Legalism
Peter’s Defense to the Legalists
Peter wisely had taken some Hebrew Christians with him when he went to Cornelius’ house, because it was not long before he was to be confronted for ministering to Gentiles (vv. 1-3). When he returned to Jerusalem he was met by members of the strong legalistic party in the church of …
Jesus Works and Heals on the Sabbath
On the Sabbath day, possibly the next day after the feast at Matthew’s house, another problem is brought up by the Pharisees. Jesus and His disciples are passing through some grain fields and being hungry they pluck some of the grain and ate it (v. 1). These Pharisees who s …
Paul Exposes His Adversaries
The Galatian Christians were told by false legalistic teachers that salvation was grace, “plus” works. The Judaizers claimed to be preaching “the Gospel” but like certain groups today they were saying “We believe in Jesus Christ, but we have something won …
The Difference Between Law (slave) and Grace (free)
Paul addresses those who want to be under the law (v. 21) and there are many who appear to want this. In his argument he takes the Galatians back to events in the Old Testament that actually happened but he uses them as an allegory. He takes them back to the life of Abraham and h …
Why Go Back Into Slavery?
The way of the Galatian Christians was not much different than many Christians today who get involved in various legalistic movements hoping to achieve certain goals. Children who are under age are no better off than slaves, even though everything their parents own will someday b …
IllustrationLegalistic Thinking Thwarted
A creative youth leader decided to show his youth group a missionary film. The film projector hadn’t been off an hour before a group of the leaders in the church called him in and asked him …
IllustrationIs There Anything You Need to Forsake?
“What must I forsake?” a young man asked. “Colored clothes for one thing. Get rid of everything in your wardrobe that is not white. Stop sleeping on a soft pillow. Sell your musical instruments and don’t eat any more white bread. You cannot, if you are sincere abou …
IllustrationHans The Taylor Makes a Suit Out of Proportion
Consider the story of Hans the tailor. Because of his reputation, an influential entrepreneur visiting the city ordered a tailor-made suit. But when he came to pick up his suit, the customer found that one sleeve twisted that way and the other this way; one shoulder bulged out an …
IllustrationLoving The Practice More Than The Person
The essence of legalism is trusting in the religious activity rather than trusting in God. It is putting our confidence in a practice rather than in a Person. And without fail this will lead us to love the practice more than the Person. (Jack Deer, Surprised by the Power of His S …
IllustrationPeterson: Legalist’s List
“What must I forsake?” a young man asked. “Colored clothes for one thing. Get rid of everything in your wardrobe that is not white. Stop sleeping on a soft pillow. Sell your musical instruments and don’t eat any more white bread. You cannot, if you are sincere abou …