Living joyfully under God’s sovereignty.

Psa. 103:19

Introduction

“Laying down the law” is a forceful phrase believed to be backed by authoritative execution.

– Our Almighty God – throughout history – has always laid down the law.

– Many, however, react to such ideology with discontent coupled with rebellion.

– Whatever the case they fail to see His how His laying down of law is meant to bring and keep us “in His image.”

Introduction

The necessity of this lesson: to enhance our attitude and walk in the Lord by…

– Seeing God’s providentially ancient pattern of laying down the law.

– Appreciating how Christ’s cross laid down the (old) law.

– Joyfully abiding under the New Covenant “laid down” for our lives today.

Seeing God’s Providential Pattern Of Laying Down the

LawNote the Pattern associated with God’s “laying down the law”.

– God created, provided and blessed His special creation. Gen. 1:26-27

– He followed up His blessings by laying down the law. Gen. 1:28; 2:15

– Through God’s law life and death was set before them. Gen. 2:16-17

Seeing God’s Providential Pattern Of Laying Down the

LawThis pattern is seen again in God’s fulfilled promise of Abraham.

– God creates, provides for, and blesses His special people. Gen. 12:1-3

– Notice the special care and deliverance He provided in fulfilling His promise. Gen. 12 – Exo. 15

– He follows up these blessings with His law. Exo. 19:3-6; Exo. 20-24

– Life and death ~ like that of Adam and Eve ~ was set forth with the law. Dt. 30:15

Seeing God’s Providential Pattern Of Laying Down the

LawIt is unfortunate when any of God’s children do not see the benefits of His providential pattern in laying down the law.

– God creates, provides and blesses.– He creates “walls” of safety – in the name of

establishing law – so we can abide with Him.– When we live contrary to His will, however,

the law provides no room for “life”: the law has been laid down.

Appreciating How Christ Laid Down the (Old) Law

Like the O.T. counterparts, the NT “law of Christ” follows God’s providential pattern.

– We are created in Christ. Eph. 2:10– We’re provided every blessing in Christ. Eph. 1:3– The “law” is that we should walk worthy… in

Christ, our Advocate should we sin. Eph. 4:1

– Those who do not walk in the Lord will die “without” Him.

Appreciating How Christ Laid Down the (Old) Law

Yet, God saw fit to “lay down” all laws through Christ’s fulfillment of “The Law.”

– God intended, by way of “law”, for man to see he could not live by it (due to sin)…even though it was meant for our good. Rom. 7:8-12

– He replaced the “old” law (the ministration of death) with life “in Christ.” Eph. 2:8

Joyfully Living Under the (NT) Law Laid Down Today

Only when we see God’s providential use of law

and appreciate His gracious Son who came to fulfill it

are we able to joyfully live within “the law of Christ.”

Joyfully Living Under the (NT) Law Laid Down Today

– No longer is there bondage to the law of condemnation. Rom. 3:19-20; Rom. 7:14

– Instead, there is confidence knowing we are not condemned while walking in Christ. 1 Jn. 1:5-7, 1 Jn. 2:1

– We can live and walk in service to the Lord with a reality of true and eternal freedom. Jn. 8:31-32, 34-36

Joyfully Living Under the (NT) Law Laid Down Today

However, those who understand and appreciate God’s sovereignty do not abuse this freedom.

– We strive to stand firm and not return to the yoke of sin. Gal. 5:1

– We do not abuse our freedom. Gal. 5:13– Instead, we joyfully live in it. 1 Jn. 5:3

Conclusion

Do you see and appreciate why God has laid down the law for your life?

If so, let it translate into a joyful service to our Almighty Creator, Provider who blesses us with eternal life.