Playlist:

playlist Go to the Law, Intent of (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

The Law's Purpose and Intent

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In a world overwhelmed by countless specific laws that target actions without addressing motives, the intent behind God's Law stands in stark contrast. The true effectiveness of a law lies in its purpose and intent, often referred to as the 'spirit of the law,' rather than its mere letter. This spirit reflects God's original intent behind each commandment, aiming to foster a way of life that aligns with His character. God's Law, as revealed in the Bible, provides principles for every human activity, guiding proper relationships with Him and with fellow human beings. By keeping the commandments, such as the Ten Commandments, we learn to think as God thinks and develop His character. The spirit of the law becomes especially crucial for those preparing to take the Passover, as it addresses attitudes and blind spots beyond mere obedience to the letter. Jesus Christ exemplified the importance of the spirit of the law, demonstrating that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, thus revealing a deeper purpose behind the commandment. He upheld the letter of the law while emphasizing its spirit, showing that both are necessary to keep God's Law properly. The Sabbath, for instance, was designed by God as a blessing for rest, recuperation, and drawing closer to Him and to others in love and fellowship. Jesus' insight into this divine purpose allowed Him to heal on the Sabbath, freeing a worshipper from burden and illustrating that God's Law is always a blessing to those who recognize its spirit. Love is the essence of the spirit of the law, embodying the true principle of obedience. When we live in the love of Christ, we see the Law not as a harsh taskmaster but as a bright vision of understanding and blessing. Our imitation of Christ involves obedience to the Law, fulfilling it as a living principle within us through love, which is the fulfillment of the Law. The spirit of the law also guided the apostles in decisions on doctrine and conduct, especially in matters lacking direct written instruction, such as circumcision. Under the New Covenant, the basis is a dynamic Spirit rather than a static code, enabling transformation and life through the indwelling Spirit of God. This Spirit helps us meet the righteous requirements of the Law, revealing truth and aiding us to overcome sin, aligning our lives with God's nature. Ignoring the spirit of the law, as the Pharisees did, leads to devastating results, focusing only on technicalities rather than the needs of others. Jesus magnified the Law by pointing to its weightier aspects beyond superficial guidelines, emphasizing the spirit over mere ritual. Through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to fulfill the spirit of the law, manifesting it in love and striving to live by this positive standard, pursuing spiritual progress with the mind of Christ.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Things written in the Old Testament were written for us. The differences in the covenants focus on justification and access to God, not doing away with the law.

Law and Spirit Together

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Over-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.

'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.

God's Law Is Eternal

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Many say that God's laws have been abolished, even though Jesus taught that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle of the Law will disappear.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.

Is God a False Minister?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Those who advocate doctrinal change portray God as a confused and false minister who lacks the power to instruct his chosen leaders to 'get it right.'

The Weightier Matters (Part 1): Introduction

Article by Staff

Jesus blasts the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23, telling them they ignore the 'weightier matters.' We must focus on certain virtues as we keep God's law.

The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.

Righteousness from Inside-Out

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Many people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.

Elements of Judgment (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

None of God's law has been 'done away', though there is not always a literal application. Not every law of God has the same weight of importance.

You Shall Love Your Neighbor (Part One)

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

The problem with the Pharisees is that they never grasped the simplicity of the law, much less the spirit of it, but dissected it to be thought righteous.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.

Elements of Judgment (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The last days of the Worldwide Church of God demonstrated a dearth of righteous judgment. God expects us to judge wisely within the parameters of His Law.

The Promises of God

Sermon by John O. Reid

In this time of confusion and rapid change, we have a desperate need for something solid to hold onto. Some of the most secure things are the promises of God.

More Righteous Than the Pharisees?

Sermon by John O. Reid

The Pharisees were in the office or seat of Moses. Jesus taught His followers to follow their words (pertaining to the Law of God), but not their personal examples.

Matthew (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Entering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.

The Merciful

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.

The Pentecost Witness

Article by David C. Grabbe

Pentecost is known for its stupendous signs, particularly in Acts 2. Yet it teaches us of another witness: our own display of Christ's way of life in us.

What Happened Between the Testaments?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.

The Intertestamental Period

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Intertestamental Period spans approximately 400 years from Malachi to the appearance of John the Baptist, creating the environment for Christ's ministry.

The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.

Sin (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Though relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

James had to be written as a counterbalance to antinomian elements that twisted Paul's writings to proclaim that that grace nullifies the need for works.

The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity

Article by Staff

Faith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Old Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.