Is the old testament relevant today? What new dimensions of the law did Jesus fulfil and highlight? What is grace? How do we truly appropriate it in our lives? What changes in our lives when we live under grace as opposed to living under the law?
Fulfilling the Law
Overview
Matt 5:17-20; Luke 16:16-17
Objectives
Fulfilling the law
Accomplishing the law
Relaxing the law
Stewards of the law
Discussion
Reference
Objectives
To understand:
- Difference between OT law and NT law
- Meaning of fulfilling, accomplishing, relaxing the law
- Responsibility as stewards of the law
Key Verse
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Fulfilling the Law
Remaining Passage:
Matt 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
What is the difference between OT and NT law?
1. The Old Testament Law includes ceremonial, civil and spiritual laws as they applied to the Jewish nation. The new testament highlights a better understanding of the spiritual laws. The civil laws are applicable via our nation. The ceremonial practices are highly reduced to baptism and holy communion.
2. The Old Testament provides a benchmark which no one could achieve. The New Testaments introduces Jesus who demonstrates living at the benchmark and explains the correct interpretation of the Old Testament.
To compete or complete?
The Law competes
Love completes
How does the law get accomplished?
- Obedience
- Cleansing through Christ
- Growing to maturity
- Growing others to maturity (Matthew 5:19)
Relaxing the law
In what ways do we tend to relax the law? (Matthew 5:19)
Question – did God really say?
Rationalize – can’t be too bad, not possible, etc.
Avoid – imagine nothing happened
Fulfilling the law
Test of the law
Who are the least in the kingdom? Why?
Who are the greatest in the kingdom? Why? (Matt 5:19)
Stewards of the law
What are the marks of a good steward? (Matthew 5:19,20)
- Obey
- Teach
In what way did the Pharisees disqualify themselves?
Discussion
1.In what ways do we risk being like Pharisees?
2.How can we avoid the dangers of relaxing the law?
3.How can we be the best stewards in our current context?