The New Covenant: Does It Abolish Gods Law? Why disobedience appeals to human nature Satan is successful in deceiving humanity for good reason. The apostle Paul explains that the natural mind of man—the mind that is not guided by Gods Spirit—cannot always see the purpose behind Gods laws. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians:2:14). Most people are not overtly hostile toward many of Gods laws. They usually recognize that deeds such as murder and theft are wrong. However, they are hostile—perhaps without recognizing their ingrained hostility—toward laws that challenge their own personal, natural way of thinking. In that sense lawlessness appeals to people. Paul explains why disobedience can appeal to our baser instincts: The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be (Romans:8:7). The carnal, or fleshly, mind not only lacks spiritual discernment, it resents Gods authority as expressed in His laws. The Holman Christian Standard Bible translates this verse: The mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to Gods law, for it is unable to do so. We call this sinful tendency human nature— a combination of human weakness and acquired attitudes resulting from Satans influence on people. Satan exploits human nature. He uses his false teachers to convince other people that they are liberated from the laws of God, thus excusing their tendency to be hostile toward Gods laws. So, rather than abandoning a life of lawlessness, those led astray by this deception continue in sin. Thinking their disobedient actions are permissible to God, they fail to recognize, at least in some of their beliefs and behavior, the seriousness of their sinful actions. But the apostle James makes it clear that this approach and attitude to Gods royal law are entirely wrong: For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all (James:2:10). The context shows that James is speaking of the Ten Commandments (verses 8-9, 11). Gods fundamental law is made up of 10 points, and He requires us to observe them all—in letter and spirit.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 12:44:48 +0000
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