Lawlessness Revealing
We continue in our study of lawlessness, what it is and how to resist it through an awareness of its working in us. Let’s review the principles of lawlessness.
- It must be acted out.
- There is a target audience for law to make aware of sin.
- The law is good.
- Sinners practice lawlessness.
- Lawlessness is already at work.
Our first entry in this series introduced us to the concept of lawlessness. Read here.
Our next entry in this series provided some context around the concept of lawlessness through a review of principles #1 and #2. Read here.
Today, let’s review principles #3 and #5 and consider the revealing of lawlessness around us, even in the small things.
#3: THE LAW IS GOOD, if one uses it lawfully. A strict view says that the former covenant we call “the Law” was our schoolmaster and guardian until Jesus performed His finished work for us (See Galatians 3:24). A broader view of the “law of God” as the teaching and instruction of God teaches us honor and reverence for the Word and ways of God. Psalm 19:7-11 says this,
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; (8) the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; (9) the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. (11) Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. ESV, emphasis added
A basic example to show us lawlessness in our day is the life of the person who does not regard God’s Word. The results include a soul not revived (Ps. 19;7), a lack of wisdom (v. 8), lack of joy concerning being on the Lord’s side (v. 9), common or familiar approach to God (v. 10), a general lack of discerning as to the warning of the Lord’s words.
#5: LAWLESSNESS IS ALREADY AT WORK. Think about pedestrians who cross the street, in traffic, without the right of way. They look at us behind the wheel with a look that dares us to hit them. We receive a directive from a higher-up in any setting, and immediately our response is something like, “Well I’m going to do….” the opposite. These are simple manifestations of a spirit of lawlessness.
Here are other examples of lawlessness in our day —
- Disobedient children
- Anger at the truth (we can include personal truth here…denial of it)
- Elder abuse
- Rage killings
- Unteachable
- Lack of accountability
Let us be sober, because our adversary the devil creeps about like a roaring lion looking to devour us. Do you see that? Devour — utterly destroy. (See 1 Peter 5:8)
Let’s not sabotage our inheritances for lawlessness. The rewards are great in obeying God, not in going against Him.
Selah, and love to all.
Blogs I Follow
The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 