CHRIST THE LAWGIVER

James 4:11 – 17

Concentration on verse 12 – There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are thou that judgest another?

Intro:

1. There are several passages were Jesus is mentioned as “the one”: the Just One, the Holy One, etc. Here, James shows He is the ONE Lawgiver. None other has this position and therefore, man must not dare to assume a “right” to the position.

2. As the One Lawgiver, we are left to accept the responsibility of being obedient to His Law. Consider this reality:

a. Rule or regulation recognized by a state or a community as binding on its members.

b. System of such rules formed to protect

3. Proving His respect for God’s Law via Moses, Jesus often asked, “What sayeth the Law.” Now with Him as the Lawgiver, we must accept this reality and sincerely ask, “What sayeth the Law …” meaning the Law of Christ.

I. THE ONE WHO BUILT THE CHURCH HAS THE RIGHT TO SAY WHAT SHALL BE IN IT

A. Every law that is within the church that Christ built must be there by the authority of Christ. He is the Head of the church and He is the seat of aiuthority.

B. Matthew 28: 18

C. Matthew 17:5

D. Hebrews 1: 1 – 2

II. Churches that are NOT controlled by the law of this ONE LAWGIVER obviously have no respect for THE Lawgiver!

A. The Lord’s church must not be governed by men or men’s thinking

B. Mark 7: 5 – 13

C. Colossians 2:20 – 23

D. Isaiah 8: 20 – 22

1. 1 Peter 4:11 -- If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.

2. The church of Christ must take the teaching of the New Testament as is guide. It must not accept anything else --- Galatians 1: 6- 9.

III. The Perfection of the Law of Christ

A. Ps. 19: 7 - 14

B. If we are to convert people to Christ and His church, we will have to use what the Lawgiver authorized – nothing else!

C. What did He authorize?

1. John 8:32 – Ye shall know the TRUTH and the truth shall make you free.

2. John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy TRUTH, THY WORD IS TRUTH.

3. Acts 20:32 -- And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

4. 2 Timothy 3: 16 – 17 -- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

IV. THE LAW CANNOT BE REPLACED

A. It will transcend time – John 12:48 -- He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

B. John 14: 25 – 26 -- These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

C. We need NO MORE – 2 Peter 1: 3 – 11

D. On THIS law can save souls!

1. Romans 1: 16 – 17

2. James 1:21 -- Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

E. Revelation 22: 18 – 19

F. We will meet His teaching at the judgment. We will account for what we have done with it during our lives, whether good or evil. There is no consolation for those who disobey its content; and there is promised eternal reward for all them who do obey the law of this One Lawgiver!