S
spreadlove4alll
Guest
I want to start this writing with some important scripture references:
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter, but
of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. II
Corinthians 3:6(NIV)
For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and
through the commandment, put me to death. (Romans 7:11)
One of the reasons Gods laws were given to mankind was to illustrate to us
that we are not as perfect as he is. In fact, the laws of God make us feel
inferior. It was meant for this purpose. Another way of saying it is this;
The laws of God bring guilt and condemnation. Why would God do this? Look at
this passage of scripture:
Do you show contempt fo the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience,
not realizing that Gods kindness leads you towards repentance?(Romans 2:4)
Repentance To feel regret for something which has occurred; to change ones
sinful ways.(Websters)
When we see childrens reaction of sorrow to their parents once they do
something wrong and the parent finds out, we see a tangible example of how guilt
can bring sorrow. If the kid is rebellious, he or she will practice something
deceptive usually. Sometimes, he or she will even be proud of what they have
done, even though it make their parents highly upset. God and mans relationship
is the same way. When Gods laws are made manifest unto us, the reaction from it
will be different from person to person. The intended purpose of preaching out
of Gods laws is to bring this guilt and condemned feeling.
Does God want it to end there? By no means!!!! He wants a broken and contrite
heart. He will never turn away from that.
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite
heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Whole Chapter: Psalm 51 In context: Psalm
51:16-18)
2 Corinthians 7 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and
leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
You see, the primary purpose of Gods heart towards us is to lead us to
eternal salvation. Once salvation is certain, God knows that you are not going
to be free from the desires of your old nature. In fact, NOW you are in a
personal conflict between your will and Gods will in your life. The Holy Spirit
wants to lead you. Your thoughts, your goals, and your priorities in general are
the very things that are now in conflict with God. We have to learn daily to
submit to Gods will instead of our own. This is related to your spiritual
maturity. You can judge the maturity of a person by the way they respond to
situations in life. The concept is the same spiritually.
God wants to help you step by step with maturing in your spirit. He doesnt
want to harass and beat you step by step. For example, if you have trouble with
a particular sin, God will offer you the counsel in his word, he will offer you
counsel in your spirits conscience, or he may send someone who is under the
Holy Spirits influence to convict and educate you as to why you shouldnt do as
YOU wish. He is patient, but you must remember God is a God of grace and wrath.
His mercies are tremendous, but he is not mocked. Your heart plays a primary
role in Gods allotment of grace.
Revelation 2:23
I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am the
one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will
give to each of you whatever you deserve. (Whole Chapter: Revelation 2 In
context: Revelation 2:22-24)
This is one of the reasons why God doesnt want us judging each other. Now
exposing sin and exhorting each other to a higher level of Holy living is not
the same thing as judging. Its when you try to deal with someones verdict or
destiny based on your knowledge and not Gods knowledge thats wrong.
I want to leave you with some scriptures to think on that relate to this topic.
Romans 3
Righteousness Through Faith 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law,
has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This
righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by
Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:29
No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of
the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not
from men, but from God.
Romans 4 5
However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked,
his faith is credited as righteousness. Romans 4 13It was not through law that
Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the
world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14For if those who
live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless,
15because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be
guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but
also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As
it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in
the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and
calls things that are not as though they were.(salvation)
This next scripture is the most important of this whole topic, perhaps even your
whole Christian walk
Romans 8
Through the Spirit 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who
are in Christ Jesus,[ 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of
life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless
to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[2] God did by sending his
own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[3] And so he
condemned sin in sinful man,[4] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the
law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but
according to the Spirit. 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have
their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance
with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of
sinful man[5] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
7the sinful mind[6] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can
it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
Now this is the new law, under the new testament. That is, to follow the Holy
spirit, and not after your old nature. Then you will be able to accomplish the
standards of what Christ has set. You will be able to fulfill these two laws
listed below if you live according to the Spirit of God:
Matthew 22 36
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind.'[ 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and
the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
How does love for God look when its manifest? See below
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in
the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the
law(the law that the Lord writes in your heart) of the LORD, and on his law he
meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which
yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does
prospers.
In closing I wanted to exhort you not to get so caught up in following the
law in step by step, literal basis. Become more passionate about what the spirit
of the Lord is saying to you in your life. He will lead you in all truth. Jesus
said that.
