What the Law Could Not Do – 12.28.07

We all know nobody can be saved by keeping the law. In many places, the Bible clearly states that no man can be justified (declared righteous) by adherence to the law. Here are a few examples.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deed of the law. (Romans 3:28)

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:21)

The statements here and in many other passages are straightforward and plain. And they contain no time limit. No man in the Old Testament, no man in the New Testament could be made righteous by the law.

What I'd like for us to consider is why the law lacks the power to save a man. We are going to focus on 2 reasons, though there are probably many more.

1. Nobody can keep it.

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 written in the book of the law to do them. 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. (Galatians 3:10-13).

God placed the man and the woman in the garden with 1 commandment, and they broke it in no time…and they passed down that sinful nature to all of their descendants (Romans 5:12).

Now, some people say you have to keep the 10 commandments to go to heaven (interestingly enough, I've never met one of these people who could name all 10). There are 3 things we need to remind them of…and keep in mind ourselves:

> There is no Bible verse that ever comes anywhere close to saying you have to keep the 10 commandments to go to heaven.

> James 2:10-11 says one violation makes a man guilty of breaking the entire law. One transgression makes a man a lawbreaker. Galatians 3 says that puts him under the law's curse. The standard is complete adherence. The requirement is perfection.

> When the Bible mentions "the law," it's talking about more than the 10 commandments. Remember, "the law" is the entire body of commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Nobody with half a right mind would claim to be able to keep it all. And even if they did claim it, that wouldn't make it true.

2. It was never intended to do so.

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 had 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. (Hebrews 10:1-4)

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)

We'll study the different purposes of the law later, but notice that the law is given to point us to Jesus Christ. It is a shadow of good things to come. The tabernacles, the sacrifices, the offerings, the vessels of ministry, the priests, they all point to Jesus. He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world (James 1:29). Christ is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Notice from the Hebrews passage: the fact that the sacrifices had to be made year after year after year served as a reminder that they didn't do the trick. If a sacrifice took away my sins, then my sins are gone, and I'll never need another sacrifice. That was not accomplished until Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice on Calvary. But this man, after he had offered once sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God (v. 12).

Here are some notes from the class on Hebrews regarding why it was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (v. 4):

> A goat is not of the same nature with those who sin.

> A goat is not of sufficient value to make satisfaction for the affronts offered to the justice of God.

> A goat could not consent to put itself in the sinner's place. The animal technically was not a sacrifice. It was killed. It did not lay down its life on the sinner's behalf.

So the law can't save anyone because (1) nobody can keep it and (2) it was never intended to save anyone. When God gave Israel the law, He understood they could never keep it. It is obvious that He had something else in mind. That something else was the very image of the things – the offering of the body and blood of Jesus Christ once for all.

Aren't you glad the only requirement is believe!

The Law Defined – 12.26.07

For the next few weeks, we are going to study the Biblical doctrine of the law. I've been excited for some time about studying this topic together and learning what the Bible has to say about it.

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully. (1 Timothy 1:8)

What is the law? What makes it good? What is its lawful use? Over the years, there has been as much and probably more false teaching concerning this topic as any other. Sadly, the result is that the majority of Christians today (not to mention lost people) are very, very confused about the law and its purpose. But if we are to be victorious in our Christian life and successful in our witnessing, we must understand the answers to these vital questions according to the Bible.

In the Bible, the term "the law" has several different applications:

• The entire Old Testament, as in Matthew 5:18 A
• A portion of the Old Testament, most commonly said to be the first 5 books – Genesis through Deuteronomy – "the law and the prophets" (Luke 24:44, John 1:17, et. al.)
  
• The entire body of commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, "the law of Moses" (Luke 2:22, John 7:23, et. al.)
  
• The 10 commandments are often referred to as the "moral law" and are said to summarize God's standards for our relationships with Him and with others. They were written by God on "the tables of the covenant" and placed inside the ark of the covenant (Hebrews 9:4; Exodus 34:27-29; Deuteronomy 10:1-5). This is probably the most common and probably the least scriptural application of the term.

Now, let's take a brief look at some of Galatians 3. Verse 17 says, And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Verse 19 says, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added…

According to Galatians 3 (with the support of the rest of Scripture), the law (we're talking now about the entire body of commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai) is an amendment to the covenant that God made with Abraham and his descendants, the Hebrew people. God gave an unconditional promise to Abraham – that His seed would multiply and possess the land of Canaan for ever. When the Hebrew people were delivered from Egypt's bondage 430 years later, the law was added to that covenant for the purpose of governing the Israelites in the land they were given to possess. That is what the law is. We must understand that…for reasons that should become apparent in the coming weeks.

Note that Galatians 3 points out that God's promise to Abraham is still unconditional – the Hebrews will one day inherit the land God gave to Abraham and his seed. Aren't you glad God keeps His promises! Is He not worthy of our trust!

I Want That Mountain – 12.20.07

Greetings, one and all!

