"Why did God give the law to Moses?
Exodus 20 - The ten commandments
Most Christians are living in a mixed relationship between the law of Moses and the Love of Jesus (The old & the new covenant) to us.
God's purpose in giving the law was to emphasize our need for a Saviour.
Through His grace and love, God has provided the perfect Savior for you.
Unlike the law, Jesus came to offer you abundant life (John 10:10).
While the law holds people captive, Jesus brings freedom.
Hebrews 10:5-10
5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am - it is written about me in the scroll - I have come to do your will, my God.’”
8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, (Psalm 40:6-8)
nor were you pleased with them” - though they were offered in accordance with the law.
HE SET ASIDE THE FIRST: The law of Moses
9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.
10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
LISTEN NOW!
Jesus commandment:
John 13:34-35
34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
It is crucial for us to delve into the depths of God's Word and uncover the profound truths that underlie our faith.
One such truth lies in God's purpose in giving the law - to emphasize our need for a Savior.
We will explore the significance of God's grace and love, and how He has provided the perfect Savior for us.
Unlike the law, Jesus came to offer abundant life and freedom.
Let us dive deeper into this understanding and be equipped to share this message with our congregations.
1. The Law: A Mirror of Our Imperfections
The law, given by God to the Israelites, was not meant to be a means of salvation but rather a mirror that reflected humanity's inability to live up to God's perfect standards.
It highlighted our sinful nature and the impossibility of attaining righteousness on our own.
The law served as a reminder that we needed a Savior to bridge the gap between our imperfections and God's holiness.
LISTEN NOW!
2. God's Grace and Love: The Perfect Solution
In His infinite grace and love, God provided the perfect solution to our predicament.
He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to fulfill the law on our behalf and to offer us the gift of salvation through faith in Him.
Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
He lived a sinless life, satisfying the requirements of the law, and became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
3. Abundant Life in Jesus
While the law holds people captive under its weight of rules and regulations, Jesus came to offer us abundant life (John 10:10).
He invites us to experience a life filled with purpose, joy, and freedom.
Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer bound by the burdensome demands of the law but are set free to live in the fullness of God's grace and love.
4. The Law and Jesus: A Contrast
It is essential to recognize the contrast between the law and Jesus.
The law reveals our need for a Savior, while Jesus is the fulfillment of that need.
The law brings condemnation, but Jesus offers forgiveness and redemption.
The law demands perfection, while Jesus extends His grace to cover our imperfections.
As pastors, it is our responsibility to communicate this profound truth to our congregations, that they may fully embrace the freedom and abundant life found in Jesus.
LISTEN NOW!
God put me IN CHRIST
Colossians 2:10
declares, "and in Christ you have been brought to fullness/completeness."
In this passage, we discover the profound truth that in Christ, we are brought to fullness and completeness.
This truth holds immense significance for both our personal lives and our ministries.
LISTEN NOW!
Finding Fullness in Christ:
Colossians 2:10 declares, "and in Christ you have been brought to fullness/completeness."
These words carry a profound revelation that can transform our understanding of what it means to be complete.
As pastors, we often find ourselves seeking fulfillment in various aspects of ministry, but this scripture reminds us that true fullness can only be found in Jesus.
The Ultimate Gift:
God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has given us the ultimate gift: Jesus Christ.
It is through Him that we find completeness.
"Only if you are missing Jesus, then you are not complete."
This simple yet powerful statement serves as a reminder that without Jesus, we are incomplete.
No amount of success, recognition, or material possessions can fill the void that only Christ can satisfy.
The Indwelling Presence:
As pastors, we have the privilege of leading and guiding others in their faith journey.
However, it is essential to remember that we, too, need to continually seek and rely on the presence of Jesus within us.
The verse reminds us that we have Jesus in us, and we are in Jesus.
This truth should be the foundation of our lives and ministries.
The All-Sufficiency of Christ:
When we fully grasp the significance of having Jesus in us and being in Jesus, we realize that He is all we need.
As pastors, we may face challenges, uncertainties, and even moments of doubt.
But in those moments, we can find solace in the truth that Christ's presence is sufficient to sustain us.
He equips us with everything we need to fulfill our calling and lead His people.
Implications for Pastoral Ministry:
Understanding the fullness found in Christ has profound implications for our pastoral ministry.
It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else.
As we abide in Him, we will bear fruit that impacts the lives of those we shepherd.
Our preaching, teaching, and shepherding will flow from a place of genuine fullness, as we draw from the infinite resources available to us in Christ.
Let us embrace the truth found in Colossians 2:10.
May we continually seek fullness and completeness in Christ alone.
As we abide in Him, we will experience a deeper level of satisfaction, joy, and effectiveness in our ministries.
Remember, God has given you what you need - Jesus in you and you in Jesus.
May this truth transform your life and ministry, bringing glory to His name.