Minister Where You Are

Did Jesus Destroy the Law and Commandments, or
Demonstrate How to Overcome the Flesh

(By: Jack Jackson, Bondservant of Christ)
MinisterWYA@aol.com http://ministerwhereyouare.org

Today, whether in society at large, or even in the church, there seems to be confusion about God's Law. Is it important any longer? Was it destroyed by Jesus' death on the cross? We know that some in society want to take it completely from view, like in the now infamous case in Alabama with Judge Roy Moore. Even more surprising might be the stance that some in the church take towards God's Laws. We need to examine why God gave us the law, and consider its importance to us today. How do we do that? We examine what His word says concerning the Law, starting with what Jesus Himself said about it:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17

Please consider what Jesus actually said in this verse as you read on. He said He didn't come to destroy it, but "filful" it. What did He actually mean when He said "fulfil"? We need to first examine what else scripture says about the law and its uses to get a full understanding of its use and importance. I hope the examination of the Greek definitions will be as much as an eye-opener for you as it was for me as I investigated them and came to my conclusions. Please pray for God to open your mind and hearts to receive what His word is saying in our lives today and its importance to how we are to live our lives. I pray you will share your thoughts with me as well, upon reading this.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
"Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19

But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 1Timothy 1:8

Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans 3:19

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.'' Hebrews 1:9

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 1 Peter 3:4

The Holy Spirit uses all these can be used to draw a non-believer to Christ. Once they accept this truth, that the law cannot be met in the flesh, they will run to the Savior because they can now see themselves as under the curse. They have accepted the Bad News!

Then: we can present the Good News! Christ Crucified and the covering of the blood.

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree''), Galatians 3:13

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7

But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:25

How then shall we live as Christians if we are no longer under the curse of the law? Does the law actually go away, or are we just not condemned by it?

Some are teaching that the law has been taken away by Jesus dying for us as believers (it is fulfilled), but let us go to His word, to see what it says.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17

This scripture describes the difference between destroying and fulfilling the law. A study of the Greek finds the word used for destroy (kataluo). Jesus said He did not come to kataluo the law or the prophets. Kataluo is defined as: to dissolve; disunite; to overthrow, render vain, bring to naught. Jesus clearly said He did not come to do that, so what did He say He came for? To fulfil! Again, let's go to the Greek. Fulfil (pleroo), which is defined as: to make full; to fill up; to fill to full; to cause to abound; to furnish or supply liberally. Jesus was saying that we were incapable of keeping the commandments until He came. He demonstrated how to fulfil, or live by the commandments. What was His secret?

Jesus had the Holy Spirit, love for God and love for His neighbor. He was committed to denying His self for the Father's glory. He showed us how to live a Holy life, not on our strength, but in our weakness of total surrender to pleasing the Father, not ourselves. The definition in the Greek also says: to carry into effect, bring to realization, realize; to fulfil. i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment. Jesus didn't take destroy the law, He only showed us how to live by them, as He demonstrated. What else did He have to say to support this? Any warnings against teaching otherwise?

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

At first glance, one might say OK He came and fulfilled them, so this verse means they are gone; however, lets again look to the Greek. Fulfilled here is not pleroo, as it was in verse 17, but is now ginomai. Does this make a difference? Absolutely, ginomai is defined as: to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being; to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen (of events); to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage (of men appearing in public); to be made, finished (of miracles, to be performed, wrought). Now look back at the verse. Jesus is referring to when the law will pass, and clearly says not until heaven and earth pass away. He is not referring to the cross, but His remaking of everything in as described in Revelation after the 1000 year reign.

We know that the heavens and earth will be here at least that long, so why the confusion about the law passing away? Is the law important? Doesn't it represent the measuring stick for living a Holy Life, totally submitted to God? It is a measure of our obedience to God's Word. It is easy to see how fleshly man (and satan) would love to see the law put into a closet (remember Alabama). Loose the measuring stick, and anything goes! Would our lives more or less reflect the life of Christ; that is "be Christ-like" if we kept or broke His laws. Obviously, our lives would be more like Jesus' own example, if we follow in His footsteps.

Do we receive Jesus to have grace and a Savior, yet not want a Lord? By seeking and doing His will, our focus shifts from pleasing self, and living to our desires; and shifts to focusing on His ways, and serving others; thus living Christ-like. The result is God's love in us is perfected, and the Spirit's power enables us to overcome the flesh (temptation) and sin (transgression of the law) in our lives. Does Jesus warn us about putting away the measuring stick, and those that teach putting it away? Absolutely!