For 2½ months these bi-weekly devotions have concentrated on the different types of hearts found in the Bible. And we have by no means exhausted that list. I hope it's been a blessing to you. I know it has been a help to me.

Quick break before we move into another series…

I've been reading for the past couple days through the book of Joshua. Chapter 10, verse 42 pretty much summarizes what I've read to this point. And all these kings and their land did Jshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. Chapter 11, verse 12 says, And al lthe cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge fo the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded.

Joshua and the children of Israel entered the land of Canaan with a promise from God that it was all theirs. With a promise from God that He would fight for them and destroy their enemies. Yet, Joshua and the armies of Israel still had to go in and take what rightfully belonged to them.

This parallels the Christian experience. We have victory in Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58). We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37). We have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). Yet, it is our responsibility to go out into the battle and take the victory that has been given us.

Remember Caleb? He and Joshua were the only adults in all the nation who survived the wilderness wanderings...because they were the only 2 spies who brought back a good report at Kadesh-barnea ("10 were bad and 2 were good"). In chapter 14, Caleb was 85 years old, and he decided it was time for him to take the mountain that had been given him as a reward for his faithfulness. Now, that mountain he had been given was occupied by giants who lived in great, fenced cities. But Caleb knew in his heart (14:12), "if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said."

What mountain, what victory, what conquest has God given you that you are yet to take? God has promised victory over that sin in your life. It's up to you to claim the victory and go out and get it. What giants need to be cleared from your mountain before you can enjoy the fulness of God's blessings? If He goes with you, you'll be able to drive them out. And He has promised to never leave or forsake us (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

I saw the Giant of Prayerlessness upon the mountain high; He laughed so hard at my unbended knee.

No longer in the wilderness I'll stay, and so I cry: I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

There was a Giant of Laziness who said I wouldn't go And witness for the One who set me free.

I'll come from out the wilderness, I'll witness now I know; I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

One Faithless Giant upon the crest of Hebron's lofty height has vowed that he's the one to make me flee.

I'll climb from out the wilderness! and trust Jehovah's might! I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

Let ev'ry Giant of Distress and Unbelief and Sin Get ready now to vacate, for you see:

I've come from out the wilderness! I know I'm going to win! I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

Chorus

I want that mountain! I want that mountain! Where the milk and honey flow, where the grapes of Eshcol grow.

I want that mountain! I want that mountain! The mountain that my Lord has given me.

Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Adulterous Heart – 12.18.07

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children. (2 Peter 2:14)

The warning in 2 Peter 2 regards a man who claims to be saved but believes he can live any way he wants to…and encourages others to think the same way (the warning continues into chapter 3 and closely matches the book of Jude). The passage states that the end of that man is worse than his beginning.

Among the many identifying characteristics of such a man laid out in the chapter is "having eyes full of adultery…an heart…exercised with covetous practices." So let's conclude our consideration of Some Hearts Not to Have with a look at the adulterous heart.

The phrase "having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin" well describes the society in which we live. A covetous, adulterous heart is promoted and encouraged pretty much everywhere we turn. Magazines, billboards, television, movies, music, advertising, radio, at school, on the job, in the checkout line…the list could go on and on.

Notice that as with the heart of envy, this adulterous heart is rooted in the sin of covetousness. One with an adulterous heart has an inordinate desire for that which does not belong to him. Until before God and witnesses you pledge your life and love to the man or woman you will for ever call your husband or your wife, you have no right or claim to a physical relationship with a member of the opposite sex. That does not belong to you. Our country does not understand that. Sadly, many Christians do not understand that or do not acknowledge that.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)

There are a couple things to note about this passage. First of all, one does not have to be involved in the physical act in order to be guilty of adultery. It is a matter of the heart. Secondly, notice that guilt can be attributed to both parties. The passage states, "hath committed adultery with her in his heart." The man who casts a lustful eye at a woman is guilty, and the woman who dresses and conducts herself in such a way as to provide the temptation is just as guilty. Thirdly, note that there is a difference between looking and seeing. Living in today's world, sometimes you can't help but see some things you don't want to see. But you do get to decide whether or not you look.

How did David's sin with Bathsheeba start? 2 Samuel 11:2 says, "And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon." Had David immediately turned away from what he saw, he would not have gotten himself in trouble. What was the problem? There was a covetousness in his heart for something that did not belong to him. And so the "saw" turned into a "look." And you know how he ended up.

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. (Proverbs 23:33)

Whether you're a young man or a young lady, your heart is going to utter some perverse thing at some time or another. It is going to happen. And you need to purpose in your heart, right now, what your response is going to be. What are you going to do when some thought races across your mind that you know shouldn't be there? It's going to happen. You have to prepare yourself. You need to examine your heart right now and ask God to show you if there's some unchecked desire for something that's not yours.

The only way to combat these temptations the devil throws our way is to capture those thoughts and lay them at the feet of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). But in order to be able to do that, you'll have to be on guard. You'll have to be ready. So prepare yourself, right now.

