8245 ethics, incentives towards

God’s ethical demands are reinforced by a variety of sanctions and incentives.

Sanctions promoting ethical behaviour

The authorities Ro 13:3-4 See also Dt 16:18; Dt 17:11-12; Dt 25:1; Ps 82:3-4; 1Ti 2:1-4; 1Pe 2:13-14

God treats people as they treat others Mt 6:14-15 See also 2Sa 12:9-10; Mt 5:7; Mt 7:2; Mt 18:35; Jas 2:13

Unethical behaviour renders worship unacceptable Isa 58:4 See also Isa 1:13-15; Eze 33:31; Zec 7:5,9-10; Mt 23:23 pp Lk 11:42; Tit 1:16

The withdrawal of God’s fellowship Isa 59:2 See also Ps 51:11; Ps 66:18; Hos 5:6; Mic 3:4; Eph 4:30

God’s judgment Gal 6:8 See also Dt 28:15; Isa 1:23-24; 1Co 6:9; 2Co 5:10; Col 3:5-6; Heb 12:14

Incentives to correct ethical behaviour

A new life in Christ Eph 5:8 See also Ro 6:2,13; 2Co 5:15; Col 3:9-10

God’s goodness and love Eph 5:1-2 See also Ex 20:2; Ro 12:1; 2Co 8:8-9; Tit 2:14; 1Jn 3:16

Pleasing God Heb 13:16 See also 2Co 5:9; Col 3:20; 1Th 2:3-4; 1Th 4:1; 1Jn 3:22

True worship is made possible Ps 24:3-4 See also Pr 21:3; Hos 6:6; Isa 58:6-7; Mk 12:33; Jas 1:27

God’s fellowship Jn 14:23 See also Dt 10:12-13; Ps 15:1-5; Rev 21:7

God’s blessing Dt 16:20 See also Dt 28:2; Ps 1:3; Ps 84:11; Isa 56:1-2; Isa 58:9-14; Mt 6:18

Future reward Lk 14:13-14 See also Mt 10:42 pp Mk 9:41; Mt 25:34-36; Lk 6:35; Ro 2:10; Col 3:24; Rev 22:12

See also