Most of us can remember times when we’ve struggled with a problem but couldn’t figure out how to make it work out to our benefit. We may have used the religious mindsets we learned as children in an attempt to deal with the issue, to no avail. This is because what is taught in most churches often doesn’t line up with biblical principles, and we’re operating with incorrect information. We only see breakthrough when we study to show ourselves approved to God, rightly dividing the Word of truth.

Religion still teaches the expired Law of Moses, but Jesus established grace through His earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. The old covenant has much to teach us, but we’re not supposed to live under it any more. Although relying on our own efforts to obey all God’s commandments to earn His blessings and avoid being cursed may seem commendable, we’re no more able to do that than the children of Israel in the Old Testament were.

Under the old covenant, God’s blessings depended on what man did first. Jesus’ finished works changed the order of things, and now the blessings depend on our faith in what He did. Most people live as if Jesus never went to the cross. However, God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.

When studying the Bible, we can either apply everything in it, or specifically the Gospel of Grace, to our lives. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit by faith. The curses on us have been removed, and now only the blessings remain. No one can curse what God has blessed.

Prayer:

God, accepting false teachings based on traditional religious thinking keeps us locked in failure. To break this cycle, You sent us Your Son to teach us how to separate Your Word from what the world tells us. Thank You for giving us victory and breakthrough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

• 2 Timothy 2:15
• Deuteronomy 28:1-3, 15, 16
• Ephesians 1:3
• Galatians 3:13, 14
• Numbers 23:8, 20