25.2.15

Rules and Laws VS Faith and Love

February 25, 2015
Opening Hymns:
417 O For a Heart to Praise My God http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh417.sht


Scripture Reading:
Romans 4:13-17
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Message:
Laws and rules are very important. When a child is growing up it is vital for them to know the difference between right and wrong. Rules and boundaries are necessary for children. Giving them a set time to eat, and “do’s” and “don’ts” gives them structure. As they grow older they develop a clearer picture of the world, and can judge right from wrong on their own (hopefully), without the rules.

God has taken the same baby steps with mankind. We started off with very clear rules. “don’t eat the fruit”… When disobedience followed we went to timeout, and more laws were created. The 10 commandments gave us a clear understanding of our own “do’s” and “don’ts”. However, as we’ve grown we can begin to see that the rules and laws are not what draw us close to God. Following His laws are not what saves us. It’s why we follow the laws.

Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments when he talks of the greatest commandment “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it; ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

The greatest commandments that Jesus teaches us, takes us away from strict laws, and to the reason for the laws. In loving our neighbor and God we won’t steal, lie, or kill. We no longer need these rules, because we will naturally follow them out of love. When we do sin, and fall short, it is our faith and love for God that saves us, not the law. It is Jesus’ sacrifice and love for us, and our faith in Him that sets us free.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for showing us the difference between right and wrong. Lord help us continue to follow Your greatest commandment, to love You with all our heart, soul and mind, and our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.  


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
398 Jesus Calls Us http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh398.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

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