RIGHT OR WRONG?

The answer to this question depends somewhat on what is meant by “living together.” If it means having sexual relations, it is definitely wrong. Premarital sex is repeatedly condemned in Scripture, along with all other forms of sexual immorality (Acts 15:20; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13, 18; 7:2; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). The Bible promotes complete abstinence outside of (and before) marriage. Sex before marriage is just as wrong as adultery and other forms of sexual immorality, because they all involve having sex with someone you are not married to.

If “living together” means living in the same house, that is perhaps a different issue. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with a man and a woman living in the same house—if there is nothing immoral taking place. However, the problem arises in that there is still the appearance of immorality (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Ephesians 5:3), and it could be a tremendous temptation for immorality. The Bible tells us to flee immorality, not expose ourselves to constant temptations to immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). Then there is the problem of appearances. A couple who is living together is assumed to be sleeping together—that is just the nature of things. Even though living in the same house is not sinful in and of itself, the appearance of sin is there. The Bible tells us to avoid the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Ephesians 5:3), to flee from immorality, and not to cause anyone to stumble or be offended. As a result, it is not honoring to God for a man and a woman to live together outside of marriage.

Crack Pots

                                       
                              

Growing up I remember that there was a phrase used to refer to someone who did a foolish or silly thing.  It was sometimes used in jest and sometimes to ridicule; “you’re a crack pot”.  Though I’ve not heard it much recently my generation and older may remember this phrase and perhaps even still use it on occasion.  Truth be known we are all cracked pots.

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the works of your hand.”    -Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)

Yet how many of us have been guilty of living as if we are the Potter having designed our own lives.

“You turn things upside down!  Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did not make me’, or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’.”     -Isaiah 29:17 (ESV)

Truth be known God has designed all of us for a purpose.  By striving to take control of our own lives we wind up damaging what God has created and become “cracked pots”.  But there is hope.

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ² “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” ³ So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. ⁴ And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. ⁵ Then the word of the Lord came to me: ⁶ “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”  –Jeremiah 18:1-6 (ESV)

Praise God our damaged souls can be “reworked” into something better.  It is impossible for man to soften the clay and rework it once its been hardened by the fire.  When damaged it is only good to be destroyed and discarded.  God, on the other hand, can soften the soul again through the His Word and the Holy Spirit that it can be fashioned after His design.   We can be “reworked”.  In fact, God is in the business of reworking or renewing us in His image again.  

So if you feel like damaged goods maybe today is the day you can return to your Potter so He can reshape and remake you into something useful in His Kingdom.  Let go and put yourself in His hands.
                               

THE LAW OF LIBERTY

In reading the New Testament the term “law” is used frequently and usually refers to the Old Testament and the laws given under Moses.  This law teaches us what our problem is, namely sin.  The Law of Moses shows us what our problem is but does not provide the solution or remedy since no one can keep all the Law.  With the coming of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection the Old Law was fulfilled in His perfection and a new law was put in place.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perserveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”            -James 1:22-25

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”     -James 2:12-13

Let’s make two observations about the Law of Liberty…

First, the Law of Liberty requires a preserving action demonstrating the life of freedom from sin.   This is the heart of the message of James book.  Faith must be shown and acted upon not merely stated.  Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus, even demons believe that, but a true follower of Christ will demonstrate it and strive to live it out.  You will see it in the fruit of their lives.  It must be seen in the deeds and lifestyle of the believer.  When one truly understands what spiritual freedom from sin really entails it should drive one to live a life of thanksgiving in deeds and actions not merely in words.

Second, the Law of Liberty was created by and remains driven by mercy.  We are to demonstrate mercy to others just as Christ has shown it to us.  A judgment day is coming and each of us will stand before the author of life.  Do you want to be judged according to the Law of Moses or according to the Law of Liberty?   I choose the latter!  Look at James 2:13 again, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

So here is a question to ponder…

Which law is at work in your life?

 

The Law of Liberty

In reading the New Testament the term “law” is used frequently and usually refers to the Old Testament and the laws given under Moses.  This law teaches us what our problem is, namely sin.  The Law of Moses shows us what our problem is but does not provide the solution or remedy since no one can keep all the Law.  With the coming of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection the Old Law was fulfilled in His perfection and a new law was put in place.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.  For  if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”        -James 1:22-25 (ESV)

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”     -James 2:12-13 (ESV)

Let’s make two observations about the Law of Liberty…

First, the Law of Liberty requires a preserving action demonstrating a life of freedom from sin.   This is the heart of James message in his book.  Faith must be shown and acted upon not merely stated.  Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus, even demons believe that, but a true follower of Christ will demonstrate it and strive to live it out.  You will see it in the fruit of their lives.  It must be seen in the deeds and lifestyle of the believer.  When one truly understands what spiritual freedom from sin really entails it should drive one to live a life of thanksgiving in deeds and actions not merely in words.

Second, the Law of Liberty was created by and remains driven by mercy.  We are to demonstrate mercy to others just as Christ has shown it to us.  A judgment day is coming and each of us will stand before the author of life.  Do you want to be judged according to the Law of Moses or according to the Law of Liberty?   I choose the latter!  Look at James 2:13 again, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

So here is a question to ponder…Which law is at work in your life?