Overconfidence follows when a man strives to fulfill the Law by works, by trying hard to do as the words of the Law command. He serves God, doesn’t swear, honors father and mother, doesn’t kill, doesn’t commit adultery, and the like. But meanwhile he does not look into his heart, does not realize with what motives he leads a good life, and conceals the old rogue in his heart with such a fine life. For if he would truly examine his heart, he would realize that he is doing everything with aversion and under compulsion, that he fears hell or seeks heaven, if he does not seek much less, namely, honor, property, health, and fear of disgrace, hurt, or afflictions. In short, he would have to confess that he would rather live differently if the consequences of such a life did not restrain him, for he does not act purely for the sake of the Law.
Martin Luther | A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther (p. 62). Concordia Publishing. Kindle Edition.
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Tony Phelps
Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.
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Meditation on the law also teaches us what we are becoming in Christ. In other words, it reveals what our new nature, in concert with the Holy Spirit, are relentlessly pursuing so that we “fit” our ontological template more and more. In this the law gives us hope.