September 18, 2016
Our spiritual identity in Christ is greater than racial, demographic, gender and any other physical identities. An emphasis on the latter leads to disunity and strife. But a focus on the former leads to oneness and blessing. Law cannot accomplish this kind of unity and peace. Only those who by faith have believed in Christ may know this oneness of being members together in God’s family. This is not a call to forget physical conditions, but to make identity in Christ your banner. Race, class and gender warfare belong to the former way of life and have no place among those who follow Jesus.
September 17, 2016
What is the “curse of the law?” Does Paul teach that the law itself is accursed? Certainly not. The law of God is perfect. The law teaches us of righteousness, the difference between right and wrong. Yet, this teaching cannot empower us to keep it, nor can it save us when we inevitably break it. The law is like a mirror, revealing our sin-blemished, leprous flesh, but not able to heal us from its terminal progression. So, what is “the curse of the law?” It is the curse that falls on anyone who does not keep every word of the law. For the one who would live by the law, seeking to be justified by their own effort at righteousness, must keep every word of it (Gal. 3:10, Deut. 27:26). But the good news is this: Christ has “redeemed,” bought us out from under the “curse,” so that we might experience God’s “blessing” (Gal. 3:14). We are to live by faith in Christ’s redemption, not by claiming to be good enough through our own effort.
September 18, 2015
The word “tutor” is from the Greek word from which is derived the English word, “pedagogue.” During the 1st Century, wealthy persons would hire a servant to tutor their children, preparing them for adult life. After graduation they were no longer under the tutor. In the same manner, the law is “our tutor,” showing us right from wrong, and teaching us that we are sinners unable to fully follow God’s righteous commands. This reveals to us our need for a Savior. The law does not save, it only instructs. And points us to Jesus. Jesus saves. Our diploma for heaven is not received from following the law, but from trusting in Christ, who has fulfilled the law on our behalf.
September 16, 2012
If we are saved through faith, we must live and walk by faith. Self-effort neither saves nor sanctifies. We must learn to lean, being filled with the Spirit, we lean on Him for power and progress. More prayer, less planning. More leaning, less effort.