August 10, 2017
“You have heard it was said… but I say to you…”
Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44 (NIV)
The law is a sign that points forward. You see this most clearly in our Lord’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. There is a pattern here in which Christ quotes the law and then takes it further.
The law says, “Do not murder,” but Jesus says, “I’m taking you further. I want you to forgive your brother in the power of the Holy Spirit.” The law says, “Do not commit adultery,” but Jesus says, “I’m taking you further. I want you to pursue purity of heart in the power of the Holy Spirit!”
Jesus is teaching us how to use the law properly, and when you use the law properly, you will soon see that Christ takes us where the law cannot go.
- There is no command that says you must lay down your life for Christ. But believers who love Christ have laid down their lives for the gospel in every generation.
- There is no command that says, “You must liquidate assets for the advance of the gospel.” But believers who love Christ have done that in every generation.
- There is no command that says “You must take the gospel to the other side of the world.” But believers who love Christ have done that in every generation.
Love takes us beyond the law. Christ’s love compels us (2 Cor. 5:14).
Is Jesus regularly taking you beyond the law? How so?