Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 6

When the speaker warns that using Old Testament Israel (Deuteronomy’s law code, David, Joshua) to justify Christian nation-building can “do violence to New Testament principles,” what specific ways have you seen Christians “jump to David or Joshua” to defend actions that Jesus’ example would confront?

Another way to ask: What are some ways Christians use stories about Israel, David, or Joshua to defend actions today that don’t match Jesus’ example? Where have you seen people “jump to David or Joshua” to justify harsh or violent choices?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
The speaker’s warning is that Christians sometimes grab Old Testament stories of warfare or nation-rule (David, Joshua, law-code Israel) as direct moral permission for Christian political nation-building, instead of interpreting those texts through Jesus’ teaching and example.

Support from Transcript:

He notes OT Israel was a nation-state: “Deuteronomy is the law code of the Israel nation-state,” and OT saints were involved in government.
He acknowledges people use this as an argument for modern involvement, but insists OT events are “types and… shadows” (citing 1 Corinthians 10:11).
He says forcing OT stories into ethics can “do violence to New Testament principles,” because “Jesus brought the fullness of the revelation.”
He calls for a “Christocentric view” (Colossians 2:3): “We start with Jesus… and view the whole of scripture from that perspective.”
He gives explicit examples: people “jump to King David or Joshua… and go… ‘so we need to too,’” including taking land, war, and establishing a nation-state.

Discussion Follow-ups The transcript doesn’t give modern examples beyond the general pattern—what are current cases where believers appeal to OT conquest or kingship logic? How would the speaker’s “start with Jesus” rule change those arguments?

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