The law is still vitally important to us as believers because it is who God is. It also provides the framework for who God wants us to be. It is too easy to dismiss it because of the work of the cross. The key verse today implores us that not even the least commandment should be ignored. Why? Because as the verses to Timothy state, it corrects us when we are wrong, teaches us what is right, and prepares us for the works God has for us to do. The inherent problem with the grace argument is that it is lazy and selfish. It says I do not have to worry about being corrected because Jesus paid the price. It says I do not have to worry about being taught because Jesus paid the price. It says I do not have to be prepared for the works God will have me do because Jesus paid the price. It is specifically because Jesus paid our price that we should be open to correction, teachable in our Spirit and prepared for the work God has for us.
What is most interesting in the key verse today is it addresses not only what we might believe but what we might try and teach others. Listen, not everyone is called to impart the Word of God. There is a difference between witnessing to what Jesus has done in your life, which we are all called to do, and teaching Biblical truths. God is warning us here to be very careful before we dare take the Word of God to people in an authoritative role, especially if no one has given you that authority. Paul in his second letter to Timothy:
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. -- 2Timothy 2: 14-18 (NKJV)
If we were to be honest with ourselves we would admit there are far too many opinions in the church, usually based upon personality and not the Word. Sure there may be enough of the Word to justify a position but not to genuinely teach. Of no profit to the ruined hearers. It is often these false teachings that spread like cancer -- poisoning the body against the true doctrine of God. God warns us here that the result is often the overthrow of some faith. This is how some start to chase after myths. This is how such heretical teachings as the holy laughter debacle can be so widely accepted. The Bible warns us that people will start to move toward becoming intolerant of sound doctrine. They will gather around them teachers that will tickle their ears to what they want to hear. We all want to hear that sin is not that important -- but it is not true. We all want to hear that "love wins" - but it doesn't because God wins. We all want to hear that this is our best life - but we know our best life is always eternal. We all want to hear that those pesky 613 Mosaic laws do not matter anymore -- but dear Lord they matter even more now.
Which leads us to the concluding point and that is there are levels of rewards in heaven. I think sometimes we get saved and think that's it. Nothing left to strive for. That is incorrect. Look what the key verse warns. Those that teach the wrong thing about the laws of God will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven! Those who hold to it and teach it correctly will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven. We would do well to heed the teachings of Jesus about the kingdom of heaven:
"So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, "Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' -- Matthew 25: 20-21 (NKJV)
Salvation is the starter's pistol shot for the race, not the tape of the finish line. What we do and how we work our salvation is infinitely important to God. The Bible says to work it out with fear and trembling. One of the greatest fears I have is God allowing me to be turned over to the desires of my flesh without Holy Spirit conviction. Be careful who you listen to and who you follow. What are their qualifications? Does their life bear the fruit of the Spirit? Is the Word used for illumination or defense of pre-set ideologies? The Bible instructs us to test everything! Be careful in what you try and teach people regarding the Word of God. Are you called to do so? Is your theology in line with Scripture or do you seek to be dismissive of one while in favor of another? God doesn't do salad bar theology. Approach these things as if lives depend on them because it surely does.
Reverend Anthony Wade -- May 20, 2012
