Discuss Romans 7 Page 7

These are most of the scriptures on marriage and divorce. Since you are a widow, you can remarry. The only hindrances come when you marry a non-believer. They may hinder you going to church; or reading the Bible; holding hands and praying over dinner. Here goes:

Matthew 5

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Commentaries:

Wesley's Notes for Matthew 5:31

Let him give her a writing of divorce - Which the scribes and Pharisees allowed men to do on any trifling occasion. # Deut 24:1; Matt 19:7; Mark 10:2; Luke 16:18.

People's Bible Notes for Matthew 5:31

Mt 5:31,32 Whosoever shall put away his wife. The divorce laws were very lax among the Jews. A man could put away his wife "for any cause" ( Matthew 19:8). Moses directed a legal letter of divorcement ( Deuteronomy 24:1). Christ positively forbids divorce except for unchastity. Marriage is a divine institution, and the obligation is for life. Mt 19:3-9; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:10-17

You can read these other scripture references also.

Page 2.

Re: observance of the Law. Matthew 23:1-3, "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." The Scribes & Pharisees who "sat in Moses' seat" were certainly not representative of Moses' giving of the Law nor of its proper application, but the Lord spoke of obedience to it in respect to the Law that was given & not with the pharisaical 'heavy burdens' they placed on the people. And to this, the Lord attested in Matthew 15:1-9, that they transgressed God's Command by their traditions. So, I believe that the Commands of Christ were none of these, but the True Law of God & that which Jesus gave to His disciples: that of love, humility, sacrifice, service, etc. The things which the religious leaders knew little or nothing about.

Then, was the accusation against Paul correct (in Acts 21:18-21)? We're not told, nor does Paul refute it. But as far as Paul's consideration of the Law in the Light of the Cross, we can understand that he believed that under the New Covenant, the Old was abrogated ( Romans 7:4-6), as maybe seen in Acts 21:21, in the accusation of him forsaking "Moses'" (Law). Whether the Jew as under the Law & the Gentile was not, once both came INTO Christ (that mystery), they were released from the law & dead works by faith in Jesus & water baptism was the declaration of that breaking away & cleaving to the Risen One. Water baptism was the ultimate defining witness of a hell-bound soul now entering into a life with Christ. Why should this apply to a Jewish convert & not a Gentile, I cannot find in the Scriptures; considering that Gentiles were also baptised in water in the NT. May the Lord guide us in this matter.

Bsp Amen to that

Even a mature Christian may be inclined to do what is bad. The apostle Paul was a mature Christian but he faced this struggle. We have a war or struggle inside us as we fight against the law of sin.

Hi Geoffrey.

Part 2.of 3.

Now that we have been loosed from the curse of the law, We take these verses in consideration.

NOW READ "ALL" OF ROMANS 7.

It clears up some of the trouble people have with Romans 7.

.......... Romans 7:2. For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is LOOSED FROM THE LAW OF HER HUSBAND.........

Also.

Colossians 3:3-4. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Also

Ephesians 2:5-6. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us SIT TOGETHER IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS:

There's many others but look ahead to Revelation where Christ Claims his possession!!!

Revelation 5:1-6. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

See part 3.

Earl I do understand your scripture but you are saying that when we get born again we instantly think like Christ then why do we still sin, because if we had perfect spiritual minds we would have perfect spiritual thoughts and walk by the spirit perfectly, then why does it say in Romans 12:2 Renew your mind, also your Right it says let this mind be in you it doesn't say it's instant, also 2 Corinthians 10:5 bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. The apostle Paul wrote about it in Romans 7:15-23 in verse 23 he says warring against the law of my mind. There's an old saying ideas capture men not weapons. Our weapon is the word retained in our minds which is developed as we walk on the word the spirit is perfect.We still battle with the old man nature or human reasoning it must be brought to obedience by us putting on the Love of God in Christ. If this is what your saying. okay God Bless

Howard We all in your terms give in so to speak, no man except Jesus Christ ever walked perfectly by the Spirit, as Paul outlined in Romans 7:14-25 we all deal with it. On the bright side we are forgiven by God through what Jesus Christ accomplished now the challenge to walk by the spirit is doing it is written. I don't dwell on what I do not do right also Paul in Philippians 3: 13, forget the past, that doesn't mean don't learn from it, don't dwell on it. A person who does a 300 yard dash doesn't in the middle of the race turn His head to look back. Just food for thought. In the end do the best you can then Philippians 2:13.

