an age in flight from God (Ps. 12). It is better that we die contending with wickedness than encouraging it.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  What does it mean to “contend” with wickedness? Can we properly contend with wickedness as God intends without understanding His Law and all His Word? Explain.

2.  If we’re not contending by God’s Word and Spirit, what is likely to happen in these “evil” days?

3.  Should Christians be afraid if unbelievers are offended by our commitment to God’s Law? Isn’t this only what we should expect?

“‘Scoundrels think nothing of the law, but those who love the law set it in front of them like a wall.’ For ‘the wisdom of able men will understand the paths of wisdom, but the folly of fools goes in the wrong direction.’” Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD)

Lord, help me to contend each day by living in Your truth – all Your truth, including the Law and the prophets and…

Pray Psalm 28.1-9.
Let God reveal any wicked ways in you. Call upon Him for strength to learn and obey His Law.

Psalm 28.1-7 (Angel’s Story: O Jesus, I Have Promised)
I cry to You, our Savior, O be not far from me!
Lord, speak to me with favor, lest I should dying be. 
Hear now my supplications when for Your help I cry; 
Receive these, my oblations, before Your throne on high. 

Lord, count me not among those who walk in sinful ways; 
With words of peace their tongue glows while evil fills their days. 
Your works they disregard, Lord, while evil fills their hands; 
Destroy them by Your Word, Lord, and let them no more stand.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, for He will hear our prayer. 
His strength protects and shields us with mercy and with care. 
In You our heart rejoices; You help us by Your Word. 
To You we raise our voices to praise and thank You, Lord.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.