| *** What Exactly is Legalism? *** A.Charges of “legalism” and
“Phariseeism” get thrown around quite frequently in modern
discussions about God’s will for our lives and his church, often as a
conversation-ender. B.The problem? While just about everyone knows that they
are meant to imply somethingreally bad, they are often ambiguously wielded,
left undefined, or misapplied altogether.
C. So what exactly is “legalism”? For what were the
Pharisees of Jesus’ day actually rebuked?I. “Woe to You, Scribes and
Pharisees…” A. They rejected God’s ______________________ for
themselves (Luke 7:28-38. B. They trusted in the fact that they were
descendants of _________ (Matt 3:7-9). C. They failed to see their need for a
_______ (Luke 5:27-32). D. They thought _______ of themselves and looked down
on others (Luke 15:1-2; 18:9). E. They elevated their _________ to the level
of revelation from God (Mark 7:1-13). F. They were ___________ in their
teaching and expectations (Matt 23:1-36). G. They revealed the true condition
of their hearts by rejecting _______ (Mark 12:13). II. What Legalism INSN’T A. ____________ isn’t legalism (Josh 1:7-B;
Luke 17:10; 2 Cor 5:6-10). B.
_________ the _________ of God isn’t legalism (John 6:28-29;3;36). C. ______________ isn’t legalism (Titus
2:10-15). D. ______________ isn’t
legalism (1 Pet 1:13-16). E. Confronting
__________ and ________ refuting isn’t legalism (2 Tim 3:16-4:5). F. _____________for the faith isn’t
legalism (Jude 3). G Taking a
_____________ – _____________stand isn’t legalism (1 Pet 4:1-5). Conclusion: A. Grace and obedience, faith
and works, love and correction are never at odds in Scripture. B. What is too often out of line is my attitude
toward the revealed will of the ultimate authority. C. My responsibility is to obey God from
the heart that I might be a blessing (Matt 5:17-20). |
