Prodigal: I am popular!

Me: Your friends are flocked around you like chickens on a june bug.

Prodigal: They sure are!

This is from Charles Spurgeon

The law was given, however, according to the text, “that the offense might abound.” Such was the effect of the law. It did not hinder sin, nor provide a remedy for it; but its actual effect was that the offence abounded. How so?

It was so, first, because it revealed the offense. Man did not in every instance clearly discern what was sin; but when the law came, it pointed out to man that this evil, which he thought little of, was an abomination in the sight of God. Man’s nature and character was like a dark dungeon which knew no ray of light. Yonder prisoner does not perceive the horrible filthiness and corruption of the place wherein he is immured, so long as he is in darkness. When a lamp is brought, or a window is opened and the light of day comes in, he finds out to his dismay the hideous condition of his den. He spies loathsome creatures upon the walls, and marks how others burrow out of sight because the light annoys them. He may, perhaps, have guessed that all was not as it should be, but he had not imagined the abundance of the evils. The light has entered, and the offense abounds.

Law does not make us sinful, but it displays our sinfulness. In the presence of the perfect standard we see our sinfulness. In the presence of the perfect standard we see our shortcomings. The law of God is the looking-glass; but it prompts you to seek the cleansing water. The design of the law is the revealing of our many offenses, that, thereby, we may be driven out of self-righteousness to the Lord Jesus, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org