The law is an expression of God`s character.
Galatians 5 tells us what the fruit of the Spirit is ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It also tells us that against these things there is no law. When I am operating under these things I will be in God's will. When I am operating under love, the Holy Spirit, I will not be breaking the law.
The law stands outside, telling us what we do wrong but does nothing to help us.
The Spirit lives within, showing us our sin AND what to change. It frees us from what we cannot do anyway ... live the CHRISTian life. Instead of striving, we are resting and letting Christ do the work. We need to teach others what God`s word says and let the Holy Spirit change the thinking.
The requirements of the law have been fulfilled IN us, not BY us. (Titus 2:11-12; Micah 6:8)
I love this analogy:
Imagine ballroom dancing - one is the leader and the other follows. When you observe a Christian, it looks like they are being directed by works but they aren't; faith is the lead. If we let works take the lead, our flesh gets in the way. Works are to take second; be the follower.
The book of James talks about this - show me the evidence of your faith. Works are super-added, not the key. It isn't adding to our faith like more icing on my cake before Jesus. Faith is not lacking that it needs anything added to it. Faith is the starting point.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Now we are saved, Christ wants to add to our lives and give us purpose.
3 comments:
hello girlfriend. I am at a hotel and finally have fast internet so i wanted to come over and say HI.
I miss you!!
It is a good thing you are going away for 2 years. It will give me time to catch up and not be so ridiculously unsmart compared to you and your hubby. This is deep. Part of me is going "yeah, but.." and the rest of me is going "could that work for me?"
miss you miss you miss you.
I love the ballroom analogy too! My hubby just preached on this Sunday, I'll have to share it with him.
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