… so that I might live for God.
Summary: It turns out that dying to the law and living for God are related. We also discover an interesting relationship between self-interest and the law.
What does it mean to “live for God?” Do you know?
It occurs to me that the law is only needed for people who live only for themselves. If we could live for God, that is, if we could completely ignore our desires and only focus on what God wants, we wouldn’t need any laws.
We see this rule in our human relationships.
What do single people look for in potential marriage partners? Do they want to meet someone obsessed with themselves, or do you think they would prefer a mate who thinks of them first?
When children are born, do the parents hope for a child who is self-centered and demanding, or do they want their child to be respectful and loving toward their parents?
It is because humans are, by nature, self-centered that we need rules and laws.
The number one most important rule of all is to acknowledge and respect our Creator. This priority is reflected in God’s Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the Greatest Commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22: 37-38)
If we could treat God like we want to be treated by others, we would be able to “live for God.” Unfortunately, we have this thing called a “self.” It has other names, too. Some call it “ego,” others name it the “id.” The Bible often refers to obsessing over oneself as “pride” (Proverbs 16:18).
So, how does Paul manage to live for God?
The answer to this question is in the Bible. The whole Bible! Obviously, it is not a simple answer, but there is a simplified version of the answer: Jesus.
Jesus is God’s Son, and he is the only human who was ever able to live a completely selfless life. He lived entirely to please his Father, to the point where he was willing to die a bloody, horrible, painful death on the cross because his Father asked him to.
Totally selfless.
Because Jesus was raised from the dead and now lives with his Father, he has been able to establish his “body” here on earth. This body is made up of people like you and me who, once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit (John 14:26). As we read God’s Word in the Bible, the Holy Spirit awakens our spirits to the meaning of God’s Word. The more we are filled with God’s Word and his Spirit, the less we desire to serve ourselves and the more we become like Jesus, wanting only to serve the Father. In other words, to live for God.
Application: Read your Bible every day and pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).
Food for Thought: How are “dying to the law” and “dying to self” related?
How are “dying to the law” and “dying to self” related?
Both rely on self to accomplish “law’s desires” and “self’s desires”. You must not only die to the desires associated, but the will to accomplish them and the power you relied on. This feels so weird, because we know that the law was good, but it still requires self to do what self cannot.
In the new covenant, live for Christ (and because of), by the power of the Spirit, learning the desires of God. Take joy in what he delights in, mourn for what grieves him, take action when “someone should do something”.
Angela,
Thank you! You are right that “self” is required to obey the law as well as ignore it. Very interesting!
Good thoughts A.
I think the key is indeed in the “dying” process. Killing the self centered person in us is not an easy task. Surrendering our wills is a challenge when we can sometimes act like a little brat throwing a tantrum when we don’t get our way (at least I know that I can act like that).
The law gives us parameters of what it looks like to die to self and live for God. In the Mosaic Law, at least our outward actions show a surrender to God. In the law of love, our hearts match that outward appearance. But in either case, there is an intentional decision to live for God rather than self. Ultimately, this is only possible with God’s help as Christ lives through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Which is summed up well in the verse tomorrow- where we have killed the old self and now it is Christ who lives through us: Galatians 2: 20: I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
2 Corinthians 5: 14 – 17: For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: a The old has gone, the new is here!
Rich,
Well said! I can relate to the “brat” behavior — in myself, not you! 🙂
The “cherry” on top of your comment is this sentence:
“Ultimately, this is only possible with God’s help as Christ lives through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— So true!
02-21-2022, How are “dying to the law” and “dying to self” related?
They are both are the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of non relievers and required if we are to live, walk in the power of Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:11 So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Thanks Ron!
Great point!!
How are “dying to the law” and “dying to self” related?
Both involves me killing something. And something some people need help and guidance to do accomplish that task. The law is also a never ending task that requires you to constantly check the box in everything you do. Dying to self is a constant task that you must do every day. ( it can be extremely exhausting trying to kill Tim every day. It’s not a easy task.)
T –
Some of us think Tim is pretty awesome just the way he is. 🙂
I know what you mean, though, about ‘killing’ oneself. It requires constant vigilance and steely determination. It also helps to know the Lord of All Things and to submit to his will and his Spirit.