Overflow Daily...ish: The Law of God



You shall have no other gods before me

Exodus 20:3


Although I grew up in the church, my first exposure to the ten commandments was actually from the 1981 film from Mel Brooks, A History of the World Part 1. And even though the scene only lasted about 10 seconds I have never forgotten it. In the short scene, Moses comes down from Mt. Sinai carrying three tablets in his hands. As he makes the announcement to the people of God he cries out “The Lord Jehovah has given unto us these 15…” then he drops one of the tablets…. “ten, ten commandments.” It is a very funny scene and not exactly what we read in Exodus 20 when God gives His people His law. Being so young, I never really understood the law, couple that with the fact that I was not saved. So, what do the laws of God mean?

After several years of evangelism, I have heard a cornucopia of responses to that question. Some will say that they are restrictions to life and evidence of the evilness of God. Probably worse, others have told me that the laws of God are no longer valid and that now that they are in Christ they can go on and live life in any manner that they would like. Many other responses are just as twisted and incorrect.What then do the laws of God serve for us?

Firstly, they remind us of the holiness of God. The laws of God do not run contrary to the character and nature of God. That means that God does not operate separate from the laws that He gives. He will always keep the law, not because He is very good at it, but that they all align with His own character. And given that we are unable to keep the commands of God ourselves, we see ourselves. In comparison to the perfect righteousness of God, we see ourselves as sinners.

Secondly, the law acts as a restraint on evil. How? Because every law in any nation comes with it a consequence. If you speed, you will get a ticket. If you try to dine and dash, you will get a fine and possibly go to jail. There are consequences for when we disobey the law. And so, the perfect law of God brings ought to bring fear and trepidation into our hearts when we act in a manner that is contrary to God.

Thirdly, the law serves to show us what is right and pleasing to God. The laws of God reveal to us how we should live and the manner and course of living which is most pleasing to God. And this is entirely good because the purpose of life is revealed in His law. We are meant to bring God glory and to enjoy Him forever and we know how we can do this when we keep His law.

The above three points are known as the Threefold use of the law and they reveal how great a blessing the law of God is to us. I pray that as you meditate on the laws of God, you are encouraged by them and find life and joy in His law. Press on and fight the good fight living with a manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil 1:27).

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Alex

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