We serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

 Good morning. Paul continues: but now we have been released from the law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. While we are not under the law of Moses, there are some Christians who live their lives as if they are under some kind of law. They have a list of things that they must/cannot do. We are to live our lives following the leading of the Holy Spirit. No matter how long a list we have, it will never cover every situation. Besides, if we kept the list, we could brag that we were the ones living the Christian life. So if the law of Moses was so bad, was it sin? God forbid! Then what use what is it? I would not have come to know sin except through the law; for I would not have known about coveting if the law had not said, you shall not covet. Remember that earlier Paul said “until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no law“. Sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the law sin is dead. That’s like telling someone to not think of purple cows. Then they can’t get the thought of purple cows out of their minds (cow-a-bunga Snoopy). On the other hand, having a law against speeding does not make you obsess over the thought of wanting to speed (or does it make you?). So what about that nasty ole law – the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Father give us strength and energy to perform our daily tasks. Help us to have clarity of mind.

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