Hello Drake. The anguish you feel is mirrored in so many of us. The Apostle Paul suffered under the same spiritual cloud when he looked at the conflict in himself, between sin & his spirit. Romans 7:14-23 shows that conflict. But after his agonizing over it, he could find that victory lay not within him, but in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Even the Psalmist in Psalm 73:21-26, despaired of his unworthiness before God (was seen as a beast before Him & with a body & heart that failed God in life & in death). Yet, even he could raise himself up & proclaim that inspite of this, God was still his Strength, that His Presence hadn't left him & he would be guided in this life & into the next.

All God ever expects of His children is to humble themselves before Him, acknowledging that there "dwelleth no good thing" as far as our flesh is concerned. When we bring our sins & shortcomings before Him & our desire is not to the sin but only to the Saviour, He sees the heart that is inclined towards Him: a heart of faith, of hope, of expectation in our final redemption from this Earth. "He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust", but He also knows where the blood of His Son has been applied, and that not one of His sheep will be lost or plucked from His Hand.

We can confidently rest on such Scriptures, but if sin overtakes us, we look up & reach out for our Father & receive assurance of forgiveness & restoration. You've shared a mighty testimony declaring your love for the Lord; this cannot come from a heart succumbed to a sinful life, but of one engaged in the earthly battle in the spiritual realm, trusting the Lord for that extra measure of faith & strength. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Faith in Christ alone who has gotten us the victory through His Cross. Stay strong brother - keep looking up in faith & looking down into His Word for you.

Hi Dgjot.

Something went terribly wrong with the links i attempted to post.

Read Romans 7:23 on through Romans 8:13. with verses 11 thru 13 being the end result.

" But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES BY HIS SPIRIT THAT DWELLETH IN YOU.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."

We all have an inward battle but that life giving spirit conducts our walk. You may grieve the spirit but our great shepherd will never leave us.

Hebrews 10:14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

2 Timothy 1:12. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

God bless.

Hi Dgjot.

As promised I would like to elaborate a little further on your great questions.

I think we covered your 1st question, "Does that verse apply to the unsaved exclusively, or does it apply to the "saved" (but somewhat backslidden)?

You said you have wished terrible things on wicked people and Quoted I felt this heaviness weighing on me. It would not go away. I was terrified. My waking thoughts were of damnable things. I asked God every day, "What is this? Why do I feel this doom and gloom?" You seem to have a heavy heart behind those thoughts. This sounds like everyday struggle in a Christians life providing he or she is a believer regardless of the severity of the sin. Concerning the struggle it sounds like Paul in Romans 7:23-25. Link

You stated "Why would Jesus keep sticking up for a habitual sinner like me?" I don't know your spiritual condition but from what you have shared I supposed the habitual sin is the damnable thoughts you mentioned earlier.

Dgjot a habitual sinner in my opinion was never a saved person. But I'm not sure you fall in that category.

You mentioned a friend of yours told you to read Romans 8:1. And you read that verse many times. to put it into context for your situation you may have to take it from Romans 7:23-25. thru Romans 8:11.

Link

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, ( who walk NOT after the flesh,) but after the Spirit." This is done by the spirit.

Link

Link

Link

By the death and resurrection of Christ we wasn't just justified we were sanctified and being sanctified and some day be Glorified.

Revelation 21:8 has nothing to do with a believer loosing his salvation.

God bless.

Hi Peggy,

I would like to add to what Brother Jesse said.

There are some that believe and teach that when you are saved you can do what ever they want because you are saved by Love and grace. So they continue on in their sin. But the scripture says otherwise.

