This sermon explores the transition from Old Testament Law to New Testament grace, emphasizing Christ's fulfillment of the law and the implications for our faith.
Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to be with you today, standing on the solid ground of God's Word, and looking into the glorious mystery of His divine plan. We are here, not by accident or happenstance, but by divine appointment. God has drawn us together to examine His Word, to learn from it, and to grow in our understanding of it. So, let's not waste a moment, but let's turn our hearts towards the Lord, and open our ears to His Word.
We're going to be looking at a topic that has been a source of debate, a topic that has sparked countless discussions, and a topic that has profound implications for our daily walk with Christ. We're going to be looking at the transition from the Old Testament Law to the New Testament grace, and how Christ's commandments and the new law fit into this grand narrative of God's redemption.
Joseph Prince once said, "The law condemns the best of us; but grace saves the worst of us." This statement encapsulates the heart of our discussion today. We're going to be looking at this transition, this shift from law to grace, from old to new, from condemnation to salvation.
Our scripture reading for today comes from Galatians 3:19, Matthew 5:17-18, Colossians 2:14-17, and Hebrews 10:9-10.
Let's bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for the grace that You have shown us in Christ Jesus. As we look into Your Word today, we ask that You would open our eyes to see the truth, open our ears to hear Your voice, and open our hearts to receive Your love. Guide us, Lord, in our understanding and application of Your Word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In the heart of the New Testament, we find the teachings of Jesus Christ, a set of commandments that are often referred to as the new law. These teachings, found in the Gospels, are not a list of do's and don'ts but rather principles for living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. They are the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
The new law is centered around love. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus says, "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." This is the foundation of the new law, the lens through which we should view all other commandments.
This love is not a feeling, but an action. It's a selfless, sacrificial love that puts the needs of others before our own. It's a love that forgives, that shows mercy, that seeks peace. It's a love that is patient, kind, and humble. This is the love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross, and this is the love that He calls us to show to others.
The new law also includes teachings on humility, forgiveness, and faith. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that the meek will inherit the earth, that those who mourn will be comforted, that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. He teaches us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us. He teaches us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to seek first the kingdom of God, to trust in God's provision.
These teachings are not meant to be burdensome, but liberating! Freeing! Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). The new law is not a set of rules to follow, but a way of life to embrace.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus declares His purpose: not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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