But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water?”
Luke 13:10-17 (v.15)
LEGALISM is a unique and deadly spiritual virus that has devastated a lot of people who sincerely want to follow Christ. But is hidden from the naked eye as it possesses the appearance of orderliness, discipline, and unity. Ironically, what looks like order is actually control...like a cult member hypnotised by the leader; discipline is actually rigidity...marching to the cadence of unbelievable policies; unity is a very scary uniformity that survives in the climate of shame and guilt. Many are caught in the thick web of legalism without seeing this dangerous spiritual predicament. Broad, vast and encompassing, it’s a system found everywhere and exists in every heart, subtly, claiming territories in many cultures, institutions, and especially, religion!
The Lord Jesus Christ modeled grace and truth that exposed legalistic practices, assaulted legalistic principles and liberated many prisoners of this syndrome.
The definition of legalism
"Religion's rules that are made to sound and look like it’s God's rule so that many might fear instead of living free in Christ"
The deception of legalism
• It’s Superstition, not spirituality
• It’s Strictness, not true transformation
• It’s about Image, not Intimacy with God
• It’s fear of men rather than fear of God
“Hypocrites!” Jesus said. That’s how He described those religious leaders. The Lord’s kindness oozes out when dealing with the worst sinners. The Lord’s sharp words fall on the legalists!
The disease of legalism
Legalism is a spiritual disorder of the highest degree. It’s a disease that requires a personal spiritual awakening more than just awareness. Legalism can trace its fast development from these observations:
[] Personal interpretation overshadows intention
[] Selective application accommodates personal convenience that perpetuates spiritual abuse than spiritual freedom
[] The impossible expectations that rules will result in spiritual transformation
[] The illusion of order due to fear at the expense of true freedom in Christ
[] The spiritual arrogance and the extreme exclusivity of the legalist overlooking the grace of God that is lavishly given to the undeserving
Deliverance from legalism
1. Awareness
2. Awakening of grace
3. Assimilation to a Christ-centered and Grace-based community
Let us pray
Abba, release me from rules of self-righteousness, lead me to Christ that I might be truly free! Hear our prayers.
Abba, help me rejoice when I see your work of grace defying man-made rules. Help me walk free in Christ, not in the rigidity of my rules. Hear our prayers.
Abba, expose my legalistic rules that I impose on others and myself. Let them all melt in the warm fire of grace. Grant me the wisdom and courage to deal with the legalists. Show me the difference between politeness and politics. Lord hear our prayers.