Romans 6:1-2. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

( Continue reading Romans 6:3-10. )

When we are born again Christians we have been baptized into the body of believers, "We all have been Identified with the death and resurrection of Christ.

Were no longer under complete control by the motions of the flesh

Romans 7:5. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

This brings on a new nature and attitude towards sin. The Holyspirit convicts us and empowers us. Not to perfection but a pure heart. There should be evidence of fruit in your life and conviction against ALL sin. I would do a serious study in Romans Ch 6. Ch 7. and Ch 8.

God bless.

Jesse Scripture in Romans 7:14-25 Paul by revelation gave a really good summation that we all deal with, thank God there's a day coming when we will be released from this body of death.

From Dr. J. Vernon McGee:

Part 1.

Jesus said,"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."- John 15:4, 5

If you were not raised in the country, you may not know that in every fruit orchard, there is always something else that tries to overcome the fruit. In nature, slugs and bugs and stinkweeds all attempt to crowd out the fruit. And in the life of the believer, there are always things that will attempt to crowd out the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, it's quite possible that the weeds grow and the fruit will not be produced. Paul spoke of that very thing in Galatians 5:17-

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

The flesh wants to have its way and is actually in competition against the Holy Spirit. So there is a danger of producing something besides fruit. And that which the flesh produces is not something that God can use; it's not fruit at all.

Paul himself experienced that struggle and described it in Romans 7:15:

For what I am doing[the new man wanted to produce fruit], I do not understand[the old nature would not do it].

You can be a child of God and be producing works of the flesh in your life, and if you are, you are not living by the Spirit of God. And I can tell you, if the works of the flesh are appearing in your life, you are a discontented and troublemaking child of God.

TNT take this into consideration those two were the only two people on this planet and they lived in a perfect environment, were only given one commandment and didn't focus learn listen adhere remember. They lost focus on what God told them. Our five senses heads do the same thing, from time to time, If you choose to read Romans 7:14-21 very insightful. With Adam and Eve I don't dwell on where there heads were but learn where to keep mine. God Bless

Brother Earl I have had children they were never totally under my will why because over time they took in different information then made up there own minds what they by there will would believe. I do also Know and Believe that God and His word are His will but the only man in the history of the world that walked with Him perfectly by the Spirit was His Only begotten Son our Saviour. Even after were born again we commit sin which is broken fellowship, why because we follow our senses. Read Romans 7:14-25. That's why we needed a Saviour because God in His Absolute will and knowledge knew man was going to blow it. If I did not explain this clear enough my apologies sir. I will also end discussion with all respect God Bless

BROTHER Earl.

Part 2. Sold under sin.

Romans 7:14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

I believe this old fallen nature has a source behind it. Spiritual wickedness, Children of darkness.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

I believe we're born Children of Adam and When we're Born again ( Born from above) we're Children of God.

Romans 5:19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Note: To the Pharisees

John 8:44. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. AND OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE FLESH DONT EXCEED THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE PHARISEES.

1 John 3:9-10. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, ( neither he that loveth not his brother. ) THERE IS HOW WE IDENTIFY THEM.

1 John 2:11. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

This is why there is diverse beliefs we have seen recently, but did you notice only 2 sides, we see some join forces against the truth. because there is 2 sources behind the scene. Mathew 12:30.

Part 3 coming.

God bless.

Hi Sissy.

If you mind I would like to add to the ruckus. lol.

Just to answer your question directly we don't worry about the soul.

We're concerned about the Spirit.

I don't believe they're the same.

"If I'm not mistaking" I believe your soul is connected to this earthly body. It wars against our Spirit,

Our Spirit will be connected with our Spiritual body where there will be no more Sin.

Psalms 16:9-10. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Brother Jesse or Brother Chris can check me on that, I do value their opinion.

As well as others.

Our natural birth we was born "Children of Adam. a living soul but spiritually dead! Our motions in our members was one with the Law " Ministration of condemnation " When we were born again "Born from above" We died in Adam and was born of the second Adam. "Christ" "A quickening spirit"

REFERENCE VERSES:

1 Corinthians 15:45-47.

2 Corinthians 3:6-10.

Romans 7:4-11.

