The Law of God pt 1

THE LAW OF GOD
EXODUS 20

as we look at these familiar verses of which people have derived the 10 commandments, let us stop to consider the purpose of why the law was given. Many people assume the law was given as a list of requirements of do's and dont's for mankind to live by in attempts for God's forgiveness and favor with God. Perverted doctrine has taught them wrong.


I. Purpose

* The law was to introduce us to Christ - Galatians 4
* The law is to identify us with Christ - law written upon hearts
* The law is to involve our love from Christ to be demonstrated TO man - James 1/ (On these hang all of the law and prophets)
* The law has been interrupted because of Christ (fulfilled the law)


as we look at what the law contains, let us also notice HOW the law was given:

II. precedent

* Divine Authorship (God wrote it)
* Directly Allotted (gave directly to Moses to give to the people)
* Definite Adherence (Deut 6:4-9)
* Determinately Ordered (reason behind everything)
* Distinct punishment for Offenses


III. People To Whom It was given:

* Predestined People
* Peculiar People
* Pardoned People
* Propitious People

Consenting unto his death

As we close chapter 7 we see that Saul had been incorporated in with the murder of Stephen. As the angry mob picked up stones to kill the faithful deacon, they laid their coats with Young Saul. There is something to say about large masses of people who are in unison. The whole atmosphere of energy that must have surrounded Saul was incredible. It drove these men to violate their own moral code and religious upbringing under the standard of patriotism. They took the law into their own hands in a vigilante justice which was nothing short of a "kangaroo court." As they hurled the stones which began to break the skin of Stephen and crushing his bones, Saul instinctively cheered the men on who took the life of that innocent man. "FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM" Saul was consenting unto his death. As Stephen knelt down, he cried out for forgiveness for those hurling the fatal blows. As the stones struck this first martyr's head, chest, and defenseless body, Stephen maintained his Christlike testimony. As a shark senses the vulnerability of its prey, Saul was driven by an uncanny desire to persecute people of "this way." It was an act of patriotism which would drive these threats to the country and their way of life from popularity. He began his crusade by gaining permission from the high priest to further that unadulterated hatred for all followers of the treasonous Christ. Upon receiving permission and the full support of the Jewish religion, Saul set out to fulfill his venomous "calling." He was regarded as a minister of justice to rid the nation of these pestilent criminals. As Stephen was not yet buried, Saul began to cause havoc of the grieving church. He broke into homes and carried off mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and i am sure entire families who were "followers of this way."

Saul's goal was to snuff out this rebellious congregation and cease the preaching, teaching, and living in the name of Christ. No more would the temple be "threatened" and the holy laws of Moses be spoken against. No more would the common criminal Jesus be promoted among men.

As Saul oppressed the followers of Jesus, they just kept spreading their doctrine of this Christ fellow. Saul's ambition was no match for the very work of God which he attempted to silence. The Word of God abounded. Many people believed. This enraged Saul even more. (More to Come later)

Destruction of An Angry Listener

Scary things happen when I actually study the Bible. I mean, I do it regularly, but when I actually take serious time to study, look what happens? (tongue in cheek)


Look at Acts 7:54-60 and notice the downward spiraling that takes place when one does not reverse their thinking/actions upon hearing the Word of God


1. They were cut to the heart (7:54 -60)
2. Gnashed on him with their teeth
3. Cried out with a loud voice
4. Stopped their ears
5. Ran upon him with one accord

(Acts 19:29, Mark 7:57)

*Note the Spiritual decline

* conviction not dealt with with leads to disdain/disrespect for leadership and or the preacher/message
* disrespect for the message/messenger leads to open rebellion
* open rebellion leads to absolution of ability to listen to reason (point of no return – moral conscience is darkened)
* inability to listen to reason leads to demonic activity (Mark 7:57, Acts 19:29)


too many times that I can remember, my family would "grill the pastor" for lunch rather than talk about how the Sermon was relevant to our life.


Lord, help me to endure the still coming chastisement of the sins of my youth.

3 types of Believers

I believe there are three "types" of believers.



Many believers are those who are just that. Believers. They struggle daily with assurance of their salvation. They don't study the Word. They don't pray. They aren't separated from the world. They show up on Sunday. They might show up 3 times a week. They are Believers...but seriously lack discipleship and commitment to Christ.





The second camp are the disciples. I believe MANY of those faithful to church are in this category. I believe they have come to the place of commitment to Christ and have/doing their best to walk with God and live according to the Holy standards which are required as our "base" obligation to the Lord. I believe they are not perfect. They struggle everyday as do the "believer" camp. I do believe however, they have chosen to "take up his cross daily" and "follow me" I believe this is the most common form of Christianity that is displayed by MANY....including Pastors.





The last camp is a reserved group. I believe there are FEW that have walked the earth in these last days. these people are so in tune with Christ that the world hates them. I believe their testimony and lifestyle are such that it brings unholy anger upon the world and they in turn persecute/martyr them. Every time the word Christian is used, it carries with it a sense of "suffering."



I believe Paul was trying his best to convince Agrippa to become a "Christian" as Paul was.



If I can be so blunt as to say that Acts 1:8 is often misrepresented when it says "and ye shall be WITNESSES"....the word witness comes from the same greek word (according to Strongs) as MARTYR. Everyone wants to claim themselves a witness for Christ but yet few actually take up their cross of sacrifice much less their cross of death.





While I won't make it an official Doctrine....or something I would present as a separating issue of contention.....I do believe this is accurate according to my present understanding of scripture.

any comments?