Not By Works
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Jesus' point is to the Pharisees (and those under the law) that they need Him. He came to fulfill the law. But if you're not in Him, you're under the gentile law. So you better get IN Him. How do you get in Him? You become reborn in the Spirit. Dead to yourself and alive to Him. We are now in Christ. And if we are in Christ, the law no longer is our tutor. The law was given to show us our need for Him. Now that we are in Him, we are not slaves and free. We are simply free. Free in Christ. And this freedom is to be used to freely love one another just as Christ loved us.
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What actually divides us?
1. Who we are.
2. How Jesus changes us.
3. What our goal in this life is
The sermon on the mount is a knife. It holds up a set of problems that cause people
to give up, to gain hope, to take on a challenge.
I have felt all three at different points in my life.
Now some say, it is just there to demonstrate righteousness is impossible, way
beyond our ability so drives us to Christ.
Others say it is the Key to the Kingdom.
Some say Jesus alone fulfilled the law so we are now lawless, with no moral guide.
Some feel to read it is just to end up feeling condemned.
Now who listens to the author, Jesus and what He said. A wise man who listens
and puts into action these words builds his house upon a rock.
So why is it a problem? Because our hearts, who we are has to change. Sins, rights,
learnt responses, rules on what we hate and what we love will have to shift.
This is why it is hard, but if we want the gate and the path and to find life, we must
walk this way.
How you react is what you are today, not what the Lord will make you into tomorrow.
So knowing resistance within is beginning of asking the question why. Why do you
resist so, what is it about hating ones enemies you cannot give up. What is it about
sexual desire and the intimacy that the dream of the right partner will solve everything
yet the very good things before your feet are not good enough.
This is the path and question Jesus is asking you to answer. Things change when honesty
and working it through begins to happen. It has never been about arriving but change and
the next step and taking it.
It is always easier to give up, accept things are set and never move and live in unbelief.
But that is all it is and the cross is powerless and only a theoretical removing of sins which
still remain, and attitudes that still rule everything one does. That is the way of the world,
not of faith. Do you believe Christ rose from the dead?
If you do, you know He can change you if you start walking and following.
Strangely people will say this is legalism. They will say I am evil and sending people to Hell
sharing this. But who are people listening to, Jesus or these false teachers.
Because it is this simple. Our Lord has told us to walk this way.
1. Who we are.
2. How Jesus changes us.
3. What our goal in this life is
The sermon on the mount is a knife. It holds up a set of problems that cause people
to give up, to gain hope, to take on a challenge.
I have felt all three at different points in my life.
Now some say, it is just there to demonstrate righteousness is impossible, way
beyond our ability so drives us to Christ.
Others say it is the Key to the Kingdom.
Some say Jesus alone fulfilled the law so we are now lawless, with no moral guide.
Some feel to read it is just to end up feeling condemned.
Now who listens to the author, Jesus and what He said. A wise man who listens
and puts into action these words builds his house upon a rock.
So why is it a problem? Because our hearts, who we are has to change. Sins, rights,
learnt responses, rules on what we hate and what we love will have to shift.
This is why it is hard, but if we want the gate and the path and to find life, we must
walk this way.
How you react is what you are today, not what the Lord will make you into tomorrow.
So knowing resistance within is beginning of asking the question why. Why do you
resist so, what is it about hating ones enemies you cannot give up. What is it about
sexual desire and the intimacy that the dream of the right partner will solve everything
yet the very good things before your feet are not good enough.
This is the path and question Jesus is asking you to answer. Things change when honesty
and working it through begins to happen. It has never been about arriving but change and
the next step and taking it.
It is always easier to give up, accept things are set and never move and live in unbelief.
But that is all it is and the cross is powerless and only a theoretical removing of sins which
still remain, and attitudes that still rule everything one does. That is the way of the world,
not of faith. Do you believe Christ rose from the dead?
If you do, you know He can change you if you start walking and following.
Strangely people will say this is legalism. They will say I am evil and sending people to Hell
sharing this. But who are people listening to, Jesus or these false teachers.
Because it is this simple. Our Lord has told us to walk this way.
I read someone felt another member thought they had understood the key of the gospel,
but that was just confusion. Obviously everyone is a sinner, failed and flawed.
Read what Peter said when God called that which is unclean clean.
"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
Acts 10:13-14
Who accuses that which God has purified as being impure and desires to undermine the work
of the Lord? Satan.
So any group whose goal is to be ultra-legalistic and condemning is serving the enemies purposes.