We are hidden in Christ and that will never change, Your body goes in the ground, your spirit is with the Lord," He in you and you in Him.

Romans 6:3-5.

Colossians 3:3-4. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, EVEN SO THEM ALSO WHICH SLEEP IN JESUS WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM.

The body SLEEP in th ground and is raised a spirit body! and the spirit goes to Jesus. " How else could he bring it with him?"

John 14:19-20.

John 11:26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

I hope that helps, If not you're probably confused times 10.

God bless.

Brother Kenneth, May CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and His understanding.

What ever sin you see in yourself; GOD DOES NOT SEE.

The WORKS of Christ REMOVED them as far as the east is from the west.

WE ALL murdered Christ.

His last words were Father FORGIVE THEM.

Stand in that Forgiveness.

Just give thanks for his WORKS OF SALVATION.

Draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you.

Satan's objective is to keep the mind "blind" to the Gospel. Satan has a vast assortment of weapons at his disposal. Remember that Satan has 6,000 years of experience with billions of people. You will not win any battle with Satan on your own, but you can be victorious through Christ. To accomplish his task, Satan looks to our flesh, our fallen nature, to build his kingdom on our lusts and weaknesses. Fallen nature is the nature of the flesh ruling. Satan rules in this realm, he keeps those under his influence as captives.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the WAYS of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air ( Ephesians 2:1).

Our relationship with Jesus Christ liberates us from Satan's power. We are now a part of the Lord's army, advancing the kingdom of God on enemy territory. This does not stop Satan from trying and as such, we must remain ON GUARD. He works through lust to capture us. The word for lust in Greek is epithumia, and means desire, craving, longing, and the desire for what is forbidden. Satan pursues our fallen nature through the mind, feeding our lusts with perceptions. Satan attacks three areas of our mind. They are lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world ( 2 John 2:16).

John 3. You must be born again to receive:

Salvation through Jesus

Forgiveness of sins: past, present, future

Receive right standing with God the Father

Confess that the Holy Spirit is your Teacher

Tell someone that you have been born again.

Stay in 1 Corinthians until you see what is available to you, through the Holy Spirit. Ask him to Help you with fleshly passions. Rid your house of objects of temptation. Everything. Stay in the New Testament until you are stronger. Talk to Jesus 24/7 He hears you!

Mishael

Hi Kenneth.

Amen to both comments given to you by Sacha and Adam.

Turn from what ever that's hindering you and most important, Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ask him to come into your life and guide you through his word.

God bless you.

the depth of your sin is not nearly as powerful as the Blood of Christ,

shed for you. Only believe...... lift up Christ Jesus, not the power of

your sin. Ask God to show you the riches of the Cross. God Bless.

Dear Kenneth Tipton , please do not despair , you have not done one thing that some one else hasnt done before you did , you have not done any thing that God didnt see you do , he was with you the whole time , you cannot ever hide from him and thats a good thing , repent of you sins , open your heart to Him in prayer , dont attempt to hide anything from Him because you know you cant and dont attempt to hide anything from yourself , be honest , the truth is often awful but it must be faced , God loves the truth , talk to Him ,read the Bible ,this isnt about beating yourself up its about recognising your sinfull self and asking God to forgive your sins and help you to move on , surround yourself with other Christians ,keep away from the things and people that tempt you , God loves you ,always ,He will not EVER leave you ,reach out to Him and He will take your hand .

Dear Kenneth,

It's a common trick by the enemy to persuade you into assuming your sin is too big for grace. That's false. The only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the holy spirit- all others are absolutely forgivable. Paul used to murder Christians before being the biggest evangelist for Christ in world history and writing most books in the Bible. Moses killed someone. David had a twisted affair where he killed her husband. God can forgive you if you repent.

