“Lethality of Legalism” cont’d
The Lethality of Legalism
Dr. Ritch Boerckel
There is therefore now no worship of God in the church. condemnation for those who Legalism is a lethal problem are in Christ Jesus. For the law for us. Many forms of legalism of the Spirit of life has set you are deceptively subtle. So free in Christ Jesus from the much so that the legalist law of sin and death. For God seldom recognizes that he is has done what the law, one. The legalist believes weakened by the flesh, could himself to be zealous for not do. By righteousness. sending his own “Many forms He does not see Son in the that he is of legalism are likeness of sinful straining out flesh and for sin, gnats and deceptively he condemned swallowing subtle. So sin in the flesh, camels. in order that the much so that How can I tell if I righteous am a legalist? requirement of the legalist This set of six the law might checks helps me seldom be fulfilled in us discern a (Romans 8:1–4, recognizes legalistic spirit in ESV). my own life. I that he is one.” The Law of God pray it assists you is good. Yet the too. Law is insufficient to help us Check #1: A pride in moral worship God and live for Him. achievements. Legalism As long as we look to the Law deceives us into thinking that to help us live for God, we will we measure up to God’s be enslaved to sin. A focus standard for a righteous life. upon God’s Law pushes us Such self-righteousness away from Jesus as our source reveals that of righteousness and toward a we do not understand how self-produced righteousness ... perfect God’s righteousness is. which is really no Check #2: A defensive spirit. righteousness at all. This is The legalist hates correction why legalism is so very harmful to the Christian, and is and instruction. He resists humble confession. If sin is so very damaging to the
confronted, the legalist becomes angry and moves forcefully to proclaim his innocence in the matter. He breaks relationship from those who seek to restore him to practical righteousness. He feels justified in withdrawing love from those who approach him to discuss sin issues. Check #3: A critical spirit of others. The tongue of the legalist is quick and sharp. Hang around a legalist very long and his dagger will eventually pierce your heart. In a strange way, the legalist is particularly sensitive over the sins in others that enslave his own soul. He readily casts erring people out of his life. His harsh fixation upon the sins of others helps him to ignore his own sins. Check #4: A lack of joy. There are no happy legalists. The legalist is the classic frowning Christian who grumbles about the moral state of the world and of the church. He has no Gospel joy. He is often filled with spiritual discouragement, defeat and even depression. He does not blame his unhappiness upon the disrepair of his own soul. He blames it on the sorry state of others. Check #5: A long list. The legalist loves lists. He wants to be very clear on what is acceptable and what is not. Thus, the legalist creates long lists of extra-biblical standards
that he imposes upon others with the surety of Mount Sinai’s stone tablets. The legalist on one hand requires less than the Bible by diminishing the internal requirements of the Law and on the other hand requires more than the Bible by adding to the external requirements of God’s Law.
Discovering Church Membership Saturday, July 9 — 8-11am Make plans to join us for this class on if you are interested in joining the church or learning more about Bethany. Please call the church office at 692-1755 to sign up.
Check #6: A mask to hide behind. The legalist cannot be transparent with others. He is more concerned about external reputation than he is about internal character. So he creates a public persona that does not match his private life. Sometimes he shows his real self to his own family, but some legalists are skilled at hiding their inner world even from their own family.
Hats of Hope Work Night
Do any symptoms of legalism appear in your life? If so, run to Christ Jesus in faith. He alone can deliver our hearts from sin.
Sunday, July 31 at 12:30pm in the Gym
The answer to the problem of persistent sin is not the Law, but the Lord; not regulations, but our Redeemer; not cold commands, but the risen Christ! Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV).
Tuesday, July 19 — 6-9pm Help make hats for cancer patients. All ladies are invited to come and use your talents in sewing and knitting, or simply to cut fabric and make fabric flowers. For more information, please contact Holly Miller at hlm112770@aol.com.
Newcomer’s Lunch If you are a new attender at Bethany and wish to learn more about us, meet our pastors, and ask questions, you are invited to join us for this lunch. Please call the church office at 692-1755 to sign up.
Directory Photos are Coming Soon! Make plans to be a part of our new family directory. We are excited to capture this moment in our 125 year history and we want YOU to be a part of it. Photo appointments will be offered the last week in July and the first week in August. Watch your bulletin and email inbox for sign up details.