Christ’s “Sermon on the Mount” took a shift from the topic of discipleship to Christ talking about Himself being the fulfillment of the Law (the Old Testament.) We began to examine that last post. Today we continue with Deuteronomy 28:1-14 describing the blessings to one who is obedient to the Law.These blessings encompass every area of life. Conversely, verses 15 to 68 describes the results of disobedience – curses! The curses upon a rebellious nation would attest to the holinesss of a righteoous God. They would serve to educate future generations and pagan nations.
The whole of Deuteronomy 28 can be summarized by Joshua 1: 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
What did Jesus mean when He said that He came to fulfill the law? And, what law? And why, because we know that law not only reveals but stimulates sin – the natural tendency is to desire the forbidden thing. And how do you reconcile this directive against law in Galatians?
Galatians.3: 9-10 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
And also 1 Timothy 1: 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
These questions are not easily answered. When considering “law”, interpretation is key. Some Biblical laws pertained only to that time and culture. Seeking God’s perspective on what applies to the present is of utmost importance. However we can know for sure that the law:
1. doesn’t bring salvation (Ephesians 2: 8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.)
2. is best summed up with Christ’s words: Matthew 22:36-40 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Our challenge: how are you and I doing in keeping the law of love? We can address this question by measuring ourselves to the standard of Matthew 5-7, especially the beatitudes – or to the listing of the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Romans 12 is a sound plumbline upon which we can delineate “cracks in our foundation.”
Our response can be, “Wow, no way can I measure up to these guidelines. Why try?” Or we can acknowledge need for growth in a specific area and plunge into the pool of God’s marvelous empowerment to transform us into the likeness of Christ.
I’m currently working on less self-centeredness. Besides the plumbline of Scripture that points out the need for growth in that arena, I live with the most unselfish person I’ve ever met. I can choose to be overwhelmed by the challenge to “measure up” or I can implore the Creator of the universe to sensitize and empower me to transformation of selflessness. (My wife is probably saying, “Go for it, big guy.” (smile)
Allow Christ to live the law of love through me, through you!
Allow Christ to live the law of love through me, through you!
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