Romans 6:14 AMP: “For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy].”
Many Christians assume, due to misguided teachings in religious circles, that once they accept Christ, they are automatically no longer under the law. Those who grew up in church or claim to have always believed are often taught that they are no longer subject to the law. However, when we examine the true context of what it means to be “no longer under the law,” it refers to a condition in which we are no longer dominated by the flesh but are living a life yielded to and led by the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:18 TPT: “But when you yield to the life of the Spirit, you will no longer be living under the law, but soaring above it!”
If we cannot yield to the life of the Holy Spirit, we remain in conflict, dominated by our fleshly desires, which can lead to consistent sin. If we consistently sin, we are yielding to our flesh or the behavior of a self-centered life.
What is the behavior of a self-centered life?
Galatians 5:19-21 TPT: “The behavior of the self-life is obvious: sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their ‘freedom’ for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God?”
Now consider Galatians 5:18. Scripture tells us that if we can reach a place where the law cannot touch us, we can actually live above the law. What does that mean? Realistically, this privilege is not attained by everyone, though it is available to all.
If we cannot live a faith-based life expressed through love, we are sent back to an elementary level to be taught the law: do not lie, steal, envy, be jealous, take offense, manipulate, and so forth. This is called “discipline!”
Grace gives us the freedom to choose, but why do we continue to choose the flesh and a self-centered life? When we do, we constantly clash with the law, which conflicts with the Holy Spirit.
Additional Comments:
Now think about it. If we are declared no longer under the law, then what does that mean?
Senior Pastor Steve Kim