Whosoever therefore shall break (luo) one of these least commandments (entole), and teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do (poieo) and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19

I don't think Jesus could have been clearer, do you? Luo is defined among other things as: to loose one bound i.e. to unbind, release from bonds; to annul or subvert; to declare unlawful; to overthrow or to do away with. This clearly says that if we do away with the law, and especially if we teach others to follow us (not the Word of God), we will be in heaven (if we are saved), but suffer lose (be least in the kingdom). But now look at the promise and hope of what awaits us if we shall do (poieo) and teach (didasko) and will stay true to God's Word. Poieo is defined as: to make ready, to prepare; to produce, bear, shoot forth; to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about); to do, to act rightly, do well (to carry out, to execute). This paints a picture of a person living out a Christ like life. Jesus showed us how to live Holy (without sin); so shouldn't we follow Him? He says:

"If you love Me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 (love here is willful, sacrificial, unconditional love)

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. John 14:21 (will the Father be loving you?)

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But, whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:3-6 (do you keep His commandments or are you a liar?)

Shouldn't we teach others to keep His commandments then, out of love? Of course!

The word commandments, is entole, in these verse, whereas the law usually is nomos. Entole is a strong word which is defined as: an order, command, charge, precept, injunction (that which prescribed to one by reason of his office). That doesn't sound like an option to me, does it sound like an option to you? If we have a Lord (we are Bondservants), following His commands should be our will and pleasure. It is clear that we are not talking about loosing salvation (if we truly have it), but about suffering lose.

A friend of mine used a Cookie Jar Story to illustrate. His daughter wanted cookies, he said she could only have 2; but she wanted 3. Finally, he said, eat as many as you want. He gave her permission to eat them all, what did she do? She said "Dad, don't you care about me? If I eat all of them I may get sick. As a parent you are supposed to give me direction and limits." Smart little girl; smarter Father. By giving her grace to eat all she wanted, she no longer pushed the rules. The rules did not stop her from eating cookies, but she remembered that her Father suggested that for her good, she should not eat more than 2. How many did she take? 2

The point is this. The Law, before we were saved by Jesus blood, was a death sentence. Jesus paid the death sentence, but the Law is still good to live by{Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law (nomos) is holy (hagios) and the commandments (entole) are holy, and just (dikois), and good (agathos)} - for our own good.

Let's illustrate again with cookies. If that girl had eaten all of them, she would likely have gotten sick. Done so repeatedly, she might even bring on diabetes, obesity and even heart disease. Paul said that all things are lawful, but all things are not edifying. Are those who teach the law is destroyed, stealing away your blessing for living a Holy life, and commending themselves to be least in the kingdom? Are they allowed to disregard the law? Yes, if they want the consequences! Will they go to hell? No, only be least in the kingdom forever and ever!

Under Love, for the Father as Jesus taught us to be!

We know we are to become like Jesus. We know Jesus was the perfect sacrifice because He was totally obedient to the Father, and kept all the law out of love for the Father and the lost. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul; and love our neighbor as our self. That is the self sacrificing, willing obedient type of love.

Paul tells us we need to be aware that we are witnesses and that non-believers are looking for our hypocrisy (a reason) to be turned away. They look for evidence that we are living a holy, spirit filled life. When we are denying (apareomai) ourselves, as Jesus demonstrated, we are abiding (meno) with Jesus, and walking (peripateo) as He walked.
We lose (appollumi) our life gladly by seeing how sinful it was and repenting (metanoeo). Appollumi is defined as: to destroy, to put out of the way entirely, abolish, put an end to, ruin. We are to die to ourselves, and live for the Father as Jesus demonstrated. How can we do this?

By abiding (meno) which is defined as: to remain, to sojourn, tarry, not to depart, and endure. We are also to walk (peripateo) defined as: to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, and to pass one's life. That is strong picture of a person sold out to God, isn't it? Our walk reflects the degree that we have truly committed ourselves to Him, doesn't it? Look at those words again: regulate, conduct, and pass one's life. He demonstrated how to deny one's self, and live for the Father. His Spirit equips us to follow Him. His laws and commandments are our measuring stick of how we are truly doing. Remove the measuring tools and we are lost as to how we are doing.

When we lose (appollumi -see definition prior) our old life, what are we losing? We are loosing an opportunity to spend eternity in hell for our disobedience, if we see clearly; however, most see the things of this world which we have lustly desires for. Many don't want to go to hell, but also don't want to forsake their sinful wants and desires. They find teachers that say, don't worry, it is your "old man", you can sin all you want, it's not really you and won't stop you from getting to heaven. You are no longer under the law, its ok, it's just your "old man" sinning, not you.

