Young Adults' Group

Fulfil The Royal Law

by Pastor Mark
November 16, 2023

The royal law of God

The Word of God has a vital place in our walk with the Lord and in the development of our faith. How should we regard the Lord’s Word?

The Apostles James wrote, “If you really fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture.” (James 2:8) He saw the law of God as His royal law. God as King is seen as the Giver of the law. He reigns over His kingdom, and these are the laws of His kingdom. God decreed these laws with His royal authority. Let us be challenged to give the highest regard for the Word of God as the royal law of our great King.

Fulfilling the royal law

1. The word “fulfil” in Greek is “teleo” which means “to complete, to fulfil”…a basic idea.
2. The Lord Jesus declared that He came to fulfil the law (Matthew 5:17).
   1. The Greek word used by the Lord is “pleroo” which also means “to fulfil”.
   2. It is a synonym with “teleo”.
   3. “Teleo” has a basic idea but “pleroo” has a fullness idea.
   4. It is a more significant word and it is fitting for the Lord Jesus to use this word for Himself.
3. For us, it is good enough to use “teleo”…to complete/fulfil the royal law of God.

According to the Scripture

1. James wrote that the royal law is according to the Scripture.
2. The royal law is the law of love, ““You shall love your neighbour as yourself,” you do well;” (James 2:8)
3. He makes reference to the Scripture.
4. One possible reference is Leviticus 19:18, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
   1. The people of Israel were not to take any vengeance against anyone.
   2. They were not bear any grudge against anyone.
   3. But they were to practice the law of love…to love their neighbour.
5. The Lord Jesus also taught about the essence of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37–40).
   1. The first commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind.
   2. The second commandment is to love our neighbour.
   3. The focus of the Law and the Prophets is love.
   4. Jesus taught that if we say we love the Lord, we will show it through our actions.

Let us be challenged to love others as we would love ourselves.

Reasons for us to show love to others

What are our reasons for expressing love to those around us?

1. It is a commandment to be obeyed.
2. It is a consequence. If we love the Lord, then we would love others.
3. It is a condition to be fulfilled. The use of “If” indicates a condition to be fulfilled.
4. It is commendable…“you do well”. In showing love, we would do well (James 2:8).
5. It expresses proper care and concern, and there is no partiality. Partiality is regarded as a grave sin (James 2:9). If we show partiality, we would be convicted by the law. We would become a transgressor of the law, and there would be grave consequences.

It is vital that we learn to love our “neighbours” as we would love ourselves. We have every reason to show love. Let us be challenged to fulfil the royal law of God…not to show partiality but to express care, concern and love to all.

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