2e - Law and Grace [6:15-7:6]

  • No longer under the law?
  • Under law or under grace—the new life of the Spirit 7:5-6
    1. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful desires, aroused by the law, were active in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
    2. But now we have been released from the law, because we have died to what controlled us, so that we may serve in the new life of the Spirit and not under the old written code.
  • This is one of the most thorny issues that have taxed the minds of Christians for the last two thousand years.
  • There is a danger from both sides:
  • what are 2 extremes called?
Legalism Grace and Truth Antinomianism (lawlessness)
one extreme correct understanding other extreme
  • some examples of legalism
    • some clothing rules
    • focus on externals
    • no earings etc.
  • Pharisees concept of “fencing the law”
  • examples of antinomianism (someone I knew)
    • no car insurance
    • getting drunk
    • I will watch whatever movie I want to!
    • T.Virgo—grace or righteousness?
  • Look at the Scriptures: many commands in the New Testament
    • also sermon on mount—Jesus was a law giver
    • but he replaced the law (parable of the camel and needle’s eye)
  • Answer: The law does not change when you are saved, it is your relationship with the law
    • slave to a master
    • or law of love.
  • The master & the maid
  • The employee & the partner
    • steal from the till
    • go home early
    • long lunch breaks
    • help himself to company stationary
    • surf the internet instead of working
    • rude and unhelpful to customers
  • The need for the Spirit
    • This new relationship is through him
    • Romans 8:13-16
      1. ...but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.
      2. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.
      3. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.”
      4. The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are God’s children.
  • The tape recorder, playing in the background of our minds
    • I’m useless, I’m going to mess up again
    • I know what I’m like
    • That is a lie! Speak the truth to yourself! You are a new creation in Christ Jesus

“But now we have been released from the law,
because we have died to what controlled us,
so that we may serve in the new life of the Spirit
and not under the old written code.” Romans 7:6

  • offending weaker brother ??