Sermon Central
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Spirit Of The Law
Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 29, 2021 (message contributor)
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1. The Law In Our Hearts
Contributed on Sep 29, 2021
A 2,000 year long discussion still continues among Christians. The discussion centers around the question, how much of the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures, applies in the New Testament, and how much is discontinued?
Let's begin a study on the spirit of the law. A 2,000 year long discussion still continues among Christians. The discussion centers around the question, how much of the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures, applies in the New Testament, and how much is discontinued? The argument between ...read more
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2. Parts Of The Law
Contributed on Oct 4, 2021
When we read the Old Testament, we find there are several parts of the law described. Some Hebrew Scriptures divide the law into three main segments: commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31; 6:1; 7:11; 30:16). How does this work?
When we read the Old Testament, we find there are several parts of the law described. Some Hebrew Scriptures divide the law into three main segments: commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31; 6:1; 7:11; 30:16). Some translations use the word decrees instead of statutes and ordinances ...read more
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3. The Ten Commandments (1 And 2)
Contributed on Oct 5, 2021
Let’s take a look at the Ten Words or Ten Commandments as they are also called. They are introduced by the words, “I am the Lord your God.” Let’s look at that in more depth.
Let’s take a look at the Ten Words or Ten Commandments as they are also called. They are introduced by the words, “I am the Lord your God.” Let’s look at that in more depth. Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. The Exodus ...read more
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4. The Ten Commandments (3 And 4)
Contributed on Oct 5, 2021
Let's look at the 3rd and 4th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them.
Let's look at the 3rd and 4th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them. Blasphemy Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. From a flippant OMG to deliberate slander, vain and ...read more
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5. The Ten Commandments (5 And 6)
Contributed on Oct 6, 2021
Let's look at the 5th and 6th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them.
Let's look at the 5th and 6th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them. Honor Parents Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. This is a positive commandment, proactive honoring of parents. ...read more
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6. The Ten Commandments (7 And 8)
Contributed on Oct 7, 2021
Let's look at the 7th and 8th of the Ten Commandments as most Protestants count them.
Let's look at the 7th and 8th of the Ten Commandments as most Protestants count them. Adultery Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery. This is not just a command only against the physical act, but in the spirit of the law, Jesus warned in Matthew 5 against careless glances, which by ...read more
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7. The Ten Commandments (9 And 10)
Contributed on Oct 11, 2021
Let's look at the 9th and 10th commandments as most Protestants count them.
Let's look at the 9th and 10th commandments as most Protestants count them. Lying Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. False witness is not just verbal, but also the example we set as Christians. If we go to Church faithfully, but are known as swindlers in ...read more
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8. Loving God
Contributed on Oct 11, 2021
Let's look at the first of the great commandments, loving God.
Before we get into the topic of loving God deeply, let’s do a little housekeeping. Mark 12:30 seems to add a word, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Where does the extra word come from? When the Bible ...read more
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9. Loving Neighbor
Contributed on Oct 12, 2021
Let's take a look at the second of the great commandments, love of neighbor.
Let's take a look at the second of the great commandments, love of neighbor. Matthew 22:39-40 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. ...read more
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10. Circumcision Of The Heart
Contributed on Oct 13, 2021
One of the main examples that help us understand how the spirit of the law applies to the Christian is that of circumcision. It’s not a new concept but was introduced in the Hebrew Scriptures, what Christians call the Old Testament. Circumcision of the heart is more important to God than the flesh.
One of the main examples that help us understand how the spirit of the law applies to the Christian is that of circumcision. It’s not a new concept but was introduced in the Hebrew Scriptures, what Christians call the Old Testament. Circumcision of the heart is more important to God than the ...read more
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11. When The Spirit Breaks The Letter
Contributed on Oct 13, 2021
Did the disciples break the law at times? Can we sometimes break the letter of the law while keeping the spirit or intent of the law?
