Series: 1 John
Week: 11
Passage: 1 John 3:4-6
Title: In the Law of the Lord or in Anarchy?
Focus: Christian Living
LAST WEEK RECAP: The Two Distinctions of the Children of God
• ONE: Change Personalities and Practices (1 John 3:1)
• TWO: Change Focus on Earthly to the Eternal (1 John 3:2-3)
INTRODUCTION: According to John, those who are born of God (saved) are commanded to live a life of obedience (1 John 3:5-10). John demonstrates in the highlighted passages how the Saints must move to take a stand on sin (that which is against God). If they take a stand on sin they will produces holiness (be that like Jesus) or fail to take a stand and be worldly (that which against God-like the world). The road only cuts two ways.
TITLE: In the Law of the Lord or in Anarchy (1 John 3:4-6)
Point #1: Living in Lawlessness (1 John 3:4 – OT Exegesis)
• Explanation: A General Understanding of OT Lawlessness (4 MAIN LAWS).
o The Ten Commandments (Decalogue - Dt. 5:6): The Ten Commandments are not “Israel’s criminal law” as specific penalties were not often not specified for breaking them. When one disobeyed, he or she would often be warned of the punishment from God and failure to obtain His promises/blessings.
o Code of Covenant (Exodus 21:2 - 23:33 and Ex. 24:7): The COC was given at the same time as the Ten Commandments. This is a collection of laws referring to alters, slaves, restitution, the Sabbath and festivals. The dominance of human life over property is reflected in these laws.
o Holiness Code (2 areas/sections – change perspective on reading Leviticus!):
• The Priests in Leviticus 1-16
• Obtaining Holiness in Leviticus 17-27.
o Deuteronomy (Second Law): Deuteronomy is a series of sermons by Moses about the law that urged Israel to keep the law if they wanted to prosper in the land they are about to enter. Deuteronomy is an attempt to persuade the nation of Israel to keep the laws. Chapters 12–25, appears to follow the order of the 10 Commandments (Decalogue):
• 12–13 - 1st: No other gods; 15–16 - 4th: Sabbath and festivals; 17–18 - 5th: Parents and Authorities; 19–21 - 6th: Murder; 22–23 - 7th: Adultery; 23–24 - 8th: Theft and Property; 25 - 9th: False Witness
• NOTE: The purpose of the law was to create a ‘kingdom of priests, a holy nation’ (Ex. 19:6) and a holy people (‘Be holy, for I am holy’ and to enjoy the presence of God in the midst of his people - Lv. 11:44–45; 19:2; 20:7; 26).
• Illustration:
• Application: Legalism definition. Recognition of life according to the law and moving forward.
Point #2: Living in Christ – The Law (1 John 3:5 - NT Exegesis)
• Explanation: (The “law” in the NT – Pauline Illustration):
o “Law” means ‘principle’, ‘order’, or ‘rule’ in Rom. 3:27; 7:21, 23 and 8:2 with some reference to the law of Moses in EVERY CASE. In Paul’s day the Jews believed that the nations future were not happening because the people not following the Torah (the law – legalism - works). The keeping of the Law of Moses was considered to be essential for the deliverance of the nation and the fulfillment of God’s promises (works based salvation). This meant a few things:
1. There was an improper standing before God: Rom. 3:20 = NO ONE is right before God by “works of law” (Rom. 1:18–3:18). All people (Jews and Gentiles) have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard. A curse rests upon those who do not “abide by all that is written in the book of the law”. Because perfect obedience is demanded, the curse is removed through the cross of Christ by which he becomes a curse-bearer for believers (Gal. 3:13).
2. There was an improper View of Salvation (works): Paul had attempted to obtain right standing with God on the basis of “his own righteousness from the law” instead of “the righteousness of God on the basis of faith” (Phil. 3:9). Since the law of the old covenant is no longer binding, since there has been a change of priesthood (OT Priest to Jesus the High Priest - Heb. 7:11–12).
3. There were improper Actions and Activities: Since Christ has come, circumcision, food laws and observance of days are not mandated for the people of God (Rom. 2:26–29; 4:9–12; 14:1–23; 1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 4:10; 2:3–5; 5:2–6; 6:12–13; Col. 2:16–23). The Mosaic covenant has come to an end upon the arrival of Christ (Gal. 3:15–4:7; 2 Cor. 3:4–18), for the promises given to Abraham that all nations would be blessed have become a reality (Gal. 3:6–9, 14–18, 29; Rom. 4:9–17). Circumcision, food laws and Sabbath are not required, because the days of separation between Jews and Gentiles have ended.
1. NOTE: Paul NEVER conceived that the law could be fulfilled in one’s own strength. Fulfilling the law was due to the work of the Holy Spirit. This ENABLED believers to obey God’s commandments (holiness).
• Illustration:
• Application: To live apart from Christ is to deny the Father. How?
1. Christ is the new Mediator between the people and God the Father: The law in the OT formed a relationship between God and Israel (His people). The people were chosen by the creator (God) to be his treasured possession (Ex. 19:5 – OT we call them JEWS, NT we call them Saints). His laws are a gift to them that no other people enjoy and proof of God’s nearness to them (Dt. 4:7–8).
2. Christ is the new standard for salvation: The law was given to Israel after she had experienced salvation (restitution from sin). Israel was saved by divine mercy, the Saints in the New Testament are saved through divine grace, not by their own good works or efforts. The giving of the law was part of God’s ongoing grace towards Israel and to the Saints.
3. Christ is giver of Blessings: Obedience to the law would lead to yet greater blessings for the nation: Though obedience to the law did not earn Israel salvation, it was indispensable if they were to continue to enjoy its benefits.
i. NOTE: The OT encourages man to ‘be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Mt. 5:48). All of this points to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s coming in the NT.
CONCLUSION: (1 John 3:6)
So what is the response?
1. Unveiling our eyes to know Christ.
2. Freely worship in response instead of following a list of rules.
3. Walk in the light in your life and not a single act.
4. To keep on sinning is to remain in your sin.
a. How can we know Christ if we continue to keep the veil in front of our eyes?
