What does it mean to "observe the law and commandment" in today's context? The Verse at a Glance “Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: love the LORD your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commandments, hold fast to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:5) Key Words Explained • Keep – guard, watch, maintain with intentionality • Commandment – specific directives from God (e.g., Exodus 20) • Law – the broader body of divine instruction (Torah) • Observe – a continuing lifestyle of attentive obedience How Christ Shapes Our Obedience • Matthew 5:17–18 – Jesus fulfills, not abolishes, the Law. • Hebrews 10:1–10 – ceremonial shadows point to His final sacrifice. • Romans 8:3–4 – the righteous requirement of the Law is met in those who walk by the Spirit. • John 14:15 – love for Christ expresses itself in keeping His commandments. What Remains Binding Moral truths rooted in God’s character never expire: • Love God supremely (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30). • Love neighbor sacrificially (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). • Honor life, marriage, truth, property (Exodus 20:13–17; Romans 13:8–10). What Has Been Fulfilled • Sacrificial system – completed at the cross (Hebrews 9:11–12). • Civil statutes for Israel’s theocracy – instructive but not imposed on nations today (Galatians 3:23–25). • Ceremonial purity codes – illustrate holiness, now realized through Christ’s cleansing (Mark 7:18–19; Acts 10:15). Practical Obedience Today • Daily Scripture intake—letting God’s Word set our agenda (Psalm 1:2). • Active love—meeting tangible needs of others (James 2:14–17). • Personal holiness—fleeing sexual immorality, greed, deceit (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 4:25–32). • Spirit-led living—asking the Spirit to produce His fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). • Faith-motivated works—serving in the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:10). • Civic integrity—paying taxes, honoring authorities (Romans 13:1–7). • Sabbath rhythm—regular rest and worship, fulfilled in Christ yet practiced for health and devotion (Hebrews 4:9–11). Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Legalism—keeping rules to earn salvation (Titus 3:5). • Antinomianism—assuming grace removes moral boundaries (Romans 6:1–2). • Selective obedience—ignoring inconvenient commands (James 1:22–24). The Blessings Tied to Obedience • Closer fellowship with God (John 14:21). • Clear witness before the watching world (Matthew 5:16). • Inner joy and peace (Psalm 119:165; Philippians 4:9). • Practical prosperity—wise choices leading to stability (Joshua 1:8). Putting It Into Practice 1. Read a portion of Scripture daily, asking, “What does God command here?” 2. Identify one moral directive to obey this week; take a concrete step. 3. Lean on the Holy Spirit in prayer when obedience feels costly. 4. Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24–25). |
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