sf994 - The Cross - An End To Legalism (Galatians 3 1-3)
Galatians 3:1-3
Introduction
We have a real enemy, Satan, the Devil, our adversary. He has one goal to keep every human being in bondage.
The lost are in bondage to sin
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
Ø The old man was crucified with Christ
Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
The saved - Satan will try to stop us from appropriating by faith what Christ has purchased on the cross.
Romans 6:6-7 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
Ø Why this happens…
Ignorance
Fear of the risks involved in freedom
Legalism
1A. The Definition of Legalism
1B. Legalism as it relates to salvation
Legalism is seen when man seeks salvation through good works or religion.
The second EE diagnostic question will reveal this error.
Ø If you were to die today and stand before God and He were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would you say?
The root of this form of legalism is found in self-worship, giving glory to man not God.
It implies that the cross was unnecessary.
2B. Legalism as it relates to obedience (Galatians 3:3)
“Perfect” to complete, to reach the intended end
Seek to obey God and grow by the power of the flesh.
Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end
We are not just imitators of Christ but we are partakers with Christ.
Improper motives for obedience
Ø Debtor approach – God has done so much for you, what are you doing to repay Him?
God motivates us to obedience not to repay Him, but by pouring more back on us.
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Hebrews 13:21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Our obedience is not a labor for Him it is a gift from Him.
Ø Obligation approach
Our obedience obligates God to do something for us.
I did _____ therefore God must accept and bless me.
Legalism is when we set aside God’s enabling grace and serve God in our own power!
Every command of God is designed for us to appropriate God’s grace.
God is not looking for people who will work for Him, He is looking for people to work in and through!
3B. Legalism as it relates to rules beyond Scripture
The error of taking a general Scriptural principle and setting up rules in order to spiritually mature
Examples:
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Ø No movies, no TV etc…
1 Peter 3:3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward -- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Ø No makeup, no cut hair…
The Holy Spirit that dwells in us can and will apply His word.
Philippians 3:15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
2A. The Distortion of Legalism
1B. Distortion #1 – “All commands are legalistic”
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
2B. Distortion #2 – “Obedience is not important”
Our love for Jesus is manifested by obedience
John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
You cannot love Jesus and not obey Him.
3B. Distortion #3 – “Striving for a disciplined life is legalistic”
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified
3A. The Devastation of Legalism
For the lost it is an eternity in Hell.
For the saved it is the loss of joy, simply going through the motions of Christianity. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
Ø Legalism cuts the connection that enables us to serve with joy.
4A. The Demise of Legalism
1B. Appropriating the grace of God
Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
“Our love relationship with God is the discipline.” Henry Blackaby
2B. Desiring only the glory of God
When you are set free from legalism, you will naturally seek to bring Him glory in everything you do!