March 1, 2020
“The Woes of Legalism”
Luke 11:45-54
Legalism is NOT:
– Teaching and exhorting Christians to obey God and his word.
– Setting up rules, limits, and structures not explicitly taught in the Bible but good for the life of the church.
Legalism IS:
– Legalism is an attempt to gain or maintain favor with God by doing certain things (or avoiding other things), without regard to the condition of our hearts before God.
– Legalism is obedience without gratitude, law without love, and compliance without compassion.
Point 1: Legalism stresses seekers.
Point 2: Legalism finds out frauds.
Point 3: Legalism is a barrier to belief.
Scripture cross references: Luke 5:21-22; 6:2; Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 2:24; Matthew 11:19; John 8:44; Hosea 6:6; John 2:13-16; Luke 4:25-28; Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 6:1-2; Genesis 4:1-6; Proverbs 3:9