Transformative Power of Jesus: From Law to Heart

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the transformative power of Jesus and the law, using the remarkable life story of Stephen Lungu as a backdrop. Stephen's journey from a life of anger and violence to becoming a powerful evangelist illustrates the profound change that Jesus can bring into a person's life. This transformation is not just about a change in behavior but a renewal of the heart, which is central to understanding Jesus' relationship with the law.

We began by situating Jesus within his historical context, emphasizing his unique relationship with the Jewish law. This relationship was not an invention of later Christian communities but was rooted in Jesus' own teachings and life. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, offering a deeper understanding that goes beyond mere legalism. The law, or Torah, in the ancient Jewish context, was not just a set of rules but a guide for living a life of wisdom and harmony. It was relational, rooted in the covenant between God and His people, much like a marriage that is based on love and commitment rather than mere legal obligations.

Jesus' fulfillment of the law points to the inadequacy of the law to change the human heart. The law was a guide, but it could not transform the heart, which is why Jesus' coming was necessary. He offers a new heart, a new way of living that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not just personal but communal, as Jesus calls us into a new community, the church, where we live out his teachings together.

In applying these truths, we are called to press into community and mission. Community is where we live out our faith together, supporting and encouraging one another. Mission is where we extend God's love and truth to the world around us, using the gifts and opportunities He has given us. Whether through small groups, acts of service, or personal relationships, we are invited to be the presence of Jesus in the world, continually growing in our faith and reliance on Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through Jesus: Stephen Lungu's story illustrates the profound transformation that Jesus can bring, turning a life of anger and violence into one of purpose and evangelism. This change is not just behavioral but involves a renewal of the heart, which is central to Jesus' message. [00:00]

2. Jesus and the Law: Jesus' relationship with the law was not about abolishing it but fulfilling it. He reinterpreted the law, emphasizing its relational and communal aspects, rooted in the covenant between God and His people. This understanding challenges us to see the law as a guide for living a life of wisdom and harmony. [12:29]

3. The Inadequacy of the Law: The law, while a guide, was inadequate to change the human heart. Jesus' coming was necessary to offer a new heart and a new way of living, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is holistic, affecting every aspect of our lives. [22:03]

4. Community and Mission: Jesus calls us into a new community, the church, where we live out his teachings together. This communal aspect of faith is vital, as it provides support, encouragement, and accountability. We are also called to mission, extending God's love and truth to the world around us. [29:07]

5. Pressing Into Community and Mission: In our application, we are encouraged to press into community and mission. Whether through small groups, acts of service, or personal relationships, we are invited to be the presence of Jesus in the world, continually growing in our faith and reliance on Him. [34:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Stephen Lungu's Story
- [03:45] - Jesus and History
- [06:15] - Understanding the Law
- [09:00] - Criterion of Historical Plausibility
- [12:29] - The Law as Instruction
- [15:59] - The Relational Aspect of Torah
- [18:59] - Identity and Torah Observance
- [22:03] - Fulfillment of the Law
- [25:29] - The New Heart
- [29:07] - Personal Testimony
- [34:16] - Application: Community and Mission
- [38:53] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:17-20
2. Ezekiel 36:25-27

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Stephen Lungu's story illustrate the transformative power of Jesus? What specific changes occurred in his life after his conversion? [00:30]

2. What does the sermon suggest about Jesus' relationship with the Jewish law? How is this relationship historically significant? [12:29]

3. According to the sermon, what is the inadequacy of the law, and why was Jesus' coming necessary? [22:03]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in living out Jesus' teachings? What examples are given to illustrate this? [29:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the law according to the sermon? How does this fulfillment differ from simply abolishing the law? [22:03]

2. How does the concept of a "new heart" in Ezekiel 36:25-27 relate to the transformation described in the sermon? What does this imply about the nature of true change? [25:29]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and mission. How does this align with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:17-20? What might this look like in a modern church setting? [34:16]

4. How does the sermon challenge the listener to view the law as a guide for living a life of wisdom and harmony? What implications does this have for personal and communal faith practices? [15:59]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on Stephen Lungu's transformation. Are there areas in your life where you desire a similar change? What steps can you take to invite Jesus into those areas? [00:30]

2. Jesus' relationship with the law was about fulfillment, not abolition. How can you apply this understanding to your own life when it comes to following God's commandments? [12:29]

3. The sermon highlights the inadequacy of the law to change the heart. What practices can you incorporate into your life to allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart? [22:03]

4. Community is emphasized as vital for living out faith. What specific actions can you take to engage more deeply with your church community? How can you contribute to its mission? [29:07]

5. Consider the analogy of the law as a guide, like instructions for building furniture. How can you use this perspective to approach challenges in your life with wisdom and patience? [15:59]

6. The sermon encourages pressing into mission. Identify one way you can extend God's love and truth to someone in your life this week. What resources or support do you need to do this effectively? [34:16]

7. Reflect on the idea of a "new heart" from Ezekiel 36:25-27. What specific attitudes or behaviors do you feel called to change, and how can you rely on God's strength to make those changes? [25:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Jesus
Stephen Lungu's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus. His journey from a life filled with anger and violence to becoming a dedicated evangelist highlights the profound change that Jesus can bring into a person's life. This transformation is not merely about altering one's behavior but involves a deep renewal of the heart. Jesus' message centers on this renewal, emphasizing that true change comes from within, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are invited to experience this transformation, allowing Jesus to reshape our hearts and lives. [00:00]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you desire transformation. How can you invite Jesus to renew your heart in this area today?


