The Perfect Law of Liberty
ICS Daily Devotions

James 1:25 (NKJV) But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Christians should have very different lifestyles and worldviews from unbelievers whose values, principles, and identities are of the world. Therefore, their ways of thinking, behavioural patterns, and speech will be different from what the Bible advocates. Also, they are governed by their flesh and the lust of their eyes because they are subject to the law of sin and death.

Romans 6:18,22 (NKJV) And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness….But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

God is the one who has crafted the law, which makes it perfect. It was given and revealed by Him. The way of life which Jesus has laid down for His followers is in accordance with the will of God. Therefore, having an abundant life in terms of relationships with people and with God is the best kind of life that is within the law. Once upon a time, we were unable to overcome sin, and the law condemned us, but praise be to God that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death because Jesus has fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law for us, and the new creation has enabled us to walk in righteousness with absolute freedom. When we know that we walk in the law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus, we will live our lives very differently.

Now that we have been freed from the bondage of sin and given the ability to live Holy Spirit-empowered lives, God expects us to live in holiness and righteousness. Knowing that we are already accepted by God, we need not worry about acceptance by the world and its standards. Instead, our concern should only be about living a life to glorify God. We would want to grow in Christlikeness and love for God and our neighbours, especially those from the household of believers, because we are the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (Amp) All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.

Therefore, once we know that all things are permissible but not of them are beneficial, we should choose to refrain from doing them even if they are permissible because we now think and behave very differently from the world, and what used to be important to us doesn’t matter anymore. The law doesn’t enslave us to the bondage of legalism but rather frees us to keep its precepts by an inward compulsion.
The Perfect Law of Liberty

Sermon Series: Faith With Works