What about me as a believer – where does God’s Law come into my personal picture? Am I supposed to be a Law-keeper? How can this even be done? Won’t I fail? Where does grace fit in?
James, the brother of Jesus pondered this from a lifetime as a devoted Jew, growing up with Jesus as his older brother, and having observed Jesus’ teaching and miracles throughout all his experiences. What helpful and focused insight he has for us!
“But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but a person of faith action, this man will be blessed in what he does.” – James 1:25
I did a few word studies and tried to get a deeper sense for what James was communicating.
Check it out from the NUV (Nadler unauthorized version): “But the one who looks to the side of the path and bows to the Word and stays close to it, as it brings us prepared in heart to the door of eternity, free and not a slave to anyone. Not a neglectful listener, but a man or woman of spiritual action. We will be blessed in our pursuits of life, both in our plans as well as in submitting our heart to God.”
As we reexamine these life-giving commandments, we must frame the conversation.
Has God revealed Himself? The answer of the GodStory? Yes!
Through what has been made, the micro and the macro to the greatest degree.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:18-20
This passage seems to be pretty clear. As we sort out the commandments of God alongside the doctrines of demons, we must be careful not to try to live somewhere in the middle.
“Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal (the idol de jour), follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.” – 1 Kings 18:21
As we search the Law of Liberty it is quite plain what Satan and his demons wish for us. They want us to forsake freedom for bondage. Not seemingly unpleasant bondage, but chains which don’t look like chains at all. They are the things which make us THINK we are free when we are not.
This worksheet juxtaposes the 10 Commandments with the doctrines of demons. As you analyze the bondage sown through our culture into our waiting and willing hearts, think through where you see yourself being robbed by teachings which are promising freedom – but supplying bondage. Have this conversation with your teens, your souse, your friends.
God’s Commands/Doctrines of Demons
Through what has been spoken. Search bar for MUSIC: Psalm 19
Through God’s Word coming near in Jesus. Search for Jesus Awakens.
Owning and teaching our family values. Out-of-date? Undoable? Unproductive?
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).
One beautiful vision for a family is cultivating the heart to reach out to others who need encouragement, caring, and certainly including physical needs to be met. To look beyond ourselves is a great way to train the hearts of our kids.