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The law of God is not a popular subject today.  We live in an anti-authoritarian age when laws are given only grudging obedience, even when they are for one’s own benefit.  Many do not want to hear about a God who tells people what to do.  That is true even among many Christians.  The Psalmist, however, can say ‘O, how I love your law’ (Ps 119:97) and Paul can say ‘in my inner being I delight in God’s law’ (Romans 7:22).  God’s law expresses in practical form God’s holy nature and requirements.  We consider God’s gift of his Law.

1. A mirror

God requires of every person perfect obedience to his law.  Note Israel’s commitment at Sinai – ‘we will do everything the Lord has said’ (Exodus 24:7).  This is what is required if we are to enjoy fellowship with the Lord (Leviticus 18:5).  Jesus says ‘if you want to enter life, obey the commandments’ (Matthew 19:17).  However, we are unable to meet that standard (Romans 3:23).  God’s law holds up a mirror to us, showing the reality of our sin.  It forces us to see that we break specific commandments.  If we are willing to pay heed, the law lets us see what we are really like, but it cannot change us (Romans 3:20).  Worse still, as Paul found, the law even provokes sin (Romans 7:7-8).  But the law as a mirror also serves a positive function – it drives us to Christ for salvation.  Awakened sinners realise their need and turn to the Saviour (Romans 5:20-21).

2. A muzzle

God’s law also has a function in relation to society as a whole.  The law is given to restrain the outward expression of man’s sinful nature.  It acts as a muzzle which prevents sinful actions that would otherwise be committed.  The law had a deterrent effect on Israel (Exodus 20:20).  Where God’s word is known and where the church has some influence, God’s law can still discourage some expressions of man’s sinful nature.  The threat of divine punishment can make some think again before they sin.  God’s law reminds people of his holiness and justice and awakens echoes in the conscience of those who bear God’s image.  Such an effect is of course limited.  As the fear of God and respect for his word decline in society, the muzzling effects of the law decrease.  God’s law however serves to show how a society has deteriorated and to pronounce his judgement.

3. A map

Some Christians believe God’s law no longer has any relevance to them and claim being led by the Spirit is sufficient.  In fact, God’s law is a map to guide his people in the ways of godliness.  The law was given to those God had redeemed (Exodus 20:1).  It was given to show Israel how to serve the Lord.  The NT teaches the same truth.  Christians demonstrate love for God by obedience to his law (John 14:15; I John 5:3-4).  We are saved by grace in order ‘to do good works’ (Ephesians 2:10).  God’s law guides us as to good works to do and sins to avoid.  If a person is truly regenerate, it will be evident in the desire to keep God’s law.  It is Paul the saved sinner who writes Romans 7:22.  Indifference to God’s law is a warning of spiritual decline.  God’s law expresses his nature and reveals the character of Christ.

Speaker: Tom McKendry

Speaker: Tom McKendry

We often think of great missionaries and preachers as uniquely gifted individuals, for example William Carey or Hudson Taylor.  That is an idea that can be encouraged by modern celebrity culture.  Some of those famous Christians perhaps did function in an individualistic way, but most have been part of a team.  We see this clearly with regard to the apostle Paul.  We consider Philemon 22-25 The fellowship of service.

1. Praying

Paul makes a further request: he is planning to visit Philemon, so ‘Prepare a guest room for me’.  Hospitality was very important in the Christian church, especially since inns could be unpleasant or even dangerous.  Evidently Philemon was well off since he could accommodate a congregation and provide at least one guest room.  Paul was in prison, so he says, ‘I hope to be restored to you’ – there can be no certainty about his future.  However, ‘be restored’ shows his trust in God’s sovereign providence in all aspects of his life.  All believers should think in the same way – see James 4:15.  Note also the importance of believers’ prayers – belief in providence does not remove the need for prayer.  We pray because God is sovereign, and prayers are written into his sovereign decrees.  We need to pray and be prayed for.

2. Serving

As Paul concludes his letter, he passes on greetings from a number of others who were part of his gospel ministry.  They are his ‘fellow workers’ (v23-24).  These are additional to Tychicus and Onesimus who bring this letter and also the one to the Colossians (Colossians 4:7,9).

            (i). Epaphras.  He is a ‘fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus’ – probably not literally, but he ministered to Paul in prison.  Note Colossians 4:12 ‘He is always wrestling in prayer for you’ – a glowing testimonial to the planter of churches in Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

            (ii). Mark.  He is the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who failed at Perga (Acts 13:13), yet by grace was restored and became helpful to Paul in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).

            (iii). Aristarchus.  Also ‘my fellow prisoner’ (Colossians 4:10) – another courageous brother who stood by Paul in his time of need.  This is practical fellowship – Matthew 25:36.

            (iv). Demas. Sadly, Demas later ‘loved this world’ and forsook Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).  Perseverance is the only real proof of the genuineness of faith.

            (v). Luke.  He is ‘our dear friend’ (Colossians 4:14.  He often accompanied Paul and stayed with him in his final imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11).  He was a faithful brother.

3. Blessing

Paul concludes with a suitable benediction.  As an apostle he is the channel of God’s blessing.  The focus is on grace, which believers need daily (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Paul addresses the whole congregation who will hear the letter read out.  They are one in the Lord.