Day 2: Jesus and the Law
Jesus' relationship with the law was not about abolishing it but fulfilling it. He reinterpreted the law, emphasizing its relational and communal aspects, rooted in the covenant between God and His people. This understanding challenges us to see the law not as a set of rigid rules but as a guide for living a life of wisdom and harmony. Jesus' teachings invite us to go beyond mere legalism and embrace the spirit of the law, which is grounded in love and commitment. As we follow Jesus, we are called to live out this deeper understanding of the law in our daily lives. [12:29]

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: Reflect on how you view God's commandments. Are there areas where you focus more on the letter of the law rather than its spirit? How can you embrace a more relational understanding of God's guidance?


Day 3: The Inadequacy of the Law
While the law serves as a guide, it is inadequate to change the human heart. Jesus' coming was necessary to offer a new heart and a new way of living, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is holistic, affecting every aspect of our lives. The law points to our need for Jesus, who fulfills its requirements and empowers us to live in a way that pleases God. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we experience a transformation that goes beyond external compliance to a deep, internal change. [22:03]

Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

Reflection: Consider an area where you struggle to live up to God's standards. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to bring about genuine change in this area?


Day 4: Community and Mission
Jesus calls us into a new community, the church, where we live out his teachings together. This communal aspect of faith is vital, as it provides support, encouragement, and accountability. We are also called to mission, extending God's love and truth to the world around us. In community, we find strength and encouragement to live out our faith, while mission invites us to share the transformative power of Jesus with others. As we engage in community and mission, we grow in our faith and reliance on Jesus. [29:07]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Think about your involvement in your church community. How can you contribute to the mission of extending God's love and truth to those around you?


Day 5: Pressing Into Community and Mission
In our application, we are encouraged to press into community and mission. Whether through small groups, acts of service, or personal relationships, we are invited to be the presence of Jesus in the world. This involves continually growing in our faith and reliance on Him. As we engage with others, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus, impacting lives and communities. By pressing into community and mission, we fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. [34:16]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one specific way you can serve your community or someone in need this week. How can you be the presence of Jesus in that situation?

Quotes

Stephen Lungu was a famous African evangelist who died recently in 2021 his life story is absolutely remarkable I remember meeting him in 2009 when he visited Vancouver sharing with churches here and hearing his story he was raised in a broken home as a young child he witnessed his father repeatedly beat his mother one day he vowed that when he was bigger and stronger he would kill his father and take vengeance on him soon after that his father abandoned them left them for another woman and not long after this his mother left him and his siblings under a bridge telling them to wait for her as she went to go and buy food but she never returned as a young boy living on the streets of Zimbabwe Stephen learned to fend for himself he grew up to be a young man full of hate full of anger he joined a gang called the black shadows got into drugs violence and considered himself a terrorist he soon became the leader of this gang and one day as he was leading a group of men to bomb a building with some petrol bombs on the way he spotted an evangelist's tent and he thought to himself let us go disrupt this Christian meeting he hated preachers because to him preachers were simply white men who spoke about a white god that oppressed black people but then as he stepped into this tent he was surprised that it was not a white man who was speaking but a beautiful black young woman she was sharing and giving her testimony about how Jesus had rescued her he was absolutely captivated by her beauty and sat down and listened but he thought to himself what a waste of a beautiful young woman who was confused by these white oppressors giving her life needlessly away he felt sorry for this beautiful black girl in the way [00:00:04] (113 seconds)


Gentiles soon outnumbered Jewish people in the church. So for Jesus to have this kind of understanding of the law, where passages like the one we read today in worship about Jesus not coming to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law that not one jot or tittle will ever pass away from the law until heaven and earth pass away, that is another way of saying that the law will never pass away in some sense. This would be an embarrassing way for a Gentile believer to speak about Jesus, to understand Jesus and receive Jesus in history. It would have been much easier for the church if it had invented this passage or this understanding of understanding of Jesus and the law, at a later date, to say something like Jesus, to say something like, now that I am here, all is and the law is no longer relevant. Instead, we live by the spirit, or something to that intent. [00:06:32] (63 seconds)


Instead, what we have is something much more complex and nuanced, that Jesus does not do away with the law. Instead, he comes to fulfill it. [00:07:35] (12 seconds)


And this dual relationship between Jesus and the law, both fulfilling it, at the same time, not doing away with it, is something that would have been embarrassing to later [00:07:40] (14 seconds)


Gentile Christians. It would have been much easier to simply minimize that part of Jesus' understanding of the law. Instead, what seems we have is that Jesus maximizes the law. [00:08:01] (14 seconds)


