Two Small Fish
February 13, 2006
Bible Study: Acts Chapter 15
The Purpose of the Law
Introduction:
As the apostles sowed seeds of the gospel, the Judaizers (Jewish believers of whom many were formerly Pharisees) sowed seeds of legalism. Adding conditions to the gospel of grace, they required the Gentile converts to be circumcised and to obey the Law of Moses to be considered Christian.
Core of the Lesson:
Paul, Barnabas, and some other believers went to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders. They concluded that they should not place any heavy burden on the new converts. In verses 10 and 11 Peter said,
"Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."Through this action, they did not nullify the law. God gave the law. It is divine with an eternal purpose. The purpose was never to save, but to convict unto salvation. Which part of the law brings salvation? Does obedience to the law add to salvation? If the law could have saved us from condemnation, Jesus would not have had to die. The law condemns. Paul made it clear in his teachings that by grace alone we are saved. He said a lot about legalism and grace in all his letters. The book of Romans particularly deals with legalism vs. grace. Read Romans 3:19-31. Verse 31 sums it up this way,
"Do we then nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather we uphold the law."Jesus did not break the Law nor did he abolish it. He fulfilled it. Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17). God said that the shedding of blood satisfies the Law. Jesus’ blood is our atonement. No other person lived a sinless life. No other person could satisfy the Law.
The Law is necessary to point us to our need to be redeemed. Without it Paul said we would not know we are sinners and in need of salvation. The Law’s sole purpose is to convict and condemn (Romans 7:7).
If I saw you drowning, I would be able to point that out to you. But I lack the skills necessary to pull you out of the water and revive you. I am powerless to save your life. Similarly, the law points to our need, but is powerless to save.
The apostles meant to deter conditions, rituals, and other forms of legalism that complicated and debased God’s act of grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Circumcision was an outward sign of the covenant God made with Abraham (Romans 4:11 and Genesis 17:10-11). However, it became a ritual. And the people forgot its purpose. Physical circumcision has its place, but rituals don’t save a soul. Paul spoke of the inward circumcision of the heart as opposed to the outward process (Romans 2:28). When our hearts are circumcised, we are separated from our human desires to rebel against all things Holy. The Holy Spirit enables us to keep the law for Jesus’ sake. Therefore, we are no longer under the Law, but under grace.
It is truly a matter of the heart. Either we keep the Law and do good works to earn salvation; or we keep the Law and do good works because of our salvation. The choice is ours. Although outwardly the two chooses look identical, the results differ greatly. While the former leads to destruction, the latter leads to eternal life.
After accompanying several chosen men to take the good news back to Antioch, Paul and Barnabas decided to return to the churches they started in other areas. But they had a sharp disagreement over whether or not John Mark should accompany them. The contention between them grew so great that they decided to part company. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus. Silas traveled with Paul to Syria and Cilicia. God used the dispute to further His message throughout the world.
Conclusion and Challenge:
Humanity has always tried to destroy the Law to set ourselves free from the guilt of sin. We have tried to create our own truth and do whatever is pleasing in our own eyes just like in the days of Judges. But when we substitute subjective truth (based on personal preference or opinion) for objective truth (based on reality), we end up with sexual promiscuousness and perversion, children murdering children, and terroristic attacks.
The apostles did not attempt to abolish the Law. They understood that God ordained it to give us a standard to live by. It reveals who God is, points out our sin, and convicts us unto repentance.
Prayer Requests:
Melinda & Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis and husband, Barb, J.J., Joyce, Nora, Karen and Raph, Ann, Trinity, Wyatt, Johanna, Irene, Enos, Chelsea, Helen, Mildred, Norma, Jace, Pauline, Zeb’s family, our Monday Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Cassi, a twelve-year-old who recently had surgery with severe complications, is now restored to good health. Aaron, a fifteen-year-old who recently had surgery on his feet, is enjoying the wonder of walking without aide. We are looking forward to more praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Read Acts 16. Paul and Silas don’t let a little thing like incarceration stop them from reaching souls for Christ.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. Sounds hopeless and unfair, but God in His infinite wisdom and abundant love has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org .
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks
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