Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? -Galatians 4:21

In this Podcast, we discuss the fact that:

• Rules and Standards are not “bad”
• The Application of those rules can, however, get out of control
• How to navigate between personal convictions and Legalism

Believers do not follow the law out of necessity, but out of love

Just as the Old Testament servant could choose to serve his master after he was set free (Exodus 21:1-6), believers make the same choice for the same reason…Love for the master – 1 John 5:1-5

Legalism Defined:

1. Dissatisfaction with the Standards of the Bible. Feeling the need to add to those standards for the sake of “Godliness”.
2. It becomes Legalism when we make unwarranted demands upon others in an area that is not prohibited by Scripture.
3. The belief that their standards are an aid to Godliness and ALL believers who seek these virtues MUST adhere to them.
4. An attempt to Legislate righteousness on other people.  The Bible teaches that true righteousness can come only from inside the Believer.
5. The Law is like a mirror..One can look in a mirror and see that he is dirty, but he cannot wash himself with it. Galatians 3:1-11

Rules are not bad

Romans 7:12

• Rules are generally put in place to keep us safe.
• To teach us that there are consequences to our actions

Issues can arise with the application and enforcement of rules

Mark 7:1-23

The issue here isn’t clean hands, but rather the fact that the Disciples hadn’t gone through the accepted purification rituals put into place by the Traditions of the Fathers.

Notice that Jesus differentiates between the Commands of God and the Traditions of Man – Mark 7:8-9

• By tradition, the religious leaders had put a fence around the Law
  • added do’s and don’t do’s to prevent people from breaking the Law
    • Instead of protecting the Law
    • Traditions distorted and sometimes contradicted the Law.
      • Happens every time when obedience to Gods Law is Legislated.
  • Legalism involves making laws that God hasn’t
    • Treating those laws equally with Gods Word.

Which part of this Podcast resonated the most for you? Please share your comments or thoughts