Freedom To Serve God

In our discussion of the relationship between the Christian and the Law, it is crucial to understand why the Law was given.  I Timothy 1:8-10 explains, “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” 

Contrary to popular belief, people are not innately good.  Some of them commit murder, or lie, or steal or do other things that harm other people.  Without some kind of standard, they are free to do anything they please without concern.  The law was given to limit their behavior and protect those around them.  Its effect on those who try to do what is right is minimal.  Unfortunately, there are time when even the most careful citizen ends up violating the law due to unexpected circumstances.  In such cases, keeping the law becomes a problem. 

It is not possible to give a law which covers every possible situation, and as a result, even God’s law becomes a burden.    Galatians 3:10 states, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”  Every violation of the law required a penalty.  The sacrifices could not take away the sin, as Hebrews 10:1-4 tells us.  “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.  But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”  All the sacrifices could do was postpone judgment for another year   

Fortunately Christ has freed us from that burden, by making full payment for our sin on the Cross.  We can depend on him and his sacrifice, rather than trying to constantly make up for our mistakes.  Galatians 3:11-14 tells us, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

As a result of that Faith in Christ, II Corinthians 5:17-19 tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”  We receive a new spirit or attitude, focusing on doing what pleases God, rather than what we can get by with, and no longer have to worry about getting caught doing wrong.  We are free to serve God rather than worrying about the Law.

The standards of the Law only become a problem when we revert to the flesh and stop living or walking with a godly spirit or attitude.   It is important to understand that one’s attitude demonstrates the spirit a person has.   If we start struggling with God’s laws or principles, it is an indication we need to renew our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives.