Sermons on Avoiding Legalism:

Made For Life, Not Legalism: Following Jesus Into True Rest - Mark 2:27 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 3, 2026

We live in an age obsessed with performance. We measure our worth by what we do, how busy we are, and how well we keep up. And tragically, that same spirit can creep into our faith.

Made for Life, Not Legalism: Following Jesus into True Rest - Mark 2:27 Introduction: When Rules Replace Relationship We live in an age obsessed with performance. Targets, metrics, productivity, image, hustle. Even rest has become something we feel guilty about. We measure our worth by what we ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:27-28, Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-10, Hosea 6:6, Colossians 2:16-17, Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-10, Romans 5:1, Hebrews 13:20-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Do Not Go Beyond What Is Written

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jun 24, 2013

A textual sermon on 1 Corinthians 4:6 (Material taken from Dave Swavely's book, "Who Are You To Judge? The Dangers of Judging and Legalism", Chapter 5 "Two Dangers of Legalism")

HoHum: "What must I forsake to follow Christ?" a young man asked. "Colored clothes for one thing. Get rid of everything in your wardrobe that is not white. Stop sleeping on a soft pillow. Sell your musical instruments and don't eat any more white bread. You cannot, if you are sincere about obeying ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Threats To The Believer’s Freedom In Christ (Col. 2:16–23) Series

Contributed by Greg Brown on Jan 19, 2015

Exposition of Col. 2:16–23

Threats to the Believer’s Freedom in Christ “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Introduction To Romans 4 Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Mar 25, 2024

Five practical benefits of understanding Romans 4 are shared. The theme of justification by faith is contrasted with justification by works which is characteristic of false religions and cults. The grace teaching in Romans 4 is essential in evangelism and forms the foundation for Christian living.

Today we resume a study in Romans that we taught in 2019. Five years ago, we expounded Romans 1-3 verse-by-verse with 35 messages. Those are available on our YouTube channel for anyone who wants to review them.i Romans is a book that cannot by properly understood without giving detailed attention ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-25, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 3:20-31, Romans 10:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

God Rest Ye Merry Sales Clerks - Avoiding Materialism Series

Contributed by Travis Moore on Sep 13, 2001

Part of the Christmas Wonder PowerPak.

MASTERING MATERIALISM For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat 6:19-21) Introduction: People drive to the mall in cars that they cannot afford,to spend money that they don’t have, to buy things that they don’t need, to impress people that they don’t like. I. THE ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

Being Smart With My Money What Should I Avoid

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Oct 12, 2012

This message is on dealing with two motivating factors of how we spend our money 1) it looks good now and 2) it will impress others later. We should be more concerned with pleasing God than each other.

Being Smart With My Money—What To Avoid Genesis 13:5-13 and Acts 5:1-11 We are in part 2 of our series, Being Smart With My Money. Last week Pastor Toby preached “What Do I Need”. Next Week Pastor Kellie will do “What Cost Me The Most”, Pastor Toby will return ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Run From Satan So You Can Avoid Him.

Contributed by Dr.w.samuel Legon on Mar 9, 2019

We must keep our selves sale and clear of Satan.

RUN FROM SATAN SO YOU CAN AVOID HIM. 1st Peter 5: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

But His Father Was A Greek! (Parents Must Avoid Greek Behavior)

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 10, 2020

Timothy was blessed for his Grandmother’s (Lois) & Mother's (Eunice) Faithfulness. His father was a gentile (Greek), not a believer, not even around. Paul reminds us that even one parent or grandparent can have influence on a child.

…BUT HIS FATHER WAS A GREEK! (PARENTS MUST AVOID GREEK BEHAVIOR) 1. Acts 16: 1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but his father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Denomination: Charismatic

"Woe To You": Avoiding The Pharisees’ Mistakes About Faith Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 4, 2025

Jesus' criticism of the religious leaders provides several insights into what genuine faith is supposed to look like.

WRONG WAY: Jesus rejected the Pharisees’ approach to faith. - Luke 11:37-38. - Jesus gets invited to dine with a Pharisee and He goes. That in itself is interesting: Jesus is engaging with those who are His most vociferous enemies. - Why did He do that? I think there are at least a couple ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-54

Denomination: Baptist

Grace Or Law

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 9, 2015

Are you living under Grace or Law or maybe a form of Graw or Lace?

The argument over Grace versus Law or a mixture like Glaw or Lace has been going on for centuries. That is to be expected because there was such a radical change between the Old and New Covenant it was bound to bring about controversy. The Jews who had been under the Old for so many centuries ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

How To Avoid The Mistakes Of Giving Into Pressures From People - Gen 16:

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 1, 2002

How to Avoid the Mistakes of Giving Into Pressures From People - Gen 16:1-16

How to Avoid the Mistakes of Giving Into Pressures From People - Gen 16:1-16 We all need to know how to avoid giving in to the pressures from well meaning people who may think they know God’s will for our lives. Only the Lord knows the best time and way to accomplish His will. His leading comes ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Working On Sunday? Series

Contributed by Drew Mills on Mar 16, 2007

Our legalism vs. God’s graciousness

Theme: Book of Luke Purpose: legalism vs. God’s graciousness Almost every state in our nation still has laws on their books that would surprise most people. For instance, In Florida, a woman may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer. In Indiana, citizens are not allowed to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

Spiritual Snobbery

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jul 25, 2012

We must live under grace, not legalism.

Spiritual Snobbery January 6, 2008 Evening Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: We must live under grace, not legalism. Focus Passage: Matthew 7:1-5 Supplemental Passage: Matthew 23:2-3 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Most Religious Person I Know

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Jun 3, 2008

The problem and solution to Legalism & Self-Imposed Religion

I. PROBLEM OF JEWISH LEADERS IMPOSING RULES OF CONFORMITY ON COLOSIANS A. New Gentile Christians – struggling to wrap their brains around new-found faith B. Warning About Jewish Leaders 1. “Let no one judge you…” “Let no one cheat you…” (v. 16,18) 2. They are intrusive into things they have not ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

Learning To Love Like Dad Series

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Jun 17, 2015

Lost People, God's Heart, Rebellion, Legalism

GROWN UP CHRISTIANS – Learning to Love Like Dad (Father’s Day) Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 (pg. 729) June 21, 2015 Introduction: I’ve shared this story with you before, but on Father’s Day I’d like to share it again, and include something I haven’t shared ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