so what is improper use of the law!
1. we keep the law to earn Gods acceptance (justification)
Gal 2: 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
2. We keep the law in order to help us mature in Christ (Sanctification)
Rom 6: 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Rom 7: 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
These 2 false applications of the law which as paul says is confidently taught by false teachers, (they actually believe and are confident they are right). is devastating to church growth, individual growth and as a church we need to stand against them.
1 Paul makes it clearl it is under grace we have power over sin, not law. The law will not make us good people, grace will
2. We serve god in a new way, by the spirit, not the letter (law)
Today, many call this false teaching legalism.
legalism states
1. we are righteous because we are good, thus we do not need certain things
2. we are bad, thus we do not reserve certain things. so why bother
what does Paul tell us we SHOULD focus on instead?!
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful,
Notice, God enabled Paul not because he obeyed the law and was righteous, but because of his faith!
putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul is saying instead of focusing on laws, genealogies and fables, focus on Gods grace
1. God came to save sinners
2. He is chief of all sinners
3. because of grace, Paul is enables to do what God wanted him to do. which was to be an apostle, God empowers us in all things, by grace, and mercy, not by works, he enables us and strengthens us.
Rom 11: 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Grace and works are opposed to each other, one cancels the other out, it can not be both it has to be one or the other.
2 Tim 4: 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
Eph 3 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Paul is telling us to appreciate Gods grace, and thanksgiving. These, unlike law will have positive effects on the church and individuals
1. it is contagious
2. it produces humility (as opposed to self-righteousness, which come from following the law)
3. it rekindles our passion to serve others, as we remember remember how God serves and is serving us, who are undeserving based on our personal righteousness
4. It gives us strength and empowers us to forgive and love others.
in review, grace build us up,
Act 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
where the law gives us a false sense of entitlement, or a can lead to and a false sense of unworthiness.
this is a serious subject, i hope we can discuss this freely and openly, while at the same time learn how a false interpretation of the law can only destroy and divide us, it will never edify us.