Did the disciples break the law at times? Can we sometimes break the letter of the law while keeping the spirit or intent of the law? Let’s look at an example using the law of the road? Imagine I come to a cross-road stop-sign way out in the country, and I can see a long way down the road to the ...read more
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12. 613 Commandments
Contributed on Oct 16, 2021
How should a Christian approach the Hebrew scriptures? The number of commandments in the Old Testament is usually given as 613. That’s near enough for our discussion. Let’s look at some of them in light of Paul's instructions about the spirit of the law.
How should a Christian approach the Hebrew scriptures? The number of commandments in the Old Testament is usually given as 613. That’s near enough for our discussion. Let’s look at some of them in light of Paul's instructions about the spirit of the law. Such is the confidence that we have ...read more
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13. The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws
Contributed on Oct 20, 2021
Offerings were given often in Israel. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.
Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian ...read more
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14. The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws
Contributed on Oct 20, 2021
Offerings were given often in Israel. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.
Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian ...read more
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15. The Spirit Of Truth-Telling Laws
Contributed on Oct 20, 2021
In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. There was a positive and negative side of this topic. Let's look at these laws and see what the spirit of the law against lying is for Christians.
In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. The positive side of this topic in the Old Testament was that a vow was taken more seriously than many modern written contracts. The negative side of this topic in the Old Testament was that at least two people died due to foolish vows and ...read more
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16. The Spirit Of Purity Laws
Contributed on Oct 20, 2021
Is there any spiritual application of purity laws from the old covenant? Let's examine spiritual purity.
Purity laws included not eating unclean animals (Leviticus 11), not eating or touching dead animals (Leviticus 11:29-31), quarantining mothers after childbirth and menstruating women (Leviticus 12:2; 15:19-24), and men with an abnormal discharge (Leviticus 15:2-15). In the New Testament Jesus ...read more
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17. The Spirit Of Giving-Laws
Contributed on Oct 21, 2021
The giving laws in the Old Testament contain principles which are still valid for the Christian. Let's take a look at ancient godly principles which we can learn from today.
Giving was assessed and mandated in ancient Israel. Giving of firstfruits (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 19:23-25), corners of fields for the poor (Leviticus 19:9), and leftover olives and grapes for the poor (Deuteronomy 24:20-21). All this helps us as Christians understand an important principle of ...read more
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18. The Spirit Of The Sabbath Year
Contributed on Oct 21, 2021
Let’s explore the spirit of the laws of land rest and jubilee found in the Old Testament. These are laws that even good Christians will object to, because we are too selfish to even contemplate them.
Let’s explore the spirit of the laws of land rest and jubilee found in the Old Testament. These are laws that even good Christians will object to, because we are too selfish to even contemplate them. An agricultural sabbath was mandated for the whole of the seventh year (Leviticus 25:2-7, 20-22) ...read more
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19. The Spirit Of Festival Laws
Contributed on Oct 22, 2021
Ancient Hebrews used a lunar-solar calendar, easy to observe in the sky as a new moon began a new month. Throughout the calendar year there were ritual observances of locally relevant harvests and commemorations of notable events. How is this relevant for Christians?
The ancient Hebrew year was observed using a lunar-solar calendar with 12 and 13 months over a 19 year cycle. This was easy to observe in the sky as a new moon began a new month. Throughout the calendar year there were ritual observances of locally relevant harvests and commemorations of notable ...read more
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20. The Spirit Of Safety And Health Laws
Contributed on Oct 25, 2021
In some countries with strong occupational safety laws, roofers must be harnessed in with gear similar to climbing ropes, lest they fall off the roof while they work. This is not a new innovation. Ancient Israel had a law regarding roof safety. What is the spirit of safety laws?
In some countries with strong occupational safety laws, roofers must be harnessed in with gear similar to climbing ropes, lest they fall off the roof while they work. This is not a new innovation. Ancient Israel had a law regarding roof safety. Whenever you build a new house, you must build a ...read more
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21. The Spirit Of Neighborhood Laws
Contributed on Oct 26, 2021
How would our neighborhoods look if the poor were helped and businesses operated in strict honesty? Let's look at the spirit of Old Testament neighborhood laws.
