The Re-Fulfillment of the Law
We always read about how Christ fulfilled the law and that we are no longer under the law. But what exactly is that supossed to mean? I always think back to say, a crimnal law, where just because you fulfilled it would not necessarily discharge or annul my obligations under the same law. If I subsequently broke that law, I would just the same be punished for it.
But if we look at these passages in the context of Christ dwelling within us, it becomes more meaningful. The passages are numerous. He describes himself as the "bread of life" which gives us life, as the spirit that comes to dwell within us, to remain in me as I in you, etc. We are repeatedly referred to as Temples of the holy spirit. So we have another power inside of us when we become believers and ask Jesus into our hearts. Got it! But how does this relate to him fulfilling the law?
Well, he showed us that he could live without sin in a world in which every temptation and provocation to do so was givin, that he could personally overcome every human weakness that induces us to sin. Now if you believe, and can see that it was possible for him then, then you can understand how he could do it again, in your life, dwelling inside of you. Because if he is indeed dwelling in you, the fact that you can't personally overcome your weakness won't matter as you can rely on him to overcome what he has already previously overcome.
If however, you don't believe that he lived a life free from sin, and did not fulfill the law, then how can you believe that he can keep you from sinning? If he hasn't proven to be strong enough to keep himself from sinning? How can he support you if he himself is without strength?
As long as you remain in him he offers you the power to refrain frim lieing, cheating, stealing, etc, but it wont be your own power that you refrain from these things. It'll be by the power (grace) of god working within you.
Who can boast then? When the very fact that we will stand will not be by our own power but by that of jesus? The only part we would have to play at all is willing the good and putting our measly insufficient effort into it. But the strength and the victory are his. Don't be concerned about the world, behold I have overcome the world.

Chris Hall