“The Law of God was given to a people who were enslaved for centuries. It was given so they could re-learn how to live with each other as well as worship Him who made all things good. Centuries later we who are enslaved by so many things of our own making…including our idea of ministry…..are called back to recognize the covenant God made….both at Sinai and at the Cross….both the law…and grace… were given so we could experience the goodness of Him who frees the enslaved and remakes all people good.”—Falvo Fowler
Scriptural Basis: Matt. 5:17–19, 21–44, 19:16–22; Mark 7:9–13.
Key Text: “ ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments’ ” (John 14:15, NKJV).
1. In what ways can we fall into the temptation of being legalistic in our observance of the law, as the Pharisees were?
2. What was Jesus’ attitude toward God’s law?
3. How do we understand the relationship between law and grace?
4. How do the Sabbath healing stories in the Gospels not only continue the validity of God’s law but also of the seventh-day Sabbath?
5. How are we to understand Jesus’ warning about plucking out our eyes or cutting off a hand?
6. What routines might be incorporated into our busy schedules that would encourage complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit for power to do God’s will?
