How To Demonstrate That Christ Did Not Come To Destroy The Law But Fulfill

How to Demonstrate That Christ Did Not Come to Destroy the Law But To Fulfill It

(Acts 22:14-30)

1. How can we present Christ so people will know He did not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it? Paul gives us a fine example of how he taught the Jews that Jesus did not come to abolish their laws, but to fulfill them. He offers himself as a proof of how Christ liberates believers from the law’s harsh restrictions and punishments. The great apostle teaches that Christ provides a lasting fulfillment through His grace, forgiveness and Spirit’s indwelling. Through positive replacement instruction, Paul teaches His audience how Christ is greater than the law and all the prophets. Ask the Lord to help you demonstrate Christ’s superiority to all rules, regulations and laws.

2. Paul spoke with respect and admiration for his audience. Paul began, “Brothers and fathers!” When the great apostle spoke these words a hush fell over the crowd. Paul learned how to speak to people so they would really listen. Ask the Lord to give you the wisdom and grace to speak to people using both the art and science of good communications.

3. Paul saw how many had abused others with the law. Oppression of all types occurred in the name of the law and Paul saw that Christ came to liberate everyone. Ask the Lord to help you expose and counter the abusive practices of legalists. As we experience the truth, He sets us free.” (John 8:31,32) Concentrate on helping to set people free through Christ instead of arguing about the finer points of the law.

4. Paul taught people how the grace of Christ enlightens minds to new opportunities unlike the law. Many legalistic people tend to look for violations of the commandments instead of trusting the Lord for how they can make a positive contribution to the kingdom of God. The great apostle said, “The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will and see the Just One and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:14,15) Ask the Lord to help you enlighten people of their new potential in Christ.

5. Paul saw how the greatest conflicts come between true and false religious views. The Jewish legalist became infuriated by Paul’s message of grace and inclusion of the Gentiles. They were livid that Paul would “pollute” their fellowship with anyone different. Ask the Lord to help you realize that you must be willing to fight for the advancement of truth. Those who are not battling for the truth soon become an enemy to its advancement.

6. Paul taught about Christ as the remedy for ignorance, hopelessness and confusion for all mankind. Even though many of the Jewish leaders would not admit it, they were miserable men. Brilliance, power and position does not equate with spiritual satisfaction. Paul wrote, “Brothers, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another… that we should bear fruit to God.” (Rom. 7:4) Only when we are prepared to die to a reliance on the law can we experience the freedom of being married to Christ. Our spiritual union sets us free from all the pain, punishment and consequences of our previous law induced imprisonments. Ask the Lord to help you talk about how Jesus has the remedies for whatever ails a person, an organization or a people group.