And those who feel in sinning they have freedom, of course they are the most talkative and
argumentative of all because their consciences are seared, and their hearts cold, because this is
the only way one can stay in sin and not resolve it.
Purity, righteousness, love, dwelling in the Holy Spirit is the only way.
For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Therefore do not be partners with them.
Ephesians 5:5-7
What I am amazed at is how the impure can claim staying impure is Gods calling
when Paul says this is rebellion and denial of God and Jesus.
He goes on to command us to have nothing to do with people who think like this.
As with any bunch of sinners, they are doomed to the lake of fire.
If they refuse to listen to God, we have no obligation to fellowship or have anything
to do with them.
but that was just confusion. Obviously everyone is a sinner, failed and flawed.
Read what Peter said when God called that which is unclean clean.
"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
Acts 10:13-14
Who accuses that which God has purified as being impure and desires to undermine the work
of the Lord? Satan.
So any group whose goal is to be ultra-legalistic and condemning is serving the enemies purposes.
And those who feel in sinning they have freedom, of course they are the most talkative and
argumentative of all because their consciences are seared, and their hearts cold, because this is
the only way one can stay in sin and not resolve it.
Purity, righteousness, love, dwelling in the Holy Spirit is the only way.
For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Therefore do not be partners with them.
Ephesians 5:5-7
What I am amazed at is how the impure can claim staying impure is Gods calling
when Paul says this is rebellion and denial of God and Jesus.
He goes on to command us to have nothing to do with people who think like this.
As with any bunch of sinners, they are doomed to the lake of fire.
If they refuse to listen to God, we have no obligation to fellowship or have anything
to do with them.
The blind
Some members claim they can see and everyone who believes Jesus's words is blind.
Now in a mirror world they are right. But the answer is always who does Jesus say
is correct, or more precisely those who are doing His will?
His sheep listen to Him and obey His commands.
Now if you want to know who is dwelling on His word and obeying His commands, who
reads scripture everyday and delights in His ways? It is those people who know Jesus.
12. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
15. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
17. Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.
18. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
19. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
20. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
21. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.
22. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
23. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
25. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
26. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
Psalm 119:12-27
Praise the Lord, for great in the Lord, good are His ways and His commands. Amen
Some members claim they can see and everyone who believes Jesus's words is blind.
Now in a mirror world they are right. But the answer is always who does Jesus say
is correct, or more precisely those who are doing His will?
His sheep listen to Him and obey His commands.
Now if you want to know who is dwelling on His word and obeying His commands, who
reads scripture everyday and delights in His ways? It is those people who know Jesus.
12. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
15. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
17. Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.
18. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
19. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
20. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
21. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.
22. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
23. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
25. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
26. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
Psalm 119:12-27
Praise the Lord, for great in the Lord, good are His ways and His commands. Amen
Here is a closed heart. Listen to the words. "I will never buy your errors...."
In truth we come to any position for certain reasons and assumptions. If these
assumptions change, then so do our world views. But once we freeze on an idea
we have arrived at a place we do not want to progress from, that is what we call
our perfection, our compromise.
Look at what people write or share. If year after year it is the same, then they
have arrived at this place. Now if this place is with Christ, Amen, but if it is with
the world, then it will be destroyed. This is why we always need to stay on the
path and walk on until we become like Jesus, Hallelujah.
In truth we come to any position for certain reasons and assumptions. If these
assumptions change, then so do our world views. But once we freeze on an idea
we have arrived at a place we do not want to progress from, that is what we call
our perfection, our compromise.
Look at what people write or share. If year after year it is the same, then they
have arrived at this place. Now if this place is with Christ, Amen, but if it is with
the world, then it will be destroyed. This is why we always need to stay on the
path and walk on until we become like Jesus, Hallelujah.
Hi gb9,
I am not sure you understand what being honest and open is.
It is about telling things how you heart sees them, and being open is being willing
to change and apply what one learns to ones life.
Your implication is I am not being open and honest, which suggests to me that you
want me to confirm your views and reality, which must be the only reality that is real.
So I am open and honest, it is why I am as I am. Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus,
Amen.
I am not sure you understand what being honest and open is.
It is about telling things how you heart sees them, and being open is being willing
to change and apply what one learns to ones life.
Your implication is I am not being open and honest, which suggests to me that you
want me to confirm your views and reality, which must be the only reality that is real.
So I am open and honest, it is why I am as I am. Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus,
Amen.
