#133 - Classic Christianity by Bob George (Chp 11 - Living By a Higher Law

Understanding Legalism in Christian Life:

Legalism often refers to imposing extra conditions for salvation or Christian living, beyond what's taught in the Bible. It's not about the actions (e.g., Bible study, witnessing) but the motive behind them. Legalism involves doing these actions out of a sense of obligation or to earn God's acceptance, rather than out of love and gratitude.

Motivation and Source of Life:

Actions can be identical, but the motive determines if it's legalism or genuine faith. Legalism is self-driven and about outward performance; genuine faith is about Christ living within and guiding actions. The analogy: Two people can perform the same action (like tapping to music), but one responds naturally to hearing music (genuine faith), while the other only imitates the actions without hearing (legalism).

Living by the Spirit:

Being filled with the Spirit isn't about a mystical experience but understanding and accepting God's love and grace. It's about letting this understanding of God's love control your actions and attitudes, much like being drunk with wine influences behavior.

Experiencing God's Love:

Understanding God's love is transformative; it changes how you view yourself and others. It's not about following rules but responding to the "music" of God's love and grace. This love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, keeps no record of wrongs, and always perseveres (referencing 1 Corinthians 13).

Practical Implications:

Understanding God's love affects every area of life, especially relationships. Misunderstanding God's love leads to problems in personal and family life. We treat others the way we perceive God treats us. If we see God as harsh and demanding, we'll likely treat others the same way.

The Power of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers not just for supernatural acts, but more so to comprehend and accept the profound depths of God's love. This understanding is what fills believers with the fullness of God (referencing Ephesians 3:14-21).

Love in Action:

God's love isn't abstract; it's meant to be lived out in relationships. Real-life example: Bob George's realization of how he was hurting his relationship with his son over something trivial (the cost of a deluxe cheeseburger) and his decision to prioritize love and relationship over frugality.

The Higher Law of Christ:

Christians are not without standards after being freed from the law; they're under the "law of Christ" or "law of liberty," which is a higher standard. This law is about serving one another in love, which fulfills the entire law (referencing Galatians 5:13-14 and Romans 13:10). Love is the defining mark of Jesus' disciples, and it's possible only when believers first receive and are filled with God's love (referencing John 13:34-35).