The Spirit of the Law v. The Letter of the Law Galatians 3:10-14

Definition “The letter of the law versus the spirit of the law is an idiomatic antithesis. When one obeys the letter of the law but not the spirit, one is obeying the literal interpretation of the words (the “letter”) of the law, but not necessarily the intent of those who wrote the law. Conversely, when one obeys the spirit of the law but not the letter, one is doing what the authors of the law intended, though not necessarily adhering to the literal wording.” (“Letter and spirit of the law,” wikipedia.com) Matthew 23:23

Spirit v. Letter of the Law Intent of the law Strict obedience / Literal interpretation Some say: “If you keep the letter of the law, the outcome is death.” Wrong. Keeping the law without transgression brought life, Galatians 3:10-12 Christ redeemed Jews from curse of the law (sin and death), Galatians 3:11, 13 Gentiles blessed through faith, Galatians 3:14

Spirit v. Letter of the Law Intent of the law Strict obedience / Literal interpretation Some say: “The Pharisees kept the letter of the law.” No they did not, Matthew 15:1-9; 23:1-3 Self-righteous, Matt. 5:17-20; Rom. 9:30-33; 10:1-3 The current spirit v. letter allegation produces the same result: Self-defined righteousness, Rom. 10:3-10

The Conflict: Subjective or Objective, Absolute Truth? For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17)

“Spirit of the Law” Code for a self-defined approach to God’s law (rule) Self-defined righteousness Whose “spirit” shall we follow? Defines truth according to one’s heart (feelings)

“Spirit of the Law” Code for tolerant grace and mercy “’Peace, peace’ when there is no peace” Jeremiah 6:14 Grace and mercy are extended only by God, according to His will, Psalm 85:10- 13; Ephesians 2:4-10 Noah, Genesis 6:8-9; 6:22-7:1 Outcome: Unity in diversity, Jude 3-4

“Letter of the Law” Code for disparaging careful obedience, 2 Timothy 3:10 (2:15) Israel expected to “go to the law” to seek God, Isaiah 8:19-20 (1:10) Jesus has words of eternal life, John 6:68 Law is not faulty when people sin, Romans 7:10-12

God Always Wants Our Spirit and Our Obedience PASSAGE ATTITUDE ACTION John 4:24 spirit truth Joshua 24:14 sincerity Eccl.12:13 fear God keep commands Acts 10:35 fear Him work righteous James 2:17 faith works 1 John 3:18 word/tongue deed/truth Deut. 10:12-13   fear/love—heart   walk/ways Romans 1:9 with my spirit in the gospel “The Spirit and Letter of the Law,” Dave Miller, Ph.D. Apologetics Press

Way of Man v. Way of God The Way of Man: Is not in himself, Jeremiah 10:23 Seems right, but the end is death, Proverbs 16:25

Way of Man v. Way of God The Way of God: Is higher, deeper, richer and more powerful than ours, Isaiah 55:8-11 Is holy, just and good, Romans 7:12 The revelation of the words of Jesus Christ, John 6:68

Way of Man v. Way of God We Choose the Way We Will Go Joshua 24:15 Matthew 7:13-14 Our choice brings corresponding results, Galatians 6:7-8

Spirit and Letter of the Law Give God your heart and your hands He has given us understanding, 1 John 5:20 Truth gives life, John 14:6; 8:31-32; 6:60-63, 68 You are not going to know Jesus without knowing His word