SESSION 11

Thinking Biblically - Christian Ethics

Introduction

The aim of this session is to encourage and equip us to think biblically about ethical issues where the Bible does not provide specific instructions.

Ethical questions lead us to ask, “What does God say about that?”

A helpful definition of Christian ethics:

“Guided by Scripture, seeking to love God and neighbour in every moral and ethical issue.”

The Bible refers to this way of thinking as wisdom. As Christians, we seek to live wisely in God’s world, God’s way.

Discussion 1

Have you faced an ethical dilemma where you were unsure what God might say about it?
How did you respond? Where did you seek guidance?
What are the main questions or situations where you struggle to think biblically?

1. We Start with God

Ethical reasoning must begin with God, not the world’s opinions.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

“Where God is known by faith to be the ultimate reality, the source of my ethical concern will be that God be known as the good, even at the risk that I and the world are revealed as not good.”

2. Jesus is the Answer

Jesus is the image of God (Colossians 1:15) and the fulfilment of the law and prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Our ethical thinking must be shaped by:

Who Jesus is
What He has done
What He has said

If our ethical conclusions do not align with Jesus’ character and teachings, they are likely flawed.

3. God Wrote a Book

2 Timothy 3:16-17:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”

While no book of the Bible was written to us, all were written for us.

4. Everyone Has a Context

Every biblical author wrote within a historical and cultural context, just as we are shaped by our own.

Recognising our context helps us see how our cultural assumptions influence our thinking.

We must let Scripture shape us rather than being shaped by cultural trends.

Balancing Right Belief, Living, and Feeling

Ethical reasoning must balance:

Orthodoxy (Right Belief) – Understanding biblical truth.

Orthopraxy (Right Living) – Living out biblical truth.

Orthopathy (Right Feeling) – Having attitudes that align with biblical truth.

Jesus modelled all three perfectly—His life was rooted in truth, love, and compassion.

Discussion 2

How do you start with God when faced with an issue not directly addressed in Scripture?
How does knowing that Jesus is the answer bring comfort and guidance?
How do you balance orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and orthopathy in ethical reasoning?

Case Study: Social Media & Phone Use

Applying biblical principles to an issue not directly addressed in Scripture.

1. We Start with God

God calls us to steward His creation wisely, including technology.

He cares about what shapes us and how we use our time and attention.

2. God Wrote a Book

Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

These remind us that all aspects of life—including technology use—should be considered in light of Christ’s lordship.

3. Everyone Has a Context

Our technological context shapes us profoundly.

We must consider how social media impacts our time, attention, and relationships.

Conclusion

Thinking biblically about ethics means filtering every question through these four principles:

We Start with God – He is our foundation.

Jesus is the Answer – Our response must reflect His character.

God Wrote a Book – Scripture provides wisdom for ethical reasoning.

Everyone Has a Context – We must be aware of our cultural influences.

By applying these principles, we can navigate ethical issues wisely and faithfully in an ever-changing world.