Jesus does what legalism can never do: he gives us a new heart and a new spirit. Without this inner transformation, we can never please God. People aren't changed by therapy or analysis-- not even biblical analysis. They are changed by God. God is in the business of change. (46-47)
Each section of the chapter to this point, and each of my posts here in response, have dealt with this reality: the Bible, being God's Word, is good and true, but we cannot use it as a mere tool in an attempt to change ourselves. That is legalism, and that doesn't work.
What a relief it should be to approach God through his Word in spiritual disciplines by faith! The difference that faith makes is that we are relying exclusively on God's ability and desire to work through his Word to change us by his power.
I'd understand if you were to ask at this point, "If Jesus has given me a new heart, shouldn't all this come a lot easier?" Here are a few things to keep in mind.
You have been made new, and you are being made new (Col. 3:7-10). Both are true! Now, in Christ, pleasing God is a real possibility for you in your life. Before, without Christ, that was a real impossibility. That's why you may not feel radically different, but you are.
Yes, you are radically different, yet you have a long way to go. In fact, that's what this whole discussion is about. Keep changing, growing, moving toward greater Christ-likeness.
Even though the Bible is God's Word, why is it helpful to remember specifically that it is God that changes us?
How might we be tempted to use the things God has given us for our growth and turn them into tools that bring glory to us?
No comments:
Post a Comment