Scripture reading: Galatians 3:15–29

The Great Purpose of the Law

If it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. (Romans 7:7)

 

Do you ever thank God for his law? The psalmist did: Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalm 119:98). Just as an EKG reveals what is going on in your heart, so the law reveals what is going

on in your soul. The great purpose of the law is to reveal God’s will for our lives and help us understand when we are not living as he intended. This is a wonderful blessing and a sure indication of God’s great love for us.

Life Action Ministries created much of the contents for the following self- examination. Based on the Ten Commandments, these can help us to better assess our true spiritual health. As you work through these questions, remember: The law of the Lord is perfect . . . it gives life to the soul (Psalm 19:7).

 

1. You shall have no other gods before Do my checkbook, calendar, and topics of conversation reflect that God is first in my life? Do I have relationships with others that are more important  than  my relationship with God?
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved Do I seek to make God fit into my expectations, or do I allow him to fit me into his?
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in Do I allow flippant use of God’s name in my presence? Do I worship the Lord without sincerity of heart?
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Do I refrain from activity on the Lord’s Day that does not include rest, worship, or ministry to others?
5. Honor your father and mother. Do I show respect to my parents by giving them quality time, focused attention, and regular expressions of my love?
6. You shall not murder. Do I display hate through my words or body language towards family members, friends, acquaintances, or even those I may view as enemies?
7. You shall not commit adultery. Am I defiling my soul by not putting to death the lusts that arise in my heart? Are my thoughts and desires pure?
8. You shall not steal. Is there anything that I possess or claim rights to which belongs to others? Do I give my tithes and offerings to the Lord’s work?
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Am I allowing others to believe something about me that isn’t true? Do I ever lie to protect my reputation?
10. You shall not covet. Am I content with what I have? Am I obsessed with acquiring things that are not needs? Do envy and jealousy motivate any of my actions?

 

 

The law tells me how crooked I am.

Grace comes along and straightens me out.

—Dwight L. Moody

 

point to ponder • Do you love God’s law?

prayer focus • That the evangelical church would rediscover the right use of the law.