John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He
will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell
you what is yet to come. (Whole Chapter: John 16 In context: John 16:12-14)
The only way to know what the Spirit of God is saying in your life is to know
his word along with fasting and praying. Thats your choice. Here is an example
of the Pharisees, who new the written laws, becoming confused by Christ and his
superior knowledge of what right and wrong is.(Just one example)
Mark 2
Lord of the Sabbath 23One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and
as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24The
Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the
Sabbath?" 25He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his
companions were hungry and in need? 26In the days of Abiathar the high priest,
he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only
for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 27Then he said to
them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter, but
of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. II
Corinthians 3:6(NIV)
For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and
through the commandment, put me to death. (Romans 7:11)
One of the reasons Gods laws were given to mankind was to illustrate to us
that we are not as perfect as he is. In fact, the laws of God make us feel
inferior. It was meant for this purpose. Another way of saying it is this;
The laws of God bring guilt and condemnation. Why would God do this? Look at
this passage of scripture:
Do you show contempt fo the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience,
not realizing that Gods kindness leads you towards repentance?(Romans 2:4)
Repentance To feel regret for something which has occurred; to change ones
sinful ways.(Websters)
When we see childrens reaction of sorrow to their parents once they do
something wrong and the parent finds out, we see a tangible example of how guilt
can bring sorrow. If the kid is rebellious, he or she will practice something
deceptive usually. Sometimes, he or she will even be proud of what they have
done, even though it make their parents highly upset. God and mans relationship
is the same way. When Gods laws are made manifest unto us, the reaction from it
will be different from person to person. The intended purpose of preaching out
of Gods laws is to bring this guilt and condemned feeling.
Does God want it to end there? By no means!!!! He wants a broken and contrite
heart. He will never turn away from that.
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite
heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Whole Chapter: Psalm 51 In context: Psalm
51:16-18)
2 Corinthians 7 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and
leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
You see, the primary purpose of Gods heart towards us is to lead us to
eternal salvation. Once salvation is certain, God knows that you are not going
to be free from the desires of your old nature. In fact, NOW you are in a
personal conflict between your will and Gods will in your life. The Holy Spirit
wants to lead you. Your thoughts, your goals, and your priorities in general are
the very things that are now in conflict with God. We have to learn daily to
submit to Gods will instead of our own. This is related to your spiritual
maturity. You can judge the maturity of a person by the way they respond to
situations in life. The concept is the same spiritually.
God wants to help you step by step with maturing in your spirit. He doesnt
want to harass and beat you step by step. For example, if you have trouble with
a particular sin, God will offer you the counsel in his word, he will offer you
counsel in your spirits conscience, or he may send someone who is under the
Holy Spirits influence to convict and educate you as to why you shouldnt do as
YOU wish. He is patient, but you must remember God is a God of grace and wrath.
His mercies are tremendous, but he is not mocked. Your heart plays a primary
role in Gods allotment of grace.
Revelation 2:23
I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am the
one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will
give to each of you whatever you deserve. (Whole Chapter: Revelation 2 In
context: Revelation 2:22-24)
This is one of the reasons why God doesnt want us judging each other. Now
exposing sin and exhorting each other to a higher level of Holy living is not
the same thing as judging. Its when you try to deal with someones verdict or
destiny based on your knowledge and not Gods knowledge thats wrong.
I want to leave you with some scriptures to think on that relate to this topic.
Romans 3
Righteousness Through Faith 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law,
has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This
righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by
Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:29
No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of
the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not
from men, but from God.
Romans 4 5
However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked,
his faith is credited as righteousness. Romans 4 13It was not through law that
Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the
world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14For if those who
live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless,
15because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be
guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but
also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As
it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in
the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and
calls things that are not as though they were.(salvation)
This next scripture is the most important of this whole topic, perhaps even your
whole Christian walk
Romans 8
Through the Spirit 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who
are in Christ Jesus,[ 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of
life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless
to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[2] God did by sending his
own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[3] And so he
condemned sin in sinful man,[4] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the
law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but
according to the Spirit. 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have
their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance
with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of
sinful man[5] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
7the sinful mind[6] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can
it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
Now this is the new law, under the new testament. That is, to follow the Holy
spirit, and not after your old nature. Then you will be able to accomplish the
standards of what Christ has set. You will be able to fulfill these two laws
listed below if you live according to the Spirit of God:
Matthew 22 36
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind.'[ 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and
the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
How does love for God look when its manifest? See below
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in
the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the
law(the law that the Lord writes in your heart) of the LORD, and on his law he
meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which
yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does
prospers.
In closing I wanted to exhort you not to get so caught up in following the
law in step by step, literal basis. Become more passionate about what the spirit
of the Lord is saying to you in your life. He will lead you in all truth. Jesus
said that.
John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He
will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell
you what is yet to come. (Whole Chapter: John 16 In context: John 16:12-14)
The only way to know what the Spirit of God is saying in your life is to know
his word along with fasting and praying. Thats your choice. Here is an example
of the Pharisees, who new the written laws, becoming confused by Christ and his
superior knowledge of what right and wrong is.(Just one example)
Mark 2
Lord of the Sabbath 23One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and
as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24The
Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the
Sabbath?" 25He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his
companions were hungry and in need? 26In the days of Abiathar the high priest,
he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only
for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 27Then he said to
them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.