Colossians 2:13-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Recently I said that I skipped over definitions and ordinances in favor of speaking about the reciprocal force of love. It is a good time to return to ordered lesson plans for disciples. Where should be begin?

Did any of us understand that we were trespassers before we came to Christ? This one falls into the law courts. A legal no trespassing sign states the ordinances upon which the violation is judged.  Those ordinances define the penalty for trespassing. I am reminded of a judge telling a defendant, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

Romans 1:20 English Standard Version (ESV) For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Psalm 39:2-4 English Standard Version (ESV) I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse. My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

All who are chosen will feel that burning you their heart, a longing to know that life is more than food and drink, more than work and position. Something is missing because we have transgressed.

The ordinance defines the penalty for transgression. Death.

What justifies me in this court that God should set aside the verdict, pay my debt and set me free?

Our first definition word shall be justification.

1 Corinthians 12:31b English Standard Version (ESV) And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Picking up where we left of yesterday about the higher gifts, Paul now finished chapter 12 with this wonderful statement. “Let me show you a better way.” Then Paul leads us directly into what many refer to as the love chapter of the bible.

1 Corinthians 13:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Way of Love

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

Paul begins this chapter with the issue of speech. The expression of love cannot be in word only. Empty words cannot show love. “Let me tell you.” No thanks, show me. What does love look like if it can only be expressed in word?

How about this blog? It is just words. How do these words show love? Because the topic is an introduction to the love of God. Those who have not known of it will hear words about His great love. Those who have received the Lord into their hearts may find encouragement and a glimpse into how others think and feel about the God we serve. Jesus said to go and make disciples of all nations. This blog is open to the world to find and discover God.

John 13:34-35 English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

If I can share with even one lost soul the love of God I have fulfilled this commandment. If you are wondering which gift was used to perform His will, it is the gift of helps. Sharing the gospel is a helps gift. Even if we have not acquired any other gift yet, the gift of helps is alive and available to all of us in sharing the gospel.