LAW AND LAWLESSNESS IN RELIGION

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
1. In this lesson we will be studying about law and lawlessness in   
   religion.
2. Just as there is much disobedience to civil law in our society,   
   there is rejection of the law of God in religion.  
3. In our first chart we simply want to look at what the Bible says  
   about the law of God. In our second, we will consider some        
   violations of the law of God.

Chart #1
The Law Of God

1. God has great love for man.
   2 Thess. 2:16; 1 John 4:9-10

2. The N.T. of His Son constitutes our law.
   1 Cor. 14:37

3. The law of Christ is addressed to all.
   Rom. 3:19; Matt. 28:18-19

4. The obedient will be blessed.
   Rev. 22:14; Mark 16:16

5. The disobedient will be punished.
   2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rom. 2:5

6. All will be judged by His law.
   James 2:12; John 12:48
                        
Conclusion: Demonstrate our love by keeping His law.
1 John 4:19; John 14:15,21; John 15:10; 1 John 2:3-6

Thus, we have given some basic things that all agree on. All would
say, "Amen!  We must follow the law of God." However, in our next
chart we want to show that it is possible for religious people to be
disobedient to God's law. Many religious practices actually
"lawlessness" or "iniquity" in God's sight. A violation of Divine law
brings rejection by God.

Chart #2
Subjection To The Law Of God

1. We cannot act where there is no Divine law.
   Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Thess. 2:3-7

2. Examples in the O.T. showing we cannot act without law.
   Lev. 10:1-2; 1 Chron. 13:7-10; 15:11-15; Deut. 12:32

3. Examples in the N.T. showing we cannot act without law.
   Acts 15:1-2, 24; Heb. 7:11-14

4. Principles in the N.T. which show we cannot act without law.
   See list of sixteen principles.  See chart #3

5. Examples of lawlessness today.
   Sprinkling, "reverend," instrumental music, mourner's bench,      
   voting into the church, institutionalism, the entertainment craze.

Conclusion: Believe and practice only those things authorized.
                        
Chart #3
What If It's Not In The Scriptures?

1.  It is not a good work - 2 Tim. 3:16-17
2.  It does not pertain to life and godliness - 2 Pet. 1:3
3.  It causes one to not have God - 2 John 9
4.  It is not authorized by Christ - Col. 3:17
5.  It cannot be done by faith - 2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17; 14:23
6.  It is going beyond what is written - 1 Cor. 4:6
7.  It is not as the oracles of God - 1 Pet. 4:11
8.  It is not according to the pattern - Heb. 8:5
9.  It does not pertain to the seed of the kingdom - Luke 8:11; Matt.
    13:18- 19
10. It is not of righteousness - Rom. 1:16-17; 10:1-4
11. It is of "no such commandment" - Acts 15:24
12. It is iniquity - Matt. 7:22-23
13. It is of men - Matt. 21:25; 15:9
14. It is not of truth- John 4:24
15. It is another gospel - Gal. 1:6-9
16. It is adding to the Word of God - Rev. 22:18-19; Deut. 4:2; Prov.
    30:5-6

Concl.
   A. We must believe and practice only those things which are       
      authorized in the Word of God. 
      1. When we do so, we demonstrate our love and respect for God.
   B. If we practice something that is not in the word of God, we    
      become guilty of transgression--iniquity--which is sinful.
      1. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in
         spirit and truth."  John 4:24 NKJV
   C. Let us abide in the law of God, and let us boldly reject all   
      the commandments and doctrines of men.