Not in the same way, though, that the Pharisees did or some of the other groups did. He reinterprets the law, but he doesn't let go of it. [00:08:13] (11 seconds)


It's still a vital, critical part of what God is doing. This criteria, criterion of embarrassment. [00:08:24] (10 seconds)


So these help us understand that this really was part of how Jesus understood the world and understood the law and what was important to him. [00:08:27] (12 seconds)


And if we go through the other criteria that we have talked about, criteria of coherence and multiple attestation and dissimilarity, all of them will, again, point us to the fact that Jesus really had this kind of a special relationship with Torah. And the conclusion is, almost certainly, this understanding goes back to Jesus himself. Okay, so that's a historical aspect, and it's important for us to know. It's important for us to engage with because that's how we live today. I mean, we have a certain understanding of history, or we should, right? Like, sometimes people talk about fake news. Well, we can rail against fake news or fake history because we know that there is real news. There's real history. Well, Jesus was real history, and this aspect of his understanding was real history. Okay, let's talk now about what is the law in a broader sense. Okay? Now, first, I think it's helpful for us to step back from our understanding, our culture, our worldview of what law is. [00:08:36] (78 seconds)


Now, the brilliant thing about Ikea is you can go to Ikea, you bring home a whole bed in boxes, right? Or a couch in boxes and it's filled in these boxes four by two or something like that. You can stuff them in your car. [00:12:11] (16 seconds)


But in those little boxes are these instructions. Now, you can try to build that bed, hundreds of pieces of wood and hundreds of pieces of screws and metal and stuff, without those instructions. [00:12:29] (17 seconds)


But if you've never built it before, it's much easier to do it with the instructions. They tell you which pieces go where and when to do what step. Now, you still probably can do it without those instructions, maybe. [00:12:50] (18 seconds)


But it'll take you ten times as long or five times as long. Or you might make mistakes and you have to go back and redo it. You put a piece in the wrong place. [00:13:08] (12 seconds)


If you follow the instructions, even though they may be kind of tedious, you will get to the destination in the end in the way it was meant to be. [00:13:20] (13 seconds)


Torah is kind of like that. The law in the ancient world was like that. It is an instruction, a guidance about how to live. [00:13:32] (10 seconds)


Okay, so not law in the sense that we might think of it today. So we have to kind of strip away some of our cultural understanding. The second thing I want to talk about in terms of Torah from the ancient Jewish perspective is that it's very relationally based. So again, we think about law and it's somewhat cold and sterile. But law for them... [00:13:42] (25 seconds)


Israel enters into this covenant. It's not this law that just kind of there, these pages of a book that's there, a law, but enters into this covenant with Yahweh on Mount Sinai after he rescues them from Egypt. He enters into this relationship with them after generations of him guiding this tribe, this family of Abraham, sustaining them, and then finally rescuing them from Egypt. That's the relationship. That's the context in which the Torah is finally given on Mount Sinai. [00:14:25] (39 seconds)


But not contract in the way that we understand. We think contract and we think paper and signing and something black and white. For them, covenant was relational. The contract was relational. [00:15:07] (14 seconds)


There was for sure some stipulations and obligations and expectations, but it was because of this relationship that God had with his people. The closest analogy that we have today is marriage. [00:15:21] (16 seconds)


If that's all that marriage was, that would be a very, very sad institution, wouldn't it? Just about the legalities. No. [00:15:58] (10 seconds)


Marriage is first of all, foremost, about that relationship. The relational aspect between two people with a brokers with a kid who's working and killing [00:16:08] (13 seconds)


I will be the one who rescues you. I'll be the one who protects you. I'll be the one who is your God. [00:16:48] (12 seconds)


Out of all the myriad forces and powers in this universe, I will be your God. You will be my people. You will look like me. You will do the things I ask you to do. And if you do, you will flourish. [00:16:53] (13 seconds)


It's my meditation day and night. Oh, how I love your law. It's a great, wonderful gift to them. It's not simply an obligation. [00:17:14] (12 seconds)


It's what distinguishes them from all the other people around them. It's an identity marker. This is how you tell you are God's people. You have Torah. You keep Torah. You keep the law. You don't look like the other people around. You keep Torah. You keep God's law. [00:17:42] (22 seconds)


And this is a very critical point because it's not just about what they do, but it's about what it meant for them. It's a symbol about their identity. It's about your identity. Thank you. [00:18:05] (14 seconds)


It helped identify that they belong to God. So for us, it might be something like a Canadian flag, right? It's a symbol today, isn't it? [00:18:20] (11 seconds)


Especially in this kind of season that we're in, flags are really encouraged, and people are wearing them, and you see them popping up all over the place, even on the items at the stores that we're buying, you know, merchandise. Guys, is it made in Canada, right? Because someone south of the border is threatening our Canadian identity. [00:18:31] (26 seconds)


And so instead, we have these symbols to symbolize our real identity. We're not American. We are Canadian. [00:18:48] (10 seconds)


So even the fact that some people not wearing flags like Wayne Gretzky at that Four Nations game suddenly becomes something that is of great importance. It's part of our identity. [00:18:58] (14 seconds)