During the past four mornings I’ve been camping away from Internet access. In fact for four days I have not touched a computer, but had a good rest. Today’s message, also from my book, follows on from the last two messages.
“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks 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 practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 5:18-20).
Do these commandments refer to the Law and the Old Testament prophets? According to Galatians 3, we know that the Law has no value for faith.
“I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you’ve heard?” (Galatians 3:2)
Paul continues in verse five: “Does God give you His Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?” Finally he shows us that the time of the law’s power is history: “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law,’”(Galatians 3:10).
The Law of Faith is any law or command in the Old Testament that was not fulfilled or revised by Jesus. It also includes all the New Testament commands. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
The key word in this passage is “faith.” In the Old Testament, ordinary people did not need faith. They had the Law and the Prophets, who heard from God and informed the people of God’s will. All the people needed to do were to obey. To be forgiven of disobedience or sin, all they had to do was to present a prescribed sacrifice.
But living with the new Laws and the new Prophet is not so easy. Everyone needs to act in faith through hearing from the Prophet Himself. For example: “‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you,’” (Luke 6:37, 38). Like most Old Testament commands, these come with promises. The difference is that the prophets are not now present. Neither is the Prophet. All we have left is faith, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
The Law, as presented by the Prophet Jesus Christ, is to be obeyed and taught to the letter. Those who do it will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. This is because they pretended to obey the law and the prophets for their own benefit, and in the process, they burdened the people (Matthew 23). Jesus, however, came to live for others. He expects us to do the same. We need to examine Jesus’ life. We must teach and obey all of His commands—the “new law”—with the intent of permanent change. Church must be more than a social club, repeating the same traditions week after week, or a show with the purpose of generating power and wealth.
Satan often uses our carnal desire for comfort, wealth, and power in order to corrupt the purity of the church. To observe Jesus’ commands, we must stay in close touch with the Holy Spirit all the time, just as Jesus did. His main concern was to reach His local area with the truth. Rather than numbers of converts, His interest lay in bringing change that would glorify the Father and expand the Kingdom.
Why is it important to understand the Sermon on the Mount properly? Because those who understand the commands of Jesus and obey them to the letter will be more effective in ministry and will have a better eternity. “‘But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven,’” (Matthew 5:19b).
A great man or woman is someone who accomplishes great things for the benefit of society. This could be a great statesman, a great businessman, or a great preacher. They may have become great by acting according to the rules set by society, business, ethics, or God.
On the other hand, a criminal ignores society’s rules, destroying others with his notorious acts.
Lord, I would like to obey.
If a Christian who obeys the law of Christ is called great in the Kingdom of God, what would Jesus call a Christian who does not obey?
Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
Please pass this on if you think others may benefit by it.
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