Legalism Begets Hypocrisy & Slavery (TMF:453)

Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Peace to Live By: Legalism Begets Hypocrisy & Slavery (TMF:453) - Daniel Litton
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       First, we note that legalism begets hypocrisy and slavery. The Pharisees were more concerned about their performances, rather than the actual condition of their hearts. They were more concerned about feeling good about their performances, rather than having God feel good about their actions. And this is where pride comes into the picture. Legalism is practicing a mode of prideful religion rather than living free in Christ. The Apostle Paul said, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, ESV). But legalism is slavery. A person cannot gain acceptance from God by following a list of rules. Perhaps the most famous thing Jesus said about the legalism of the Pharisees was, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (Matthew 23:4, ESV). This undoubtedly is at the heart of legalism. To put unreasonable burdens on others while not doing them ourselves is the heart of hypocrisy. With legalism, we feel like a never measure up to God’s standard. But, we, as Christians have been forgiven of all offenses at the moment of conversion, and therefore, have complete acceptance from God.