Matthew 5:17 (NIV)
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law.
Many preachers still focus on explaining the Ten Commandments in church. While it is essential to understand the law, it is equally important to emphasize the shift from the era of the law to the age of grace. This verse from the gospel of Matthew was aimed at the Pharisees who believed that following the law perfectly leads to salvation.
Modern preachers who emphasize the Ten Commandments from the pulpit may not fully grasp the bigger picture. Breaking even one of these commandments means breaking all of them, as stated in James 2:10. Some preachers speak passionately about sins they are not prone to while guilty of other sins. For example, a pastor who has committed adultery may not speak falsely or take the Lord's name in vain. Still, by committing adultery, he breaks all the other commandments, including disrespecting the Lord's name.
Similarly, a minister who makes a million dollars a year and avoids paying taxes has no moral authority to preach about tithing and its benefits. The absoluteness of God's law extends to not selectively breaking any of His commandments. Once a commandment is broken, it is considered broken all the time. Preachers who are stuck in the era of the law may fail to understand how the law leads us to grace and salvation in Christ.
While explaining the law of God, ministers need to carefully observe any changes or continuities in transitioning to the new era of grace. As much as many preachers emphasize Matthew 5:17, they should also focus on Romans 6:14, which states that we are no longer under the law but under grace. Many preachers still preach the Levitical law, trying to attain perfection in Christ through the flesh rather than the Holy Spirit.
When expounding the Ten Commandments, some preachers make it sound as if some commandments are more important than others. Sin is sin; there are no big or small sins (Romans 3:23). Even the slightest transgression of the most obscure law is a violation of God's holiness and sovereignty.
It is important not to fall for Hollywood-style televangelists and to interpret the word of God correctly.
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