what is it?
“Legalism” is a strict adherence to a set of moral principles, laws, or practices. It is trying to obey God’s laws and practice spiritual disciplines (Bible study, church attendance, good works, prayer, etc).
“I’m doing the best I can.”
2 Ways to Live by Legalism
|
GUILT
|
|
PRIDE
|
results of legalism
|
Initially, legalism seems correct because there is a great attempt to do what is right. However, it is not God’s will and it is dangerous. Legalism is exercising one’s will to try to perform for God out of self-effort. The motivation is often to get things from God for doing what He wants. This makes God into a Boss – not a Father.
When we get what we want we feel entitled. When God doesn’t give us what we want we can become angry at Him for not coming through on His end of the deal. It also is very damaging to our relationships. It is easy to judge those that don’t measure up like we do. This can lead to an “us vs them” mentality. Eventually, this grows and can leads to conflicts or oppressing those that disagree with us. Pride, self-righteousness, and even hatred result. These are the effects of religion (as defined by the world). |
The damage can go the other way as well. Trying, failing, blaming yourself, and trying again is defeating and exhausting. When our sin nature comes into contact with God’s laws, we’re actually compelled to break them. Also, feeling like everyone else is doing it right except you makes you insecure and fearful. This leads to discouragement, depression, and eventually despair.
- God becomes a Boss
- Attitude of entitlement
- Resentment towards God
- Pride, self-righteousness
- Oppression
- Discouragement, depression, self-blame
- Makes us want to sin more
READ Galatians 2:16-3:5
process it
In what ways have we lived by legalism?
What was the result?
What was the result?