Is Jesus's death on the cross not good enough for you? God already loved you so much He died for you- what else can He do? If you're a lost sheep all you need to do is call out to Jesus- give your heart to Him and He will find and rescue you. Don't believe the devil's lies. Fight back by reading God's word and staying in the truth- keeping your metaphorical armor of God on to fight against satan's lies. Then once you find your way back to Jesus, 'go and sin no more'. God bless you!

I have gone so deep in sin that I am ashamed to ask the Lord Jesus to help me. I am so alone and afraid. The "Prodigal Son" would be ashamed to be seen with me and that only the least of my shame.

Hi Lauren,

I know we all go thru that mind set. Paul writes about it in Romans 7:11-25. The Lord knows our frame and helps us through His scriptures. It is not easy. Our responsibility is to search His Word and trust in its application to our lives. Gal 2:20; Col 3: 1-10; 1 Cor 10: 13 are passages that helped me. It takes time, however it gets easier as time goes by. Key is to keep working at it. The Lord is there for you. He wants us to succeed. Remember, it is His desire that we be like Christ. Romans 6:5; Phil 3:21; 1 John 3:2. Sorry didn't mean to give you so many verses, just wanted you to have enough "ammunition" to fight against the enemy and quench all his fiery darts Eph 6: 11-18. I used 3X5 cards to write the verses and carried them with me to help me memorize the verses.

God bless you, and know that the Lord is there for our success.

Hi Norman,

I think all Christians struggle with the temptations of sin. Paul wrote about his struggle: Romans 7:19

In my opinion there's a difference in a Christian genuinely trying to follow Jesus and occasionally messing up and getting a little off track...

VS.

A Christian who assumes he's saved, because grace, and now feel entitled to sin as much as he wants, because grace. He used to follow Jesus, but doesn't really think about it much anymore. He calls himself a 'good person' by his own standards. He enjoys the world, enjoys indulgences (sin) and rationalizes it as being OK. Then puts the world first pursuing fun, money, status, and following Jesus becomes a lower priority. He assumes he's going to heaven, because grace and his actions don't matter anymore and he's a 'good person'.

In my understanding, the Christian who knows he's a flawed sinner and desperately needs Jesus's grace and follows Jesus and tries to emulate Him and apply His teachings is on solid ground. The fact that someone cares and is thinking about it is a heathy sign: Luke 12:5. Sounds like you fit in this category. Remember Paul killed Christians and was forgiven, so no sin other than blasphemy is too great to be forgiven, if genuine repentance.

But the Christian who already assumes he's all good, and uses grace as a license to justify committing unlimited sin and following the world instead of Jesus, I believe is in danger.

Jesus warned His followers (Christians) over and over about heaven and hell through His parables, etc. That few people will go to heaven and most will go to hell.

Matthew 7:21

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13

Romans 11

John 14:15

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

1 Peter 1:5

Dear Levi,

That's good that you are aware of the struggle between good and evil. Awareness is nearly half the battle. Becoming a Christian doesn't lessen the temptation of sin, in my opinion. But when we know the consequences of sin and do it anyway, it's basically like spitting in Jesus's face and turning our back on Him. He died for us and if we sin we are highly disrespecting Him and putting ourself at risk.

Paul struggled with his flesh too. This doesn't mean a Christian indulges in sin, but it means sin is always a temptation and we need to work hard to avoid it.

Romans 7:19

Jesus said if we love Him we'll obey (and not sin):

John 14:15

One could presume that if we willingly commit sins anyway that we love sin more than Jesus.

HEBREWS 10:26 - this verse echos that.

Matthew 5:30 - makes it clear what the priorities are. Basically if you're tempted to sin, DO ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IMAGINEABLE TO AVOID IT! EVEN CUTTING OFF YOUR OWN HAND!!! This shows the severity of the consequences of sin. For those genuinely following Christ we are fortunate to have grace for our misteps. However, if we willingly choose to defy Jesus and disobey and sin, we're basically turning our back on Jesus and following the devil. So, I think deliberate sinning, despite being a Christian and knowing better, and knowing right from wrong can have eternal consequences just as Heb 10:26 says.

