The Law's Role in Leading Us to Christ

In our journey of faith, it is crucial to understand the role of God's law in leading us to Christ. Many people fall away from their faith because they have not been properly introduced to the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance. The law serves as a mirror, reflecting our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. It is not enough to present Jesus as a mere life improver; we must communicate the reality of sin and the impending judgment that awaits those who do not repent.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. It is through the law that we gain the knowledge of sin, and it acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. When we understand the severity of our transgressions against a holy God, the good news of Jesus Christ paying the penalty for our sins becomes truly meaningful. Without this understanding, the message of the cross can seem foolish or offensive.

The modern gospel often presents Jesus as a solution to life's problems, promising love, joy, and peace. However, this approach can lead to disillusionment when trials and tribulations arise. Instead, we must emphasize the need for righteousness and the reality of God's wrath. True peace and joy are fruits of salvation, not the bait for it.

The analogy of the parachute illustrates this point well. If we put on Christ merely to improve our earthly experience, we may become disillusioned when difficulties come. But if we put on Christ to escape the wrath to come, we will cling to Him through every trial, knowing our eternal life depends on it.

In evangelism, we must use the law to show people their need for a Savior. When individuals see themselves as lost, they will cry out for mercy. The law stops every mouth and leaves the whole world guilty before God, preparing hearts to receive the grace of Christ. As we share the gospel, let us not shy away from the truth of sin and judgment, for it is this truth that leads to genuine repentance and lasting faith.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The law of God is essential in evangelism as it reveals our sinfulness and need for a Savior. Without understanding the gravity of sin, the message of salvation can seem irrelevant or offensive. The law acts as a schoolmaster, bringing us to Christ by showing us our guilt before a holy God. [04:15]
• 2. Presenting Jesus as a mere life improver can lead to disillusionment. True conversion comes when individuals understand the seriousness of sin and the impending judgment. The gospel must emphasize righteousness and the need to escape God's wrath, not just the promise of a better life. [09:28]
• 3. The analogy of the parachute illustrates the importance of motive in coming to Christ. If we come to Jesus to escape the wrath to come, we will remain steadfast through trials. Our faith is not based on temporary happiness but on the assurance of eternal life. [07:50]
• 4. Evangelism should focus on using the law to bring the knowledge of sin. When people see themselves as lost, they will seek mercy and salvation. The law stops self-justification and prepares hearts to receive the grace of Christ. [12:01]
• 5. True peace and joy are fruits of salvation, not the bait for it. We must preach the reality of sin and judgment, leading people to genuine repentance and faith. This approach results in lasting conversions and a deeper commitment to Christ. [21:58]
  ** [21:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - Alarming Statistics on Faith
• [00:48] - The Role of the Law
• [02:05] - The Speeding Fine Analogy
• [03:24] - The Offense of the Cross
• [04:15] - The Purpose of the Law
• [05:33] - The Law as a Schoolmaster
• [06:10] - The Parachute Analogy
• [08:12] - Modern Gospel vs. True Gospel
• [09:28] - The Issue of Righteousness
• [12:01] - Law to the Proud, Grace to the Humble
• [14:55] - Examples from Scripture
• [17:25] - Quotes from Historical Figures
• [20:00] - The Importance of the Law
• [22:20] - Personal Evangelism Stories
• [30:39] - Conclusion and Call to Action

1. Psalm 19:7 - "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."
2. Romans 3:19-20 - "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
3. Galatians 3:24 - "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

1. According to Psalm 19:7, what is the role of the law in the conversion of the soul?
2. How does Romans 3:19-20 describe the purpose of the law in relation to humanity's guilt before God?
3. In Galatians 3:24, what is the function of the law as described by Paul?
4. What analogy does the pastor use to illustrate the importance of motive in coming to Christ, and how does it relate to the message of the gospel? [07:50]

1. How does understanding the gravity of sin change the way individuals perceive the message of the cross? [03:24]
2. Why might presenting Jesus as a mere life improver lead to disillusionment, according to the sermon? [09:28]
3. How does the analogy of the parachute help explain the difference between seeking Christ for temporary happiness versus eternal salvation? [07:50]
4. What does the pastor suggest is the result of using the law in evangelism to bring the knowledge of sin? [12:01]

1. Reflect on your own understanding of sin and judgment. How has this understanding impacted your faith journey? [03:24]
2. Have you ever experienced disillusionment in your faith because of unmet expectations? How can you realign your expectations with the true message of the gospel? [09:28]
3. Consider the analogy of the parachute. What are some ways you can ensure your faith is rooted in the assurance of eternal life rather than temporary happiness? [07:50]
4. How can you incorporate the use of the law in your personal evangelism efforts to help others see their need for a Savior? [12:01]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be seeking Jesus as a life improver rather than a Savior. What steps can you take to shift your focus? [09:28]
6. Think of someone in your life who may not understand the gravity of sin. How can you lovingly share the truth of sin and judgment with them this week? [21:58]
7. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's law and its role in your spiritual growth? [04:15]