Do as I Do
The Law – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:17-20

Key Verse: Matthew 5:17

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us of how the moral law of God has been written in our hearts: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” The New Living Translation really clarifies this verse: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13 is a summary of how God transforms us into the people that He wants us to be and we want to be!

Our lifestyle, as a true believer, is shaped and formed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, giving us the desires that please God. God gives us the “want to” that we need to shine bright in a dark world. As believers, if we are reading our Bible and praying sincere prayers, we can normally trust our desires. Of course the flesh is still present and presents to us ungodly desires or cravings. With God’s Spirit in us we can learn to discern the difference between godly desires and the fleshly cravings.

Psalm 37:4 reminds us to “take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The reason this is true is because when we delight in the Lord, God puts those desires in us in the first place. This is the key in delighting in the Lord. Daily Bible reading and prayers demonstrate our delight in Him. Finding time and ways to serve God also shows our delight in Him. Our lifestyles are shaped by our desires—where are your desires coming from? (Continued)

Father, I want my desires to come from you! I will read your Word and pray sincerely so I can enjoy your work in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.