How would our neighborhoods look if the poor were helped and businesses operated in strict honesty? Community responsibility to the poor is emphasized in both testaments. The popular political notion of being hard hearted towards them is not an option and generosity is commanded. If anyone is ...read more
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22. The Spirit Of Slave Laws
Contributed on Oct 30, 2021
The topic of slavery is a very emotional one, because most people only know of corrupt forms of slavery and because the threat of such slavery still exists in the modern world. However, we need to learn that kidnapping and enforced slavery were also forbidden in the Bible.
The topic of slavery is a very emotional one, because most people only know of corrupt forms of slavery and because the threat of such slavery still exists in the modern world. However, we need to learn that kidnapping and enforced slavery were also forbidden in the Bible. The only kinds of ...read more
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23. The Spirit Of Trial Laws
Contributed on Oct 31, 2021
The law of the Hebrew Scriptures was divided into commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31). Let’s look at how Christians apply the spirit of judgments.
The law of the Hebrew Scriptures was divided into commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31). Many judgments were already given, but as with any law, there were cases that needed to be judged individually in a court of law. Let’s look at how some judgments were to be made in a trial ...read more
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24. The Spirit Of Priesthood Laws
Contributed on Nov 1, 2021
There are principles regarding Old Testament priests which apply to all churches and their leaders regardless of their chosen vocabulary. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Some Christian churches call their pastors priests and some do not. Yet, there are principles regarding Old Testament priests which apply to all churches and their leaders regardless of their chosen vocabulary. Let’s take a look at some of them. Old Testament priests had strict laws to follow. A ...read more
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25. Beautiful Attitudes
Contributed on Nov 2, 2021
Definitely the crowning explanation of the spirit of the law is Jesus’ commentary on the law in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s the climax of our discussion. Let’s examine some key elements.
Definitely the crowning explanation of the spirit of the law is Jesus’ commentary on the law in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s the climax of our discussion. Let’s examine some key elements. Jesus begins His commentary on the law with the beatitudes, sometimes called the beautiful attitudes, which ...read more
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26. Salt And Light
Contributed on Nov 2, 2021
What do people with the beautiful attitudes described in the beatitudes do for the world? Let's look at Matthew 5:13-16.
What do people with the beautiful attitudes described in the beatitudes do for the world? Salt Jesus describes them as being like salt. Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to ...read more
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27. The Spirit Of Murder
Contributed on Nov 3, 2021
Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. What did He mean? What did He mean by the spirit of murder? Let's look at that topic in the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. What did He mean? These were the two main divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures. So then, the Old Testament will not be abolished, but fulfilled. What does fulfill mean. It can’t mean abolish, because Jesus said that He did not come ...read more
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28. The Spirit Of Adultery
Contributed on Nov 3, 2021
What about those who can truly claim faithfulness in marriage, before and during? What did Jesus say?
Like murder can exist in our hearts when we don't value other people's lives, how many of us have truly been unfaithful to a spouse? Probably more have been unfaithful before or during marriage than have committed actual murder, but what about those who can truly claim faithfulness in ...read more
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29. Spirit Of Lying
Contributed on Nov 4, 2021
Today we make vows of marriage, pledges of allegiance, and take oaths of office or make oaths in court. What would Jesus say about this? What about lying?
Today we make vows of marriage, pledges of allegiance, and take oaths of office or make oaths in court. What would Jesus say about this? Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' But I say to you, make no ...read more
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30. The Spirit Of Justice And Handling Enemies
Contributed on Nov 6, 2021
Let's look at two attitudes towards justice and enemies that come out of the law, and how Jesus taught the spirit and intent behind them.
Let's look at two attitudes towards justice and enemies that come out of the law, and how Jesus taught the spirit and intent behind them. The Spirit of Justice A law of just compensation gave the value for repayment of a lost eye or tooth in an accident or altercation. But Jesus said not to ...read more