Things that are not of or from faith.
“….. the law is not of faith…..” (Galatians 3:12)
It is important to know what is not supposed to be in a life of faith in Christ. No longer do we have to religiously and strictly obey the rules before believing we are saved. Jesus obeyed them for us, we are saved. That does not mean we will continue to live like rebels. The reason? When our faith is in Christ, the Spirit writes holy laws on our heart.
No longer are we burdened with a weight we cannot bear. Jesus has taken away our fear of death. If we only broke one rule that would have been our fate. Jesus died instead. But now He lives in us His life of love. Love that fulfills the will of God.
No matter how often we miss the mark, set by God’s holiness, the fear of punishment is gone. “the law is not of faith” With stress removed we can dwell on better things like the Spirit of God within us. Faith in Jesus is being at peace, confident that what He has begun He will finish.
“….. I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:33)
Whatever is not from faith is sin.
The apostle Paul taught the Romans about faith and conscience. It seems that the saints were judging each other over the things they ate and the days they worshiped. Brothers judging each other over matters of faith. We do not have to look far to see the same problem today. “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
We are quick to judge the faith of others. As our Father’s children, the things we do or abstain from doing is because we have been convinced it’s the right thing. What if we are wrong? The Spirit is leading us into truth and is able to change our mind. But if the things we do or neglect to do are contrary to our conscience we have a problem. “….. whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) Wow! If we believe we are not right with God, according to our conscience, we condemn ourselves. No fun living that way.
Welcome to life in the Spirit who teaches us God’s holy ways. We are called to higher ground to become the finished work of faith.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Jesus, it is a good thought to think that we were “the joy set before You.” That You peered through time and saw the faces of those your obedience would save. We are the reason you endured the pain and shame. How can we show You how much You’re loved. Oh, You told us. Keep Your commandments. With Your help, Lord, with Your help.
His Family Table 