The Ten Commandments is a codification of moral righteousness - Don't covet, don't murder, don't steal. It simplifies the code of morality. But it does not confer New Testament righteousness.
New Testament righteousness is not based on do's and don'ts. It is conferred at the new birth, like a constitutional right. And the righteousness is constant. It doesn't increase or diminish. We are sanctified and redeemed. Christ is our righteousness. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Now, that's not saying go and murder, or fornicate. You'll hurt yourself, create an inroad for the enemy. But pleasing God is beyond do's and don'ts. There's instructional obedience. If God gives you an instruction, carrying it out demonstrates faith in God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
We tend to think an instruction from God has to be morality based, but it can be morality neutral. If you're instructed to give a bag to someone, there's no morality attached. It's just what it is. Follow the leading of the Spirit. As many as are led by the Spirit are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
God wants you to have a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit. You follow his leading on a daily basis, whether it makes sense to you or not. If God asks you to buy a pair of shoes for someone who already has five to your one, it's better to obey. God might just be testing your readiness or faith. Abraham went through such test. Just obey.
Of course, the Holy Spirit won't ask you to do something contrary to God's word. That's another spirit. God's Spirit can't tell you not to work, for example. God already said, he who does not work should not eat. God would not ask you to gossip either. He does not approve of busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-15) God won't tempt you to sin. That's your lust motivating you. (James 1:13-15)
Following the leading of the Spirit is the smart thing to do. You'll actually look smart!
The Ten Commandments is a codification of moral righteousness - Don't covet, don't murder, don't steal. It simplifies the code of morality. But it does not confer New Testament righteousness.
New Testament righteousness is not based on do's and don'ts. It is conferred at the new birth, like a constitutional right. And the righteousness is constant. It doesn't increase or diminish. We are sanctified and redeemed. Christ is our righteousness. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Now, that's not saying go and murder, or fornicate. You'll hurt yourself, create an inroad for the enemy. But pleasing God is beyond do's and don'ts. There's instructional obedience. If God gives you an instruction, carrying it out demonstrates faith in God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
We tend to think an instruction from God has to be morality based, but it can be morality neutral. If you're instructed to give a bag to someone, there's no morality attached. It's just what it is. Follow the leading of the Spirit. As many as are led by the Spirit are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
God wants you to have a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit. You follow his leading on a daily basis, whether it makes sense to you or not. If God asks you to buy a pair of shoes for someone who already has five to your one, it's better to obey. God might just be testing your readiness or faith. Abraham went through such test. Just obey.
Of course, the Holy Spirit won't ask you to do something contrary to God's word. That's another spirit. God's Spirit can't tell you not to work, for example. God already said, he who does not work should not eat. God would not ask you to gossip either. He does not approve of busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-15) God won't tempt you to sin. That's your lust motivating you. (James 1:13-15)
Following the leading of the Spirit is the smart thing to do. You'll actually look smart!
