Monday, July 9th
Read: Acts 15
Rules were made to be broken, right? Well, not exactly. But there’s good news. In Old Testament times, people were bound to rules. The consequences for breaking or bending the Jewish customs were extremely harsh. A fate of being stoned to death easily awaited anyone who was unwilling to follow the directions of the temple priests or government rulers.
Thankfully, we’ve been redeemed! “He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!” (see 1 Peter 2:24) This is the new covenant: the gift of life! The trouble with rules is that they are impossible to keep because of man’s sinful nature. Therefore, sin is inevitable. But Jesus not only took our sins, He caused the curtain to be torn that separated between us and God (see Matthew 27:51). This means that we have direct access to God and because He calls us His children, we also have the rights of sons and daughters. With God’s power in us, nothing is impossible.
But still, questions remain. What’s the point of the law if we’re completely covered and spoken for because of the blood of Jesus? And if laws can’t help us earn forgiveness or salvation, why do we as a Church harbor so much legalistic bitterness toward other brothers and sisters? First, let’s remember that we must not judge others (non-believers), especially in the area of salvation. God alone knows someone’s heart. Peter said this: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (vs.8-11).
God fulfilled the law for our benefit, but we’re given a choice to follow them or not; a personal choice, that is. Following the law is one of the many ways we display our love for God and our devotion to Him. However, they don’t give us salvation or help us earn forgiveness. New life comes to us through Christ when we confess our sins and forsake them, that is, accepting His forgiveness and provision. Fullness of life comes when we embrace His commands and choose to intentionally love Him. When we don’t live life under this truth, we quickly set up our own rules and laws for being a part of the Church. Yes, we need covenant, but we must not make new rules. Here is the difference: rules are given by the King alone and must be followed. Covenant is a privilege and a calling. It can be entered into by anyone but enforced by God alone.
Process:
– 1 Corinthians 13 demands that we live a life of love. Read it and do it. Don’t hold grudges. Be truthful, not condescending. How can you live a life of love everyday? What can you do for the Kingdom?
– Don’t try to earn God’s favor by what you do. Good works do bring a smile to His face, but we live under grace. No matter what you do that’s wrong, or what you don’t do that you should, He is faithful and won’t stop loving you.
– Be full of grace: Live every day remembering the new covenant. At the end of the day, go to Jesus and ask Him to show you where you need His grace. Be humbled and receive it. Then, freely give as you receive. In what areas of your life do you need God’s grace? Know that God’s grace is sufficient for you (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Youth Department