The Standard Greater Than Law
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13,14 ESV
Paul wrote the Romans and declared, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2 NIV) Paul’s challenge to the Galatians is, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
Paul makes it clear that we are not to be bound in slavery to the law, but we are “bound” by that which is of Christ’s nature and life; the “law of love.” The argument that Paul makes is, freedom from the law is not license to sin. Our freedom releases us to serve others, to love others as Christ has loved and forgiven us.
That is easier “said than done” as the saying goes. So Paul gives this advice, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:15 ESV) Living by the strength and direction God’s Spirit builds and strengthens our “spirits” to resist and give into that which produces death.
Paul explains that which comes from “the flesh” or sin is obvious. He lists the “acts” of the flesh and then contrasts these with the “fruit” of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22,23 ESV)
The fruit of the Holy Spirit in the believers life accomplishes to a greater degree all that the Old Testament Law was about; living right with God and living right with others.
I believe it is important to take note of the difference between “acts” and “fruit.” Both have outward manifestations, but one is spontaneous and natural and the other is cultivated and is supernatural. “Acts” impact others; “fruit” influences others. These, after all, are the fruit of the “Holy Spirit” not of our human nature.
So, we find that we are “set free” from human law, but we are tied to the “law of life in Christ Jesus.” One is living from the outside in and the other speaks of life from the inside, out.
Prayer for today…. Lord, all us to see that You call us to even a “higher” standard than that which is of “law.” You call us to live by Your Spirit in Your strength so that we can serve You and others not out of obligation, but out of that which we have freely received in You.