Sermons on Avoiding Legalism:

Freedom's Power Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 5, 2009

This message warns us not to depend on a list of rules, which only makes things worse, but to depend on the Lord, who alone can change us from the inside out as He lives His life through us.

Freedom’s Power (Galatians 2:11-21) Several years ago, the Chicago Tribune, ran an article about the religious history of the Chicago area. It began with a paragraph about Zion, a small town north of the city: “Rev. John Alexander Dowie left little to chance a century ago, when the charismatic ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Freeway Of Faith (Step Off The Bus, Gus!) Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 28, 2014

A sermon to help us understand the purpose of the Law as a tutor to lead us to faith in Christ

Lot of strange things happening out there on the freeways these days… Joke - A man was driving along the freeway when he noticed a lady by the side of the road trying to change a flat tire on her car. He stopped and offered to help. It was hot and humid, and it was hard and dirty work, but ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:15-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Way To Avoid Spiritual Dangers In Life Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 17, 2020

We must... 1. Let God's light shine in our hearts (vs. 16-21). 2. Put the Creator above His creation (vs. 22-25). 3. Let God's Word set our standards (vs. 25). 4. Run away from what God rejects (vs. 24-31). 5. Receive God’s grace for our guilt (vs. 32, 16-17).

God's Way to Avoid Spiritual Dangers in Life The Book of Romans Romans 1:16-32 (Initial reading: vs. 16-21) Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - March 13, 2016 (Revised August 17, 2020) MESSAGE: *In 1993, Willie Nelson was 60 years old, and he had some unusual advice for his ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Liberty Found In Christ

Contributed by Ely Lambert on Aug 19, 2002

This sermon addresses a common issue of legalism, trying to give those struggling with legalism a better understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Introduction: I. The Common Conversion story A. Rarerly, do we as a church here of an amazing conversion story, but those particular stories seem to overshadow most of our personal stories. 1. We have heard of people addicted to drugs and alcohol being converted by the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. We ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:17-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power Of The Name

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Jun 24, 2023

Every believer has the legal right, the legal redemptive right, to use the Name of Jesus. The moment the Name of Jesus becomes a part of your prayer life, your prayer life receives legal authority in Heaven.

All that the Father is and has, He has invested in the Name of Jesus. Every believer has the legal right, the legal redemptive right, to use the Name of Jesus. The moment the Name of Jesus becomes a part of your prayer life, your prayer life receives legal authority in Heaven. This puts prayer on a ...read more

Scripture: John 14:13, Matthew 18:20, John 14:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

First Sunday Of Lent - Lent 1 A

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Feb 3, 2020

Tactics of legal reasoning used by the devil

Here are some of the tactics of legal reasoning used by the devil on Eve-- The first question recorded in the Bible was asked by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The snake misquotes the divine prohibition by applying it to all the fruit trees, over-stating God’s norm to enlarge its scope: “Did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Catholic

Sorry, Mr. Goody Two Shoes! Series

Contributed by George Mclaughlin Jr. on Oct 8, 2009

Legalism is "Any attempt to gain or maintain the favor of God based upon what I do." Paul gives us four reasons to let go of the false hope of "fixing" our own lives, in order that God accept us.

Outline for CBF June 14, 2009 AM Romans 2:1-16 "Sorry Mr. Goody Two-Shoes!" Intro. Tell story of a boy when he ratted on his sister for not having her eyes closed when we were saying grace. - Definition of legalism: "Any attempt to gain or maintain the favor of God based upon what I do." - ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Matthew 5 - Part 11 - Quick, I Think I Need A Lawyer! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Dec 31, 2009

When it comes to the law, I am not merely an in-law (one whose relationship with God is based on a set of rules and regulations) or an outlaw (one who wants to live outside the law). I need a lawyer!

Matthew 5 - Part 11 - I think I need a lawyer? I once went to court on behalf of young mother with an intellectual disability. She was a difficult person and the Department of Children’s Services had decided, in their wisdom, to apply the letter of the law and take away her child. It was my task ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dos And Don'ts Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on May 11, 2011

Is Jesus a legalist? Are we really supposed to follow what he says?

I knew a woman who stopped for a few drinks every night after work to let traffic die down, then drove home, about a 45 minute drive in lower mainland traffic. She would say, “I’m fine, I’ve never had an accident and there are never any roadblocks on my route home. It’s not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-48

Mighty To Save - 2 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on May 24, 2011

Exposing the popular and deadly "christianish" false gospel of justification by human effort. The man who has confidence on the day of judgment because he has been "doing right" is lost and remains under the wrath of God.

Dakota Community Church May 22, 2011 Mighty to Save - 2 Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Mennonite

What Are You Living Under? Series

Contributed by Rob Swan on Mar 5, 2011

It is better to live under grace than under the Law

Big Idea: It is better to live under grace than under the Law (legalism vs. Faith) Big Question: What are you living under? Text: Gal 4:1-7 Introduction Looking over the horses in the stalls, the man studied and looked over the noble beasts that were at the auction that day. He walked up to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-7

Denomination: Wesleyan

Bold In Christian Liberty Series

Contributed by James Parker on Mar 6, 2011

We have been looking at what in means to be Bold in the spirit as christians . Last week we considered Boldly Seeking The Kingdom. This weeek we will look at being Bold concerning Liberty. This bring up two extreme positions. These positions are not new t

Boldness A-Z LIBERTY LICENSE AND LEGALISM GALATIANS 5:1-13 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom: Let It Ring Again!

Contributed by Dave Kinney on Jul 5, 2008

Thomas Jefferson said, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis - a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” Learn how important freedom is as a gift from God t

Erma Bombeck – “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 25:10

Denomination: Baptist

There Is A Pharisee In All Of Us

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jul 9, 2013

A sermon on Mark 7:1-23 on the teachings and traditions of the Pharisees (Material and outline taken from Dave Swavely's book, Who Are You to Judge?, chapter 7, Jesus and Legalism; HoHum from: http://www.sermons4kids.com/skin_deep.htm)

HoHum: Isn't this a beautiful apple? The skin is so red and shiny. Just look how smooth it is. It has a beautiful shape and I don't see any spots that look like the bugs or worms have eaten into it. Yes, this is a really good apple. Oh, you might be thinking, "You can't tell if an apple is good by ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Joy Of Living A Grace-Based Life

Contributed by Brandon Cox on Nov 9, 2011

Every believer in Christ has a right standing with God, and can therefore walk in spiritual confidence! We can move from living by rule-keeping to living by grace.

How Most of Us Live - Based on rules - For the approval of others - For our own version of success Romans 5:1-5 Our State vs. Our Standing John Phillips talks about the difference between our standing as believers, and our state as believers. Our standing is that we are perfect and righteous, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist