A New and Living Way

  • Reid Monaghan
  • Oct 25, 2007
  • Series: Signposts: A Journey in The Gospel of Mark

The Teachings of Man vs. The Word of God

It is a historical reality and present temptation to follow man made rules rather than following Jesus.  In his confrontation with the Pharisees Jesus clearly gives primacy to the Word of God over traditions created by human beings and culturally created forms of "godliness." 

Radical Change is Needed at the Heart Level

Jesus desires much more than a mere change of external things in our lives. He knows that a mere coat of paint to cover our brokenness will crack and crumble over time.  No, instead of a simple pious makeover, he reminds us that the problem we have is not simply our poor religious performances.   In order to transform us into new people and place us on a path of life, it requires radical heart surgery.   It is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean, and it is a renewal and recreation of our very selves which we most desperately need. 

God Both Makes us New and Renews us Day by Day

There are two things God does in our lives to transform who we are. First, he gives us new birth, new life in a relationship with Jesus.  Second, he calls us to cooperate with him in the life long process of sanctification (becoming more like him in holiness) where we put to death sin and follow Jesus.  This is a work of his grace which we participate in by our choices.  We trust, we obey, we repent, we believe, we follow certain paths and disciplines he has given us...yet it is God who does the heart surgery and renews us day by day through the journey.