Understanding Christian Freedom and Jewish Customs

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the New Covenant

The Old Covenant, as described in the Bible, was a set of laws and practices given to the Israelites. However, for Christians today, it is not binding. Instead, believers are under the New Covenant, established by Jesus through His sacrifice. This New Covenant is based on grace and faith, not on adherence to the old laws. Understanding this distinction helps Christians focus on the freedom and grace they have in Christ, rather than being burdened by the requirements of the Old Covenant. This freedom allows believers to live a life that is centered on a personal relationship with God, rather than on ritualistic practices. [03:07]

Hebrews 8:6-7 (ESV): "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the freedom of the New Covenant in your daily walk with Christ, focusing on grace rather than ritual?

Day 2: Righteousness Through Faith

Observing Jewish customs or any set of religious practices does not make one more righteous before God. Righteousness is found solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Legalism, or the belief that following certain rules can earn God's favor, can obscure the true essence of faith. The focus should always be on Jesus and His finished work on the cross, which is the source of our righteousness. By understanding this, Christians can avoid the trap of legalism and instead live in the liberty that Christ provides. [05:09]

Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you rely on your own efforts for righteousness? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ alone?

Day 3: Humility and Equality in Christ

Christians must guard against judging others or feeling superior because of their observance of certain customs. True faith is marked by humility and love, recognizing that all believers are equal in Christ. This means that no one should consider themselves better than others based on their religious practices. Instead, believers are called to love and accept one another, understanding that each person's journey with God is unique. This perspective fosters unity and peace within the Christian community. [06:00]

James 4:11-12 (ESV): "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"

Reflection: How can you practice humility and love towards fellow believers, especially those who have different practices or beliefs than you?

Day 4: Keeping Jesus Central

While Jewish customs can be meaningful, they should not overshadow the centrality of Jesus. These traditions were meant to point to Christ, and our focus should remain on Him and His redemptive work. By keeping Jesus at the center of our faith, Christians can ensure that their practices and beliefs align with the core message of the Gospel. This focus on Christ helps believers to grow spiritually and to live lives that reflect His love and grace. [06:34]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What are some ways you can ensure that Jesus remains the central focus of your faith and daily life?

Day 5: Living in Freedom

The New Testament provides clear guidance on the freedom Christians have in Christ. Believers are not bound by dietary laws or specific days, and they should not judge others based on these practices. Instead, the focus should be on living a life that honors God in all things. This freedom allows Christians to serve God with joy and to share His love with others without being weighed down by unnecessary burdens. By embracing this freedom, believers can experience the fullness of life that Christ offers. [08:09]

2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Reflection: How can you embrace the freedom you have in Christ to live a life that honors God and serves others joyfully?

Sermon Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the intriguing question of why some Christians turn to Jewish customs and the Old Covenant. This inquiry, posed by Sherry, touches on a significant issue within the Christian community, particularly concerning the Hebrew Roots Movement. The Old Covenant, as outlined in the Bible, is not binding for believers in Jesus Christ. Instead, we are under the New Covenant, which was established by Jesus through His sacrifice. The Old Covenant serves as a source of principles and examples, but it is not the basis of our relationship with God.

For Christians who choose to observe Jewish customs, it is crucial to avoid three main pitfalls. First, they must not view these customs as a means of achieving righteousness or standing with God. Our righteousness comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Second, they should not judge or consider themselves superior to other believers who do not follow these customs. Lastly, the focus on Jewish traditions should not overshadow the centrality of Jesus and His work on the cross. These customs were always meant to point to Christ, not replace Him.

Scripture provides clear guidance on this matter. Colossians 2:16-17 warns against legalism and emphasizes that the substance of our faith is Christ, not the observance of dietary laws or festivals. Similarly, Romans 14:5-6 and 1 Timothy 4:4-5 affirm the freedom Christians have in these matters, highlighting that all foods are pure and all days belong to God. The key is to live in the liberty Christ provides, without imposing unnecessary burdens on ourselves or others.

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding the Old Covenant: The Old Covenant is not binding for Christians today. It serves as a source of principles and examples, but our relationship with God is based on the New Covenant established by Jesus. This understanding helps us focus on the grace and freedom we have in Christ. [03:07]
2. Avoiding Legalism: Observing Jewish customs does not make one more righteous before God. Our righteousness is found in Christ alone. Legalism can obscure the true essence of our faith, which is centered on Jesus and His finished work on the cross. [05:09]
3. Judgment and Superiority: Christians must guard against judging others or feeling superior because of their observance of certain customs. True faith is marked by humility and love, recognizing that all believers are equal in Christ. [06:00]
4. The Role of Jewish Customs: While Jewish customs can be meaningful, they should not overshadow the centrality of Jesus. These traditions were meant to point to Christ, and our focus should remain on Him and His redemptive work. [06:34]
5. Scriptural Guidance on Freedom: The New Testament provides clear guidance on the freedom we have in Christ. We are not bound by dietary laws or specific days, and we should not judge others based on these practices. Our focus should be on living a life that honors God in all things. [08:09]
** [08:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction and Lead Question
[01:09] - Why Some Christians Turn to Jewish Customs
[02:33] - Old Covenant vs. New Covenant
[04:15] - Dangers of Observing Jewish Customs
[05:42] - Avoiding Judgment and Superiority
[06:34] - Keeping Jesus Central
[07:34] - Scriptural Support
[09:06] - Freedom in Christ
[11:35] - Liberty in Observing Customs
[12:25] - Summary and Encouragement
[13:19] - Transition to Live Questions
[14:45] - Discussion on the Ten Commandments
[19:07] - Understanding Abominations
[21:47] - Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Sin
[25:07] - Reconciling Old and New Testament Teachings
[27:14] - New Testament Only Bibles
[30:16] - Balancing Commandments and Legalism
[33:06] - Witnessing to Family Members
[39:36] - Praying to the Holy Spirit
[42:17] - Old Testament References and Forgiveness
[46:37] - Recommended Commentaries
[51:49] - Textual Variations in Acts
[56:21] - Lightning Round Questions
[64:05] - Religious vs. Spiritual Christians
[65:46] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Colossians 2:16-17
Romans 14:5-6
1 Timothy 4:4-5

