IT IS LOVE, NOT LAW, THAT DRIVES US TOWARDS HOLINESS (8)
by Tim Melton
Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23
This content is part of a series.
Title: It Is Love, Not Law, That Drives Us Towards Holiness (8)
Series: The Book of Colossians
Author: Tim Melton
Text: Colossians 2:16-23
Gustavo had been a foster child since he was a little boy. He had been abandoned by his parents when he was young. He had been moved to so many different foster homes, and every time it ended in problems. They were demanding and abusive. He would try his best for as long as he could, but eventually he would become rebellious, and disobedient. He was not able to live with anyone. . . until he met the Andersons. They were different. They were strong but kind. They were firm but fair. They treated him with dignity and as if he mattered. They seemed to love him like their own son. In response he began to change. His attitude, his behavior, his schoolwork, his heart. He was now living the way that all those other homes had demanded, but now it was because of love not because of rules.
In the words of Josh McDowell. "Rules without relationship bring rebellion." But rules in the context of love bring heartfelt obedience. That is what Christ was talking about when He said, if you love me, obey me. He was not seeking to lord over us in a legalistic, bully type of dominance. He was just stating the truth. If we love Him, it will result in our trusting Him to the point of joyful obedience.
That was the key to Gustavo's story. It is similar to the difference between love and law in the life of a Christian. We are all called to holiness, and this will only be accomplished through a love relationship with Christ. Guilt, fear and strict rule-keeping will never change our hearts and our behaviors. God¥s law does help us recognize holiness but will never empower us to take hold of it. Romans 13:8-14 describes it as "Fulfilling the law through love." It is love that moves us to holiness.
Today we are continuing in our study of Colossians. We must remember that every scripture has a context. They were real-life situations and rea ...
Series: The Book of Colossians
Author: Tim Melton
Text: Colossians 2:16-23
Gustavo had been a foster child since he was a little boy. He had been abandoned by his parents when he was young. He had been moved to so many different foster homes, and every time it ended in problems. They were demanding and abusive. He would try his best for as long as he could, but eventually he would become rebellious, and disobedient. He was not able to live with anyone. . . until he met the Andersons. They were different. They were strong but kind. They were firm but fair. They treated him with dignity and as if he mattered. They seemed to love him like their own son. In response he began to change. His attitude, his behavior, his schoolwork, his heart. He was now living the way that all those other homes had demanded, but now it was because of love not because of rules.
In the words of Josh McDowell. "Rules without relationship bring rebellion." But rules in the context of love bring heartfelt obedience. That is what Christ was talking about when He said, if you love me, obey me. He was not seeking to lord over us in a legalistic, bully type of dominance. He was just stating the truth. If we love Him, it will result in our trusting Him to the point of joyful obedience.
That was the key to Gustavo's story. It is similar to the difference between love and law in the life of a Christian. We are all called to holiness, and this will only be accomplished through a love relationship with Christ. Guilt, fear and strict rule-keeping will never change our hearts and our behaviors. God¥s law does help us recognize holiness but will never empower us to take hold of it. Romans 13:8-14 describes it as "Fulfilling the law through love." It is love that moves us to holiness.
Today we are continuing in our study of Colossians. We must remember that every scripture has a context. They were real-life situations and rea ...
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