Our spiritual walk as Christians is always more focused when we have a proper understanding of God’s Word. To learn what we need to know, we need Jesus as our teacher who imparts the things of God to us. One of the biggest problems in the church today is that Christians haven’t been trained to read the Bible with discernment. Specifically, what was true under the Law of Moses may no longer be true under grace.
God’s grace has moved the believer out from under the law’s oppressive requirements. Sin no longer has dominion over us, because we’re not under the law, but under grace. Not knowing this can severely impact the quality of our lives. This is why it’s so important to study to show ourselves approved to God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.
We’re now free from the Old-Testament requirement that we follow a long list of rules to be righteous before God. During His ministry, Jesus told the Jews—who were in bondage to following hundreds of laws—that if they believed Him and continued in His Word, they would know the truth, and the truth would make them free.
Grace frees us from constant, useless laboring to please our heavenly Father. When the people asked Jesus what to do to work the works of God, He told them the work of God is to believe in the one He sent. This work emphasizes faith over empty actions, and contradict what was required under the law.
Before the cross, humans were blessed by perfect obedience, and cursed when they fell short. After the cross, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by hanging on a tree for us so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham.
We’re the righteousness of God by faith, not by our own efforts. Moving away from religious teachings reveals this. Renewing our minds to this New Testament truth radically changes our lives.
Prayer:
God, You offer us the discernment and wisdom to read Your Word with understanding and clarity. What was true before is no longer true now; understanding this unshackles us so that we’re free to continue moving forward. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
Romans 6:14
2 Timothy 2:15
John 8:31, 32
John 6:28, 29
Deuteronomy 28:2, 15
Galatians 3:13, 14