So, if avoiding this temptation was important enough to you, you could use a lot of strategies to ensure you never commit this horrific sin:

1. Move away (physically remove the temptation out of your life)

2. Don't watch images or videos associated with that desire. Out of sight out of mind.

3. Replace that lust with something positive.

4. Reward yourself for each week you complete where you keep pure thoughts. Save up for a vacation with your wife or something special to reinforce the bond between you.

5. Get rid of all friends and influences that might give temptation.

Etc. God bless...

Hi Mishael. It can't be argued in what you have just shared, as obedience to the Lord, a deep love for Him & to all people must be our focus & to where our energies are directed.

But in these threads you refer to lies a problem with correct biblical hermeneutics. Ordinarily, we can agree to differ on our understanding of the Scriptures without too much of a catastrophe (e.g. Christ's second coming, did Jesus actually spend three days in the grave, etc, etc.). But what we have here is about the applicability of the Decalogue to the believer in Christ, & in particular the 4th Commandment (which somehow takes a degree of precedence over the other nine), should be of concern to each of us. The apostles had to wrestle over this as it was important to keep the believers' new life in Christ distinct from the old life (if they were Jews) under the Law which revealed their sin, their incapability to keep the Law & which only brought death ( Romans 7:5,6). So it was never a case of whether we should obey God's commandments - we all must obey. It's a case of whether our appeal to obey is to what was the "ministration of death, written & engraven in stones" rather than to the "ministration of the Spirit" which is of greater glory ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-8) & for which Jesus died & ushered in the New Covenant with God. If righteousness (a believer's right standing before God) could be achieved by the Law, then indeed Christ has died in vain ( Galatians 2:21).

In other words, & with all concern, can a believer stand before God & claim obedience to the Ten Commandments & especially the 4th Commandment, & not expect rebuke? He might believe that he can stand with head held high, being sealed with the 4th, & then sees the Lamb that was slain Who put aside forever any cause for condemnation which came by the Law ( Romans 8:1-4). It's not about the beauty of God's Laws - it's about it's applicability & the Spirit's Work to reveal all of God's Laws to us & give us power to perform them.

Hello S Spencer.

Thank you for your insightful comments. I enjoyed reading them. Quite accurate.

Many who quote Matthew 5:17-19 fail to notice an important point, namely, Jesus said, "till all be fulfilled".

Matthew 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

The Mosaic Law was fulfilled in Jesus Christ once he died and was resurrected. His death put to death the Mosaic Law as recorded at:

Colossians 2:14-16: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days."

Romans 7:6 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."

Romans 10:4 "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

Many who quote Matthew 5:17-19 often do not notice what Jesus said in the parallel account at:

Luke 16:16 "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

There, Jesus said further that the law, that is, the Mosaic Law, was UNTIL John. After John, it would be the New Covenant that was inaugurated by Jesus' shed blood. (See Luke 22:20.)

Thus, 1 John 5:2, 3 and all other verses in the New Testament (Romans to Revelation), referring to God's commandments, does not refer to the 10 commandments nor the Mosaic Law commandments but only to the laws of the New Covenant (Romans to Revelation). In that New Testament Law, no instruction is ever made to keep the Sabbath Day or to circumcise all males, etc.

I share these thoughts with you and hope you enjoy them.

1 Corinthians 5:3

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

2 Corinthians 5:6

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:44

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Romans 7:24

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Genesis 1

26 And God said, Let us make man in OUR IMAGE, after OUR LIKENESS...

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Comment by Mishael:

When Adam and Eve were created, they were comprised of spirit+soul+flesh. After they ate the fruit, their spirit connection was cut off from God. After the Cross: The reconnection was made available. "For God so loved the world..." John 3:16

1 Corinthians 13:9-12

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect (Jesus) is come, then that which is IN PART shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man (spiritual), I put away childish things.

12 For NOW WE SEE through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know, even as also I am known.

I'm all for doctrine, theology, original languages. Jesus told us to be as little children. Don't make it so hard. We don't have another 2000 years to help people believe on Jesus for salvation. Selah.