The Purpose of The Law in the Christian Life

Wow! Amazing message yesterday from Mike Funk, entitled "Crucified". Here are some of the high points, especially on how the law pertains to the Christian.

“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”  -James 1:25, NIV

There are three aspects of the law commonly referred to in the Old Testament:

1. Ceremonial Law
2. Moral Law
3. Prophetic Law (Messianic Implications)

The law is designed to bring conviction, reveal to us how sinful we are, and put us in prime position to receive our salvation by grace.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.”
-Galatians 2:19, NIV

Funk points out that when Paul wrote in opposition to the law in the New Testament, he was usually opposing the ceremonial aspect - some ritualistic requirement, such as strict observations of dates and festivals, circumcision, separation from the uncircumcised, or the idea of salvation by works. He never seemed to oppose any moral aspect of the law.

“Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would have certainly come by the law.” 
-Galatians 3:21, NIV

Have you ever heard anyone say "I'm not under law, I'm under grace"? Funk suggests that the moral aspect of the law is essential to the sanctification of every Christian. It reveals to us Christ's character and shows us what resides in us that is contrary to God's nature. This is how we are supposed to mature spiritually and be gradually conformed to the image of Christ. His lavish grace is there for us as we fumble and stumble along the way. However, it is never an excuse to become complacent, to stay stuck, or to continue in habitual sin.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”  
-James 1:22-24, NIV

He also warns against the tendency towards legalism, which is using the law to judge others. Notice the mirror analogy? That means we are supposed to be looking at ourselves, not others! If we are using the law to judge others then we are in legalism.

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?” -James 4:12, NIV

To put ourselves in the place of God is the highest form of hypocrisy, and ultimately idolatry. We must never forget what wretched sinners we are and how much grace we've ourselves received! I know for me, it was all about realizing what a complete loser I am but for Christ. =)

And while Funk believes there are definitely times when we are called to rebuke or correct our fellow believer, he stresses that it should be done delicately, with humility, motivated by love, and with much counsel and prayer beforehand.

“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  -Matthew 22:34-40, NIV (citing Deut. 6:5 & Lev. 19:18)

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him..for anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”
-1 John 4:16,20, NIV

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
-Galatians 2:20, NIV

Preach it Brother Funk!
Click here for a podcast of the full sermon: "Crucified".