Tag Archives: fruit of Christian

Dead To The Law And Married To Christ

Posted on January 1, 2025 by bibleteacherorg

In Romans Chapter 7 the Lord through the Apostle Paul begins to explain to the Pharisees and Scribes among us why the Law of God does not change us. We know that this is the case because he says:

(for I speak to them that know the law,)

Word Study: The word translated “KNOW” is the Greek ginōskō, which means “to perceive, understand, have been intimately aware of”. The word is often used in the New Testament for the intimate relationship between married men and women, as in “Joseph did not KNOW (ginōskō) Mary until she brought forth her firstborn Son … Jesus” (Matthew 1:25). The Pharisees and Scribes knew the Law of Moses. They were intimately acquainted with it, as was the Apostle Paul. Before Paul was Paul, he was Saul, a Pharisee of the Pharisees (Acts 23:6; Philippians 3:5). Saul the Pharisee knew the Law intimately. And yet, the Law does not change a person.

Saul knew the Law, and helped murder Christians. Paul treasured life. No Law ever changes us. Whether the Law of God or the Law of Man, the Law is an external decree that people may choose to follow.

We think that – by passing more and more laws – we can cure the problems of society. The United States alone has more than 30,000 statutes, with Congress enacting from 200-600 statutes every two years. There are Federal Laws and State Laws and Local Laws. Laws do not correct the human condition.

Illustrate: On December 23rd, 2024, I read:

“MAGDEBURG, Germany, Dec 22 (Reuters) – A man suspected of ploughing {sic} a car through crowds at a German Christmas market in an attack that killed five people and injured scores (over 200) faces multiple charges of murder and attempted murder, police said on Sunday. Friday evening’s attack in the central city of Magdeburg shocked the country and stirred up tensions over the charged issue of immigration. The suspect, who was in custody… Continue reading →

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Be Gracious But Careful

Posted on August 30, 2024 by bibleteacherorg

The fruit of the Christian life should be graciousness. We have received undeserved grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. We – in turn – should be gracious to others. When Jesus sent out His Apostles to minister, He told them:

Matthew 10:8 … (NIV) Freely you have received; freely give ..

The Apostle Paul gathered the Church at Ephesus and, speaking to those he so loved, encouraged the Church to live by GRACE. He said:

Acts 20:32-35 (NKJV) So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

God gave grace freely to His Children, and we, in turn, are to give graciously. The mark of the true Christian is the one who shows the fruit of hospitality. The Scripture says “show HOSPITALITY to one another WITHOUT GRUMBLING” (1 Peter 4:9). We are commanded to “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). But our generosity is not just to be IN the Church, but OUTSIDE of the Church. We are told: Continue reading →

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