The Logic Of Law

Transcripts for Dr. Wiersbe's sermons are forthcoming. Below is an outline of his message.

Paul addresses the question, “What is the purpose of the law?”

Our attitude toward the Old Testament law determines are attitude toward authority in general.

Three possible attitudes towards the law.

-       The legalist: “The law is the master.”

• Paul says the legalist attitude is wrong.
• When Israel was under the law, the law was a mirror to reflect sin, a jailer to restrain sin, and a guardian to protect the nation.
• To the Old Testament Jew, the law was the master.
• The law can only reveal sin; it cannot remove sin. 
• The law was only temporary. 
• The law cannot give life.

-       The anarchist: “The law is the enemy.”

• Paul says the anarchist attitude is wrong.
• The anarchist thinks he can do whatever he wants because he is not under the law.
• Liberty does not mean that you can live anyway you please. It means we live to please God.
• Grace doesn’t just save us; grace teaches us.
• Even though there is contrast in the Bible between law and grace, contrast does not mean conflict.
• God still has a standard for righteousness. 
• Nine of the ten commandments are repeated in the New Testament.

-       The mature Christian: “The law is my servant.”

• What do you live by?
• Unless you are convicted by the law, you won’t be converted by grace.
• The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to produce the righteousness of God.
• The mature Christian delights to do the will of God.
• The law is our servant to help us in our Christian life.

Legalism denies grace, but anarchy denies the law.