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Run from Legalism!

Galatians #2

 
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ.  But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.  For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”   – Galatians 1:6-10

Salvation is a gift from God – this is the New Testament message!  There is nothing we can do that will earn our salvation or favor from God.  The only way to be right, to stay right, and to do right is by His grace.

In Galatians 6:1-10, Paul is saying “I’m amazed you could receive this free gift of salvation and already start losing the main idea so quickly!  A gospel that is not built on grace is not a gospel at all.”

Paul’s contention is with some who are trying to add circumcision - or elements of the old law - to the gospel message.  This legalistic addition he calls perversion, and says it’s another gospel altogether – “ an alien message, a no-message, a lie about God.” (Galatians 1:7, The Message Bible)

Paul is warning us – legalism is a subtle leaven that can sneak into our walk with God.  It gives glory to the flesh and takes glory away from Christ.  Legalism does not allow us to depend on Christ’s sufficiency for our right standing with God – it is our flesh trying to be right with God.

Legalism shows up as a religious spirit – a spirit of superiority, judgementalism, and rule-keeping.  It makes people mean, stupid and weird! 

A religious, legalistic spirit kills people and pastors, putting a burden on them that no one can possibly carry.  The expectations put on pastors by religious people can be unfair – dictating how a pastor should live, dress, behave, minister.  We have a measure of freedom here at our church (thank God!) but there are many pastors that are being suffocated under a religious spirit.

A religious, legalistic spirit is one of the worst forms of flesh possible because it so misrepresents God, and it turns people off to how awesome it is to walk with Him!

Religious legalism turns Christianity into rules and regulations that break your spirit.  No wonder people bail on God and church – we’ve created this weird, religious, mean-spirited culture!  Who wants that?

Good things that were meant to be life-giving can be turned into death by legalism – prayer, giving, fasting, serving, worship.  I’m a better person for doing these things, but now I do these things from from acceptance rather than for acceptance.

“...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”   – Romans 14:17

The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!  Do not sit under legalistic ministry – instead, seek out ministry that represents the grace and freedom found in our wonderful God!