sf1007 - The Purpose Of The Law (Exodus 19 3-8)

Exodus 19:3-8; 1 Peter 2:9-10

INTRODUCTION

The necessity of rules

We must have rules...

Ø      for the universe to work

Ø      for mathematics

Ø      for physics

What purpose does the Law serve today?

What it does not do….

Galatians 2:16 "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Five purposes of the Law…

1A.      To regulate society

1B.      The implanted Law of God (Romans 2:12-16)

2B.      The application of the Law of God (Romans 13:1-5)

2A.      To reveal the sinfulness of man

1B.      The primary audience of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

2B.      The perfect work of the Law (Romans 3:19-20)

When God intends to save a man, the first thing he does with him is to send the law to him, to show him how guilty, how vile, how ruined he is, and in how dangerous a position.  (Spurgeon)

3A.      To reveal the holiness of God (Romans 7:7-12)

1B.      The Law is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous. (Psalm 19:7-11)

2B.      The Law is a perfect reflection of God’s holy character (Romans 7:7-12)

4A.      To expose the awfulness of sin (Romans 7:13)

Nothing makes me value my Savior more than seeing the law condemn me.  (Spurgeon)

It is against the black backdrop of our sin that the light of God shines most brightly.

1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

5A.      To Bring the sinner to Christ (Galatians 3:19-24; 4:4-5)

1B.      By revealing our inability to save ourselves (Matthew 5:48; Galatians 3:19-24)

God’s standard (Matthew 5:48)

Man’s failure (Galatians 3:19-24)

2B.      By sending Christ to fulfill the law (Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)