STAR Projects - LAW D

In this detailed teaching by Scott Stanley on the law and grace in Christian life, he explains that believers are no longer governed or condemned by the law because Christ’s death freed them from the law’s authority. The focus of the discussion is on understanding what it means to live under grace rather than the law. Stanley challenges the common misconception that being “under the law” only means being condemned by it; rather, it means being governed by it. Conversely, Christians are to be governed by grace—not the grace merely received from God but also the grace extended to others, which transforms one's behavior and spiritual walk.

Stanley highlights the spiritual nature of the law, emphasizing that Christ fulfilled the law inwardly by calling believers to love and govern their thoughts and emotions—such as anger and lust—rather than merely following external rules. The power of the gospel rests in Christ redeeming humans from iniquity (sinful thoughts and motivations before sin manifests), and believers gain authority over sin by replacing sinful thoughts with grace-filled ones. Grace, meaning unmerited favor or kindness toward others (including enemies), governs the Christian life by promoting mercy, patience, and forgiveness.

Luke 6’s teaching on loving enemies and showing mercy underscores how grace goes beyond natural human responses, demanding love and kindness without expecting reciprocity. Stanley connects this to Psalm 78, showing that God's compassion and atonement for human iniquity is the model for how believers should handle their frustrations and anger toward others. By recognizing others as “but flesh,” flawed and disconnected from God, one can choose to atone for others’ iniquities through grace rather than reacting in anger or judgment. This grace-based governance empowers Christians to break sin’s dominion and live transformed lives aligned with God’s love.