There are always verses in tension to other verses. We uncover the meaning of this with His help. A verse goes something like this: It is the glory of God to hide a matter and the joy of men to discover it (my paraphrase).
Through all of these verses in tension to one another, God hides a matter/speaks in parables and ways that the natural man cannot understand. He sees only two contradicting verses and picks the one he likes and rejects the one that seems to say the opposite. We even manage to do this when we HAVE His Spirit because we are still so sensual and because He tells it to us line upon line instead of all at once. He tells us one thing and when we have fully got it, He adds another thing. It's the same way we teach human children their studies. First they are taught addition, then subtraction, then multiplication, then division, then long division, then higher mathematics like algebra.
Instead of arguing over the seeming contradictions, it is the joy of men to find the matter out with the Spirits help!
For instance, Jesus says if we don't forgive, we won't be forgiven. Is this not true because we are eternally secure, or are we too sensual still to uncover what the glory of God has concealed? Does the verse make other verses in tension to it to be NOT true? Or do we lack understanding? God never lies, so both a verse AND those in tension to it are true. If we approach it with THIS attitude, we would get much further, much faster.
Through all of these verses in tension to one another, God hides a matter/speaks in parables and ways that the natural man cannot understand. He sees only two contradicting verses and picks the one he likes and rejects the one that seems to say the opposite. We even manage to do this when we HAVE His Spirit because we are still so sensual and because He tells it to us line upon line instead of all at once. He tells us one thing and when we have fully got it, He adds another thing. It's the same way we teach human children their studies. First they are taught addition, then subtraction, then multiplication, then division, then long division, then higher mathematics like algebra.
Instead of arguing over the seeming contradictions, it is the joy of men to find the matter out with the Spirits help!
For instance, Jesus says if we don't forgive, we won't be forgiven. Is this not true because we are eternally secure, or are we too sensual still to uncover what the glory of God has concealed? Does the verse make other verses in tension to it to be NOT true? Or do we lack understanding? God never lies, so both a verse AND those in tension to it are true. If we approach it with THIS attitude, we would get much further, much faster.
What I'm trying to say is this: when someone posts a verse that seems to contradict your understanding of another verse, you do not then make a choice of one verse or the other. (I mean, we obviously do that a lot) but its the wrong way to go. Instead, we should say: as impossible as it seems to me that both verses could be true, they are, because God has said it. Now let me ask His help to understand what my natural ears are not understanding.
An example:
He did not come to do away with the law and the prophets but to fulfill them in each of us. He does it in a different way than living by the law as they did, but He DOES make us law abiding in our inward parts, and He does it by us trusting Him to do it.
And since He did not come to do away with a single jot of the law, and since anyone who teaches a man to set aside or break any part of it will be called least in heaven, and a man who does it and teaches it will be called greatest, how do we reconcile it all?
The way these who will be greatest in heaven teach is by the Spirit and what the Spirit has taught them about the SPIRIT of the law, not the letter of the law.
I do not understand much of the spirit of the ceremonial laws, but I think I have the Spirits mind on some of it. For instance, the law about not mixing linen and wool, not wearing a mixture of both. I think...God makes the wool and linen is the work of mans hands. And so I think the law speaks to not mixing the work of your hands with the work of God. I could go on but if anyone is going to see any connection, that's probably enough.
He did not come to do away with the law and the prophets but to fulfill them in each of us. He does it in a different way than living by the law as they did, but He DOES make us law abiding in our inward parts, and He does it by us trusting Him to do it.
And since He did not come to do away with a single jot of the law, and since anyone who teaches a man to set aside or break any part of it will be called least in heaven, and a man who does it and teaches it will be called greatest, how do we reconcile it all?
The way these who will be greatest in heaven teach is by the Spirit and what the Spirit has taught them about the SPIRIT of the law, not the letter of the law.
I do not understand much of the spirit of the ceremonial laws, but I think I have the Spirits mind on some of it. For instance, the law about not mixing linen and wool, not wearing a mixture of both. I think...God makes the wool and linen is the work of mans hands. And so I think the law speaks to not mixing the work of your hands with the work of God. I could go on but if anyone is going to see any connection, that's probably enough.
So a good teacher/workman would take some of the old (not mixing linen and wool and Abraham trying to mix the work of his hands with the work and promise of Gods hands) and some of the new (why are you trying to finish by the flesh what began in and by the Spirit?) and he would teach the law and encourage men to keep it rather than break it. But it is not by the letter but by the spirit of it.