Solemn Charge 1: The Commands

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Solemn Charge 1: Ten Commands

I would like to observe a few passages to form the basis for our look into the Law of God (the ten commandments) and the Law of Christ. This subject is key to the success of Christ-followers now and through the end of the age. We will place it alongside a consideration of the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) to better prepare us to apply the grace of God’s Law in the midst of massive false teaching (2 Timothy 3:1-9).

Why is God’s Law relevant to me?
This is an artistic rendition of DNA. I found this image as I contemplated the finger of God in Exodus 8:19; 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10 and by Jesus in Luke 11:20. As I view the extent and nature of God’s imprint upon all things – I am deeply humbled to recognize His Voice.

The Law and the Commandment 
What is your view of the concept of God’s law? Restrictive? Unattainable? No longer applicable? Difficult to fathom or apply in real life? Are these words of God created for this life and the one to come?

“Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction.”   – Exodus 24:12

God couples two words as He shares His heart and mind with His chosen people. The first is law. It literally means God’s charge to us or upon us. It is all about ownership. What is the extent of His Kingship? He next uses the word commandment. This is the word mitzvah (as in bar mitzvah). It means to embrace the charge of the Word of God with all your heart.

God’s Law = action
Jesus then uses the greek word entello when talking about the Law. It means a charge of instrumentality or action, coming from a root word telos, which means an ending or a toll. Can you see it? Jesus is giving us a clear picture of His Father’s commandments. Here is your God connection. It is the way you will prepare yourself for when you and all others stand before Me. My Law is my grace to explain clearly what is able to lead you to a satisfied life.

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  (John 8:31-32) He is telling us “you have learned My way – and My way is making you free.”  Wow.

Jesus and the Law of God
“Do not think that I came to abolish (overthrow) the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill (make full and complete). For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”  – Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus’ summary of the great commandment
“But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:34-40

Why is God’s Law relevant to me? Are grace and Law antithetical or is Law a part of God’s grace?
Worth thinking about! Let’s talk again.

God’s Commands 
Deeper in the Greatness of Grace
A Psalm 19 Song
A solemn charge song

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