Christian_Law.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: The Dance of Grace and Obedience

In the Christian journey, grace and obedience are not opposing forces but partners in a divine dance. Antinomianism and legalism represent two extremes that can distort the gospel's message. Antinomianism dismisses the need for moral obligations, hiding behind the guise of grace, while legalism seeks salvation through strict adherence to the law. True faith, however, involves living righteously not to earn grace, but as a response to the love and grace already given through Christ. This balance requires a heart transformed by the gospel, where obedience flows naturally from love for God. As believers, we are called to live in this balance, allowing grace to empower our obedience and letting our obedience be an expression of our gratitude for grace.

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you express your love for God through acts of obedience today, without falling into the trap of legalism?

Day 2: Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, completing the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. This fulfillment is not merely about adhering to rules but understanding the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New. Jesus embodies the culmination of God's promises, demonstrating that they are trustworthy and true. As believers, we are called to live in light of these fulfilled promises, recognizing that Jesus's life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith. This understanding invites us to trust in God's plan and align our lives with His purposes, knowing that His promises are sure.

Matthew 5:17-18 (ESV): "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the law change the way you view the Old Testament and its relevance to your life today?

Day 3: The Unshakeable Authority of Scripture

Jesus affirmed the authority of Scripture down to the smallest detail, emphasizing its divine inspiration and reliability. As Christians, our view of Scripture should align with Christ's, recognizing its authority and trusting in its truth. This perspective guards us against doubts and misinterpretations, encouraging us to fully trust and obey God's Word. In a world where truth is often questioned, holding fast to the authority of Scripture provides a firm foundation for our faith and guides us in our daily walk with God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your trust in the authority of Scripture and allow it to guide your decisions and actions today?

Day 4: Interpreting the Law with Jesus's Heart

Our interpretation of the Old Testament should match Jesus's perspective, focusing on the heart and purpose behind the commands. Jesus intensified the law by addressing internal attitudes like hatred and lust, showing that true obedience involves the heart. This understanding challenges us to go beyond external compliance and seek a deeper, heart-level transformation. As we align our hearts with God's will, we are empowered to live out His commands in a way that reflects His love and grace to the world around us.

Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV): "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you focus more on external compliance than internal transformation? How can you invite God to change your heart in these areas?

Day 5: The Call to Exceeding Righteousness

The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees is an internal righteousness, rooted in a transformed heart. Legalism focuses on external actions, while true Christian righteousness involves a heart aligned with God's will. This transformation is only possible through the gospel, which empowers us to live in genuine obedience and love, reflecting the character of Christ in our lives. As we pursue this deeper righteousness, we become more like Jesus, allowing His love and grace to shine through us to a world in need.

Philippians 3:9 (ESV): "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to cultivate a heart that seeks God's righteousness above all else, allowing His love to transform your actions and attitudes?

Sermon Summary

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In this sermon, Pastor Benjamin Fowler addresses the balance between antinomianism and legalism in the Christian life, using Matthew 5:17-20 as the foundational text. He explains that antinomianism dismisses moral obligations under the guise of grace, while legalism seeks salvation through strict adherence to the law. Both extremes are flawed, as the true Christian life involves living righteously out of love for Christ. Through the stories of Lilly and Andy, Pastor Fowler illustrates the dangers of both legalism and antinomianism. He emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, highlighting the importance of understanding the authority and interpretation of Scripture as Jesus did. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace an internal righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees, transforming both actions and heart through the power of the gospel.

Key Takeaways

1. level transformation.
5. Exceeding Righteousness:
The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees is an internal righteousness, rooted in a transformed heart. Legalism focuses on external actions, while true Christian righteousness involves a heart aligned with God's will. This transformation is only possible through the gospel, which empowers us to live in genuine obedience and love, reflecting the character of Christ in our lives.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Balancing Grace and Obedience**

**Bible Reading:**

Matthew 5:17-20 (ESV) - "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Acts 15:10-11 (ESV) - "Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

**Discussion Questions:**

**Observation Questions:**

According to Matthew 5:17-20, what did Jesus say about the Law and the Prophets?
How did Pastor Fowler describe the concepts of antinomianism and legalism in the sermon?
What were the key differences in the experiences of Lilly and Andy as described in the sermon?
How did Jesus demonstrate His understanding of the Law, according to the sermon?

**Interpretation Questions:**

What does it mean that Jesus came to "fulfill" the Law and the Prophets, as mentioned in Matthew 5:17?
How does Pastor Fowler illustrate the dangers of both antinomianism and legalism through the stories of Lilly and Andy?
In what ways does Jesus's interpretation of the Law challenge the traditional views held by the Pharisees, as discussed in the sermon?
How does the concept of "exceeding righteousness" differ from the righteousness of the Pharisees, and what does this imply about the nature of true Christian obedience?

**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your own life: Do you find yourself leaning more towards antinomianism or legalism? How can you work towards a balance between grace and obedience?
How can understanding that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, rather than abolish it, change the way you view the Old Testament and its relevance to your life today?
In what ways can you align your view of Scripture with Jesus's perspective on its authority and reliability? Are there specific doubts or misinterpretations you need to address?
How can you ensure that your obedience to God's commands flows naturally from a heart transformed by the gospel, rather than from a sense of obligation or fear?
What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate an internal righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees, as mentioned in Matthew 5:20?
Reflect on a time when you may have relaxed or ignored a commandment. How can you approach Scripture with a mindset that seeks to understand its heart and purpose, as Jesus did?
How can you encourage others in your small group to trust and obey God's Word fully, even when faced with doubts or challenging interpretations?

Sermon Quotes

"Antinomianism and legalism are two ditches on either side of the Christian life. The genuine Christian life is neither; it’s about living righteously to our pleasure because we love Christ."

"The Christian lives righteously to his pleasure because he loves Christ, not to earn grace or because he expects grace without change."

"Jesus’s attitude towards the Law and Prophets is not to do away with them. He relies on them and sees them as an authority."

"The authority of the Old Testament will carry on until the end times. Not a single pen stroke will pass away from the law."

"Our interpretation of the Old Testament must match Jesus’s interpretation. He intensifies commands, focusing on the heart of the law."

"Exceeding righteousness is internal righteousness. Jesus transforms not just our obedience but our very nature."

"The legalist has the right actions but the wrong heart. The antinomian has the wrong heart and wrong actions. The Christian walks the tightrope in between."

"To throw out all obedience and rely on grace shows our nature is not renewed. To obey all laws without thought of the lawgiver shows the same."

"Are you tired of doing and doing, hoping to make God happy? Turn to Christ. Turn to the goodness of the gospel, and fly."

"Run, John, run, the law commands but gives us neither feet nor hands. Far better news the gospel brings: It bids us fly and gives us wings."

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Christian_Law.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: The Dance of Grace and Obedience

Day 2: Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law

Day 3: The Unshakeable Authority of Scripture

Day 4: Interpreting the Law with Jesus's Heart

Day 5: The Call to Exceeding Righteousness

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Quotes

Chatbot

Christian_Law.pdf

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