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Observation Questions:

According to Colossians 2:16-17, what are believers warned against, and what is the substance of our faith? [07:34]
In Romans 14:5-6, how does Paul describe the freedom Christians have regarding the observance of days and dietary practices? [10:01]
What does 1 Timothy 4:4-5 say about the purity of foods and how should this influence a believer's perspective on dietary laws? [09:26]
What are the three main dangers mentioned in the sermon that Christians should avoid when observing Jewish customs? [04:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the understanding of the Old Covenant as a source of principles and examples, rather than a binding agreement, affect a believer's relationship with God? [03:07]
Why might some Christians feel superior to others based on their observance of Jewish customs, and how does this contradict the message of equality in Christ? [06:00]
In what ways can the focus on Jewish customs potentially obscure the centrality of Jesus and His work on the cross? [06:34]
How does the New Testament's emphasis on freedom in Christ challenge the legalistic tendencies that might arise from observing Old Testament laws? [08:09]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own spiritual practices. Are there any traditions or customs you observe that might unintentionally make you feel more righteous than others? How can you shift your focus back to Christ? [05:09]
Have you ever judged another believer for not observing certain customs or traditions? How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and love in your interactions with others? [06:00]
Consider the role of Jewish customs in your faith journey. How can you ensure that these practices point to Christ rather than overshadow Him? [06:34]
In what ways can you embrace the freedom that Christ offers without imposing unnecessary burdens on yourself or others? [08:09]
Think about a time when you felt pressured to follow certain religious customs. How did you navigate that situation, and what did you learn about your relationship with God?
Identify one area in your life where you might be holding onto legalistic views. What steps can you take to embrace the grace and freedom found in the New Covenant?
How can you encourage others in your community to focus on the substance of their faith in Christ rather than the observance of external customs? [07:34]

Sermon Clips

There is nothing in the old Covenant for the believer in Jesus Christ except for what we learn by principle and example. Yes, there's things for us to learn from the old Covenant in principle. Yes, there's things for us to learn, excuse me, from the old Covenant by example by seeing how God dealt with his people. [00:02:59]

For believers under the New Covenant, there's nothing wrong in following Jewish customs and traditions as long as these three dangers are avoided. Now, if somebody else can think of more dangers, that's great, but I can think of three dangers associated with Christians, New Covenant Believers, adopting aspects or Customs from the old Covenant Jewish customs and traditions. [00:04:18]

They need to recognize that this is not the basis of their standing or status with God. It's not their righteousness in Jesus Christ. We are under not the old Covenant but the new. Following Jewish Customs or Traditions does not make a person one bit more right with God. [00:04:55]

They must not judge or think themselves Superior to other believers who do not follow Jewish Customs or traditions. This is a constant battle for many people. If they adopt certain Jewish Customs or Traditions, they have a way to look down upon other believers who do not adopt those. [00:05:49]

They need to make sure that Jesus, especially in his work on the cross and in his resurrection, is not obscured by attention to Jewish customs and traditions. Rather, Jesus is highlighted and exalted. Can we not say that these things are sometimes a problem for Hebrew roots or similar other kind of congregations? [00:06:31]

Colossians chap 2: 16 and 17 says this: so let no one judge you in food or in drink or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths which are a shadow of things to come but the substance is Christ. Now notice this Paul writes very plainly there so let no one Jud you in light of all of what Paul has just explained. [00:07:34]

The Old Testament law had certain Provisions that are done away with in Jesus Christ regarding such things as food and sabbaths. Now friends, it's not that those things were bad but that they were simply as verse 17 in Colossians chapter 2 says they were a shadow of things to come and once the substance has arrived, the substance being Jesus Christ, we don't need the Shadows anymore. [00:08:35]

Christians are therefore free to keep a Kosher diet or observe the sabbath if they want to. There's nothing wrong with those things just don't think that eating kosher or Sabbath observance makes you any closer to God and as verse 16 says do not judge another brother or sister who does not observe such laws. [00:09:28]

Romans chapter 14 veres 5 and 6 Paul says this one person esteems one day above another another esteems every day alike Let each be fully convinced in his own mind he observes the day observes it to the Lord he who does not observe the day to the Lord he does not observe it he eats eats to the Lord for he gives God thanks. [00:10:05]

If your conscience tells you I want to observe the sabbath from Friday Sundown to Saturday Sundown according to the Jewish practice and make it a day of rest you have Liberty in Christ to do it you have Liberty in Christ not to do it just don't think for a moment that that's the ground of your righteousness in Jesus Christ. [00:11:23]

You are right to oppose the direction that your son is going into you are right to oppose it if number one he thinks any of the Jewish Customs or Traditions makes him more righteous then it's right to oppose it number two your right to oppose it if he thinks himself Superior to other Christians who don't observe Christian or excuse me Jewish customs and traditions. [00:12:26]

The key phrase there in Exodus chapter 20 is of those who hate me and so if a new generation turns to the Lord and no longer hates him they're no longer in that category hope that's helpful for you there Stacy God bless you. [00:27:00]

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Understanding Christian Freedom and Jewish Customs

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the New Covenant

Day 2: Righteousness Through Faith

Day 3: Humility and Equality in Christ

Day 4: Keeping Jesus Central

Day 5: Living in Freedom

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding Christian Freedom and Jewish Customs

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