This week I attended a Grow Class centered on learning how to live “The Gospel-Centered Life.” The class centers around Biblical concepts taught from a book by the same name.
This week, the class focused on learning about the law and the Gospel. The group looked at how taking the legalism or license view, instead of the Gospel view, can hinder your ability to love God and delight in His law.
“A true Christian obeys God’s law, then, not out of obligation or duty, but out of love, for ‘love is the fulfillment of the law’ (Rom. 13:10). Both legalism and license are fundamentally self-centered. They are not concerned with delight in God or in his law, but with self: ‘I keep the rules’ or ‘I break the rules.’ But the gospel frees us from our self- concern and turns us outward. We see that God’s law is not constraining but freeing: it is a ‘law of liberty’ (James 1:25 ESV). It is a law that points us to Jesus.”
The class was asked to answer the question, “Why do you obey God?” Is it for any reason other than love or adoration for Him?
For many people, selfish reasons keep them tethered to God but keep them from experiencing a full relationship with Him. Selfish reasons include things like a fear of not going to Heaven, the need to be seen as a church-goer, or the need for a moral compass, instead of obeying God purely out of love for Him.
The class was also asked to view their life as though it was a pitcher. If your heart is full of selfishness, it will pour out frustration, anger, anxiety, and bitterness to those it comes in contact with. If your heart is full of mercy and grace, it will pour out mercy and grace to others.
What are you pouring out on others?
