|
Author
|
Topic: Kingdom Values
|
Thunderz7
Advanced Member
Member # 31
|
posted
I see the scales are balanced with what is written and what is Spirit.
In our lives, if one starts outweighing the other then we get out of balance, priorities become wrong, denominations and division of the Body of Christ starts.
Posts: 1113 | From: Northeast Alabama | Registered: Jun 2002
| IP: Logged | 
|
|
Carol Swenson
Admin
Member # 6929
|
posted
Joy in the "law"
Originally the law was the delight of those who loved God, helping them to draw closer to God. For example:
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalms_19:7-11).
As time went on, after the original law was given, religious authorities added their own restrictions and interpretations - taking the law from a joy to a bondage. This is why Jesus hit out so hard against the Pharisees for their harsh, legalistic corruption of the principles of the law (e.g.: Matthew_23:24). Jesus fulfilled the law by drawing people back to its original purposes.
The principles Jesus brings to us are as concerned with our motives as what we do!
The limitations and fulfillment of the "law"
Jesus made the following vital comments about the laws of God:
"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. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks 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 practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven". (Matthew_5:17-20)
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew_22:36-40).
The Bible teaches that we can never make it to holiness by attempting to keep all the laws of God in our own strength. We will fail! Something greater is needed, and that something greater is:
God's grace extended to us through Jesus, and
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2_Corinthians_3:6)
In this new "living" way God sends His Spirit to reside in the Christian, writing the laws of God on our hearts (Hebrews_10:19-20).
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Hebrews_8:10).
This means being inwardly motivated by radically changed attitudes of heart - so that it is our deep desire to want to please God. Now, through the Cross of Christ, if we sin again - we quickly put it right and go on.
"We now serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." (Romans_7:6).
With the new covenant in Christ (Hebrews_9:15) our heart response should be one of great thanks for God's grace. Because of this we seek to follow Jesus in a whole-hearted way.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians_3:1).
The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew_5:3_-_7:29 and Luke_6:20_-_49. Here is found the greatest teaching about life ever brought together. This passage provides tremendous insight and understanding into the eternal values of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus took the laws of God beyond a literal or legalistic interpretation. He understood the deeper meaning to be a matter of attitudes and values - not just outward appearances. The kingdom of heaven involves a righteousness surpassing that of the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders of the time) and the teachers of the law (Matthew_5:20).
Jesus expounded these kingdom values like building blocks, one upon the other. For example in the Beatitudes (Matthew_5:3-11) He brings to us the secret of true happiness:
The deepest blessings of God come to those who -
Are poor in spirit (willing to be emptied of self and be filled with God's Spirit);
Mourn (over the poverty of their position before God and their needs);
Are meek (humble and submissive to God);
Hunger and thirst for the righteousness which comes from God;
Are merciful;
Are pure in heart;
Are peacemakers (seeking the spirit of peace, and reconciliation in relationships).
Are persecuted because of righteousness.
Jesus wants to turn the motivation of our lives inside out, to liberate us from:
The Great Commandment
"Which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew_22:36-40)
We can't live this life under our own steam. We can't earn God's favor by our own good efforts! The secret is allowing God to live this life through us, and not settling for less.
http://www.antioch.com.sg/well/devotional/disciples/unit6.htm
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
| IP: Logged |
|
|
|
Printer-friendly view of this topic