I understand this happy little devotion is a bit heavier than most, but you've got to admit, we all need this. We have to realize that none of us is above anything. I'm just as capable of falling as anybody else (1 Corinthians 10:12). If King David fell like he did, then I can definitely be in danger of doing the same. And I don't want to do it. Neither do you.

Envious Heart – 12.14.07

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. (Proverbs 23:17)

To envy is "to feel uneasiness, mortification or discontent, at the sight of superior excellence, reputation or happiness enjoyed by another; to repine at another's prosperity; to fret or grieve one's self at the real or supposed superiority of another, and to hate him on that account."

Envy appears to be an offshoot of the sin of covetousness. Envy says, "I want what he has, so I despise him for having it." An envious person sees another receive a blessing and hates that man because it wasn't him.

We often use the words envy and jealousy interchangeably, but there is a marked difference between the two in the Bible…26 of the 43 biblical references to the word concern God's jealousy over His people. In the biblical use of the words, jealousy is rooted in love for another party, while envy is rooted in love for one's self.

David said in Psalm 73:3, For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. David was envious at those who were enjoying life, despite of the ungodly way they lived it. His problem was that he limited his sight to the short term. Proverbs 24:19-20 says, Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

Remember Moses? What caused him to forsake Egypt with all its treasures and all its pleasures? He knew that the pleasures of sin only last for a season and he recognized that God would reward him in the long run for doing right (Hebrews 11:24-27). So don't be envious at the wicked. Don't give up your reward that awaits you for following the Lord.

If the devil is able to ensnare you in this trap, then your fate will be the same as those you envy. Job 5:2 says, For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. And Proverbs 14:30 says, A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

One last word…sadly, this envy business oftentimes works its way into the fellowship of believers. The only reason any of us would despise another who receives some blessing or reward or recognition or honor or position is that we think it should go to us. May the Lord help us to get all that out of our hearts and Rejoice with them that do rejoice (Romans 12:15).

Proud Heart – 12.11.07

Question for you. How do you get along with your brothers and sisters in Christ? How do you get along with your brothers and sisters at home? What about your parents? What about the people you go to school with or the people you work with? How do you treat people in general?

If there's always some type of problem or some type of situation, or if there is always tension in any one of these relationships, then the Bible suggests that you examine your heart for a satanic influence. You see, only by pride cometh contention (Proverbs 13:10). Webster's 1828 dictionary defines pride as "inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others." Proverbs 28:25 says that a proud heart manifests itself by stirring up strife.

We all know that pride is what got Satan kicked out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). What we need to realize is that God did not put up with it then, and He'll no more allow it to go unpunished in our lives. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer (Psalm 101:5).

So don't think of yourself more highly than you ought to think (Romans 12:3). Esteem others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3). When you think about it, what do we really have to be proud of? All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10). All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). We're made of dust, and that's where this body is headed when all is said and done (Genesis 3:19).

So let's just praise God that He commended His love toward us and died for us sinners – even though we didn't and still don't deserve it. And let's humble ourselves enough to treat others the way we should. Are you at odds with a Christian friend? With a brother or sister? With an acquaintance? Heed the words of Proverbs 6:3, "Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend."

1 John 3:16 says, "Hereby perceive we the love of God for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." May the Lord would work that out in all of our hearts. Remember to pray for one another.

Perverse Heart – 12.7.07

A word akin to froward that we are probably all more familiar with is the word perverse. Perverse is defined as, "turned aside; hence, distorted from the right."

Let's compare the following verses regarding a perverse heart.

He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. (Proverbs 14:2)

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. (Proverbs 12:8)

These two verses beautifully illustrate the truth of Galatians 6:7. That is, you reap what you sow. A perverse heart is one that despises God instead of fearing Him. In turn, God despises the man with the perverse heart, as opposed to commending Him.

And I promise you want God's commendation. You don't want Him to despise you. I can think of two men in the Bible who out of a perverse heart despised God or His representative, and were thus despised by God.

One is Nabal (you can read about his fate in 1 Samuel 25), and the other is Haman the Agagite (Esther 7-9). The Bible says of both men that God returned their wickedness on their own heads…which doesn't sound pleasant or enjoyable (but does sound like a good Bible study! check these references out: 1 Samuel 25:39; 1 Kings 8:32; 2 Chronicles 6:23; Nehemiah 4:4; Esther 9:25; Psalm 7:16; Proverbs 25:22; Ezekiel 7:10; Ezekiel 16:43; Ezekiel 17:19; Joel 3:4, 7; Obadiah 1:15; Romans 12:19-21).

The man with a perverse heart is met with swift destruction (Proverbs 28:18). Proverbs says it would be much better for that man to be poor (Proverbs 19:1; 23:33; 28:6) indicating that many "turn aside" from God to seek after wealth. Their end is destruction (1 Timothy 6:9-11).