Subject of this study: progressive revelation as exemplified in preaching this text:

“These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” Proverbs‬ ‭6:16-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In Proverbs. This text is a memorable, poetic list of sins/ vices described in terms of vivid physical actions. 

In O. T. law. God’s righteous laws condemn vices for individuals and society. The Mosaic covenant contains providential blessings and cursing based on corporate conduct. 

In O. T. history. History includes examples of these vises and the tragic consequences that follow (and positive examples of the opposite characteristics.)

In O. T.  prophecy. The prophets rebuke vices as violations of God’s moral standards, especially sin patterns that were forbidden in the Mosaic covenant. 

In N. T.  Gospels.  Jesus is the perfect example, avoiding every vice and demonstrating righteous conduct. His teaching and preaching raised the standards of morality to a higher level, especially superseding the oral traditions and hypocritical conduct of the legalistic sects of the Jews.

Christ’s sacrificial death and bodily resurrection provided atonement so the repentant sinner could be saved, forgiven and reconciled to God. 

In The Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the Body of Christ and helps them live righteously. 

In the N. T.  Epistles. Through identification with Christs’s death and resurrection, the believer experiences a new identity (saint), a new regenerated spirit (with a new righteous nature), is free from sin’s authority, is free from the law, and is invited to abide in Christ. He is to daily trust in Christ to live in him and through him by grace through faith. This quality of life displaces vices by bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23). Exhortations to put off vices and cultivate righteous character and actions flow from the graciously bestowed blessings of the New Covenant. Instead of walking after the flesh (which would produce vices such as those listed in the Proverbs text), the believer is called to Intentional, ongoing submission and obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit, bearing the fruits of practical righteousness (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:17; Rom. 6:3-14). 

Pastor, are you preaching God’s Word in light of the full revelation of the New Covenant? Don’t settle for a history lesson that could be taught in a synagogue, or a morality lesson that would not teach beyond a liberal theologian’s homily. As the angel exhorted the apostles, “Go, … and speak to the people all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:20).

-John Woodward