(Romans 6:14 NLT) Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” For the next few weeks we will study the difference between living under The Law of Moses vs. the Grace Jesus came to give us access to. In John 1 the Apostle said, “The Word [Jesus] became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (v.14). Notice how John said Jesus was full of grace and truth. A few verses later John said, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John makes a distinction between The Law, which was given through Moses, and grace and truth, which came through Jesus.
In Romans 6 Paul said, “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Here we have a different Apostle making a different differentiation between The Law and God’s grace. As we study the differences between the covenant given through Moses (the Law) and the covenant given through Jesus (Grace) we will find clear differences between the covenants and we will see God act accordingly. If God told us in His Word that we are no longer under The Law, but under Grace, it is important for us to understand the differences and what that means to our daily walk with Him.
So what does this mean to you today? This is just the introduction, but I will give you a few things:
1. The rules have changed. It is not that God has changed, but in many respects, the rules have changed. Under the Old Covenant the Lord had a certain agreement and He operated in accordance with that agreement. Under this New Covenant we have a new agreement and the Lord is operating in accordance with it. If you don’t understand the differences between the two agreements, you might read something about God and how He operated under the Old Covenant and make the mistake of thinking He will deal with you the same way today, even though you are under a New Covenant. If you mix the two covenants you will get confused and it will probably hinder your ability to receive from God.
2. The Old Covenant of The Law focused on man. The Covenant of The Law put emphasis on man and what man could do for God. It was all about man working for God and attempting to do everything right. This covenant was not designed to make you right, because rules can’t make you right. What it was designed to do was to prove to you that you are wrong. Man can’t get saved until he acknowledges the fact that he is lost. Before The Law was given, man did not have any rules to break, therefore he could not sin. Once The Law was given, man had rules, and once he had rules, he was quick to break them. By focusing on what man could do for God, under the Law, man was quick to see himself as inadequate. That is why The Law made provisions for sacrifices. Man knew he could not fulfill the Law, so he gave sacrifices. The blood of innocent animals was shed for the actions of guilty man… until Jesus came!
3. The New Covenant of Grace focuses on God. While the Old Covenant of The Law had the spotlight on man, and what he could do for God (making it clear that he was and is flawed), the New Covenant of Grace puts the spotlight on God. The Law was about man attempting to work for God. Under Grace we get to receive all God has already done for us. Grace is not about highlighting the fact that you are flawed and could never keep The Law. No, under Grace, you get to acknowledge the fact that you could never keep The Law and embrace the Grace Jesus died to give you. Now your life is not about you and what you can do for God, but rather about God and what He has already done for you. Under Grace you know you are not perfect, but you get to live your life as a forgiven child of God, who now focuses on God and whatever He wants to do in, with and through your life.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place and for delivering me from the bondage of The Law. The Law was perfect, but I am far from perfect. Under the Law I would quickly be condemned, but under Grace I have been forgiven. Not because I am so good, but because You are so good. The Law was given through Moses, but Grace and truth came through Jesus. Under the Law the emphasis was on man and what we could do for You. Now, under Grace, the emphasis is on You Lord and what You have already done for us. I have accepted Jesus as my Lord, I have been forgiven of all my sin — past, present and future — and I now live my life focused on You and what You planned for me to do before the world began. I don’t pursue Your purpose because I am perfect. No, I pursue Your purpose because I am forgiven. Christ redeemed me from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for me, and I freely and thankfully accept the forgiveness, love and purpose that You freely give me by Grace! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
