How can believers apply the principles of Matthew 5:17 in daily life? The Verse at a Glance “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) Christ’s Fulfilling Work Explained • Fulfillment, not cancellation—Jesus brings the Law to its intended goal, perfectly embodying every moral, ceremonial, and prophetic requirement (Hebrews 10:1–10). • The moral core stands—commandments revealing God’s character remain authoritative (Romans 3:31). • Ceremonial shadows find substance—sacrifices, festivals, and priesthood are realized in Christ (Colossians 2:16–17). • Prophetic promises completed—Messianic hopes converge in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:44). Daily Life Implications • See the Law through a Christ-centered lens—read Old Testament commands asking, “How did Jesus fulfill this, and how does His Spirit enable me to live it?” (Romans 8:4). • Obey from the inside out—move beyond external compliance to heart-level loyalty empowered by the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 5:21-48). • Love as the Law’s summary—“On these two commandments depend the whole Law…” (Matthew 22:37-40; cf. Galatians 5:14). • Hold Scripture as fully reliable—every jot and tittle carries God’s authority (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Practical Steps for Living the Fulfilled Law 1. Daily Scripture Intake • Read both Testaments, tracing how Christ completes every theme. • Memorize key passages that reveal God’s moral will (Psalm 119:9-11). 2. Spirit-Led Obedience • Begin the day yielding to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14). • When facing temptation, recall Christ’s perfection credited to you, then choose righteousness (1 John 2:1-6). 3. Active Love Toward Others • Serve neighbors sacrificially—fulfilling the “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). • Forgive quickly, mirroring the mercy you received (Ephesians 4:32). 4. Worship in Freedom, Not Formalism • Gather with the church regularly, celebrating Jesus as the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:25). • Engage symbols (Lord’s Supper, baptism) as gospel pictures, not saving rituals. 5. Consistent Integrity • Let truth govern speech and business dealings (Leviticus 19:11; Ephesians 4:25). • Keep promises, reflecting God’s faithfulness (Matthew 5:33-37). Encouragement for Ongoing Growth • Progress, not perfection—Christ’s finished work covers failures while His Spirit matures you (Philippians 1:6). • Community accountability—invite trusted believers to spur you on in obedience (Hebrews 10:24). • Hope anchored in fulfillment—because Jesus completed the Law, you live from victory, not for it (John 19:30). |
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