Introduction
The nineteenth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith addresses the topic, “The Law of God.” It is a controversial topic that draws out a variety of opinions. Some say that Christians are still bound by the Law of Moses (at least in part) that God gave to Israel. Others argue that since Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses, Christians are free from the concept of law. In the service this Lord’s Day, we will demonstrate that neither of these extremes is what the New Testament teaches.
The hymns selected for this service offer praise to God for the fact that the Law of Israel has been supplanted by the law of Christ—a law that we are able to obey because the power of God in the Gospel gives each believer a new heart.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 119:97-104
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn (Insert) Give Praise to God
Note: The Lord God works his will and accomplishes his purposes according to his own plan for his own glory. Even though we do not and cannot comprehend his ways, we know that things good and true come only from God. Therefore, we sing “give praise to God alone.”
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Doxology
Hymn 136 Not All the Blood of Beasts
Note: Isaac Watts probably had Hebrews 10 in mind as he penned the lyrics of this hymn. In it, he distinguishes the wonderful difference between the endless sacrifices in Israel’s temple and the one sacrifice accomplished by Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Scripture Reading Romans 3:19-31
Note: This passage contains the climax of Paul’s indictment of the world (Jew and Gentile) for sin (19-20). It then pivots to explain the fact that the righteousness we cannot achieve through law-keeping is a gift bestowed by God. He declares the sinner righteous because of Christ. Through his righteous life and substitutionary death, God is both Just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 70 O For a Heart to Praise My God
Notes: Charles Wesley’s hymn is a prayer based on Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” We will only do right things for right reasons after God gives us a new “heart,” one set free from sin.
Message: Christians and the Law of God
Text: Romans 3:19-20
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Thy Strong Word
Note: Light is the theme of this hymn, symbolizing truth and glory. The first verse echoes Genesis 1, attributing creation to God’s “strong Word,” a double entendre for Christ (John 1:1-3). This strong Word created light, but more important was the Light that broke into a world of darkness, an allusion to the incarnation of Christ. This Light, the eternal Word, declares righteous all who embrace the glorious work of the cross. The final two verses offer prayer that God will help us fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of the Triune God. “Give us lips to sing Thy glory, Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim!”
Prayer Response: Eric Hicks Jr.
Benediction: John Miles