Having a proper and biblical understanding of the covenant we are now under is vital and foundational to Christian living. Unless we live out a faith that is seen through the lens of the finished work of Christ, we see life from a distorted and wrong perspective.
But in some way or another, teachings on the new covenant can also be sometimes distorted and sincerely wrong. Prevalent today is a licentious doctrine that views the new covenant as an excuse to slack off, claiming that Jesus has made things a whole lot easier for us. Here's news flash: Jesus may have fulfilled the law, but that doesn't take us off the hook. In fact, there were some hard teachings that Jesus left us to live by that challenge us to step up to the plate.
Here are four teachings that make you realise the new covenant we have in Christ is not one that is supposed to make us lazy.
Hate is as good as murder
No one would ever think of themselves as a murderer considering that not a very large chunk of our population have committed murder or homicide. But Jesus says in Matthew 5:21–22, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment..." (ESV).
Lust is no lesser than adultery
If it's not enough that Jesus makes us realise just how terribly murderous our hearts can be when left to our sinful nature, He adds that we can also be terrible adulterers as well. He says in Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (ESV).
Love your enemies
Loving your neighbour may have been a stretch on its own, considering that even our closest friends and family members can be hard to love. But Jesus ups the bar a whole lot more, saying in Matthew 5:43–44, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (ESV).
Lead by serving
When it comes to leadership, many people are drawn to it because of the perks and glory it brings. But Jesus challenges that notion by teaching us to lead by serving, saying in Mark 10:43–44, "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (ESV).
As Jesus ups the bar in many ways for us, we realise just how incapable we are of living a life that honours God. But in seeing our weakness, we come to understand and appreciate more how in Christ we are made complete and also enabled to grow more and more by His grace to live a life pleasing to Him.