Who controls if the "old man" gets fed more that the Spirit? You do, if you will give up and become weak (in the flesh) and turn to the Spirit for power. It seems that many who profess Jesus never really ever repent (metanoeo). Metanoeo is defined as: to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sin. Webster defines abhor as: detest for, and to despise. Is that clear enough? We are to despise and detest sin and our old ways, so we might totally turn from them. Many professed believers still have never despised and detest their sin, otherwise they wouldn't keep going back to it. Isn't that plain and simple disobedience to God? It is not repentance at all. The scriptures say: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3. Can most who claim to be "saved", claim that they have forsaken their old ways? Our own lives answers that question. Have we ever really seen how terribly sinful our transgressions are, and how detestable our sinful behavior is to God having professed faith, especially when we return to it:

For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit, and "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." 2 Peter 2:20-22

Did we ever groan at the debt Jesus bore for us, and then truly love Him enough to truly repent (turn away from it)? It is easy to say; "Well He died for all of us, so the punishment was spread out, and so I am only responsible for my little share". Does this just cheapening the suffering Jesus went through? Does this just take for granted the blood shed by Jesus on our behalf? We do not esteem the blood of Christ, and trample it under foot, when we live like we used to again.

It is a tragedy that so many Pastors and churches have done just this, by putting away the law, they open the door to live "lawless" and weaken the entire church. When we can openly live in lawlessness, we cannot claim to be His children, nor tell the lost to repent without being hypocrites, and untrue witnesses. God said He hates sin; therefore, His children should also hate sin. How do we know sin? By the law! If we remove the law, we remove the measuring stick and open the door to lawlessness. God forgive us, and help us to forsake sin, live in your Spirit, and overcome the flesh. Airplanes rise, because "lift" from the wing overcomes gravity. Gravity does not go away, but lift overcomes it.

The flesh does not go away so we always are fighting against it to keep (tereo) His laws and commandments. Like a plane overcoming gravity by lift; Jesus demonstrated how to overcome sin and keep His Father's commandments, laws, and ways through the submission to the Spirit (God's lift). If we will truly repent, and desire to live Holy (follow Him), we will willingly deny ourselves (become Bondservants), and live for the Father's will as Jesus demonstrated.

That desire comes out of esteeming the blood of Christ, by despising our past sins, and wanting to please the Father out of love and adoration for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is the greatest commandment that you love God with all your mind, soul and strength. Many love grace and God's gifts more than God.

Are there other benefits, or consequences to not being obedient out of love?

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:13

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 1 Corinthians 9:19

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23

If we apply the second great commandment, we will selflessly esteem others greater than ourselves as well. Do we love our neighbor enough to sacrifice our liberty, and to avoid making them stumble? Do we love God and the lost enough to sacrifice earthly pleasure and desires? Are we willing to deny ourselves to be His ambassadors or not?

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-2

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 1 Corinthians 7:19

Can we live holy as a Christian? Holy Spirit power?

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13-23

13. For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.''
15. But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
16. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness,
20. idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21. envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23. gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

What if the flesh is our true mirror, or evidence that we are abiding in Him and even one of His at all? How do we know we have been covered by the blood? Will there be proof in our spirit?

Examine yourself?

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.'' Hebrews 1:9

but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today,'' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11

Do you hate sin and love righteousness? Are you obedient? Are you really His?

And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:9

What is there to obey, if as some teach, the law and commandments have passed away? How then can we know if we are living Holy?

Only you can truly examine yourself. Do you hate sin? Does your life reflect that? Do you love God? Does your life reflect that? Do you desire to live a holy life and get joy from serving the Father and attending to the needs of others? Does you life reflect your answer?

There is a great 30 Day Study by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson called "30 Days to Discovering Personal Victory Through Holiness". It helps us realize that by taking the focus off us, and putting it on Him, we actually gain. Less of me and more of Him is actually the power to abide in Him for His strength to live Holy. I challenge anyone to complete this; but only if you really want to be conformed to His image.

Remember Jesus' warning in Matthew 5:19: The Law is your tool and guide to live a Holy life for Jesus' sake. If you fall, get right up, ask for forgiveness, and keep serving God, be a Bondservant of Christ, pleasing to the Father's will.

Also consider the following verses in closing and beware of false teachings. Make sure you haven't sought out your own teachers, because the truth, or a Christ-like lifestyle, is too difficult for your ears and makes them itchy. Love God more than His grace! Truly repent, and live for Jesus. Examine yourself! Maybe you need to pray right now and totally surrender your life and not turn back! May God Bless Your Decision!

Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed. 1 Tim 6:1

I charge you therefore be God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, because they have itchy ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and will turn theirs away from truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. 1 Tim. 4:1-5.