Sermons on Avoiding Legalism:

Facing Up To Legalism Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Jan 30, 2007

# 15 in series. “One of the most serious problems facing the orthodox Christian church today is the problem of legalism."

A Study of the Book of John “That You May Believe” Sermon # 15 “Facing Up To Legalism” (John 5:9-13,15, Gal 1:6-10, 2:1-5, 11-14) The subject that I want to talk to you about this morning is legalism. You know it’s kind of odd but, I ...read more

Scripture: John 5:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Guard Against Legalism Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Jun 6, 2016

Legalism hinders the work of the true gospel of Jesus Christ and wreaks havoc with the spiritual lives of those affected by it.

We continue on in our series of messages through the New Testament book of Titus. It’s written by the apostle Paul to his protégé whose name is (anyone?). Paul has left Titus on the isle of Crete for a reason. Titus 1:5a – The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:10-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Leaning Against Legalism

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 20, 2011

We often measure our success by how closely we stick to a set of expectations - whether on the job, at home, or in our walk with the Lord. We do good, we feel good - we do bad, we feel bad. But measuring success is really much different in a relationship

When you apply for a job you supply your resume—it’s that collection of information that tells why you are qualified for a particular position. Until not too long ago, a very important thing to have when going to a new area was a letter of recommendation. We still use them occasionally. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Grace Over Legalism

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 27, 2010

Grace over Legalism

Reading: Galatians chapter 1 verses 1-10. Ill: • On the28th August 1963; • Martin Luther King addressed a huge crowd of people; • He gave one of the greatest speeches ever given. • In his; “I have a dream” speech he called for transformation; • From ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-10

Denomination: Brethren

Christains Are Not Bound By Legalism Series

Contributed by William D. Brown on Mar 30, 2014

While Paul was in prison in Rome, Epaphras came too Paul as he needed Paul's help, he explained to Paul that some new doctrines were being taught in Colossi and were invading the church and creating problems.

#7~ Col.2:16-23~ CHRISTAINS ARE NOT BOUND BY LEGALIZISM~ 1-5-14 * Let's review just a little to do with of study. In 61a.d. - a devastating earthquake hit the area, destroying Colossae, Laodicea, and Heiropolis, probably just after Paul wrote his letters to the Christians of that area. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Overing The Spirit Of Legalism

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Nov 15, 2011

It’s easier to live by someone’s set of rules than to obey and follow the Holy Spirit. Every denominational (even non-denominational) have their own set of behaviors or actions they expect their members (or attenders) to practice. How to prevent our chur

Overcoming the Spirit of Legalism Introduction: A It’s easier to live by someone’s set of rules than to obey and follow the Holy Spirit. 1 Every denominational (even non-denominational) have their own set of behaviors or actions they expect their members (or attenders) to practice. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:7

Denomination: Baptist

Is Legalism A Bad Word?

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jul 9, 2010

This message deals with the fact that God’s law (from Moses to Christ) is good and that its continued presence in church and culture is right, not wrong.

Too many people today, even Christians, feel like the days of grace and spiritual liberty should erase the law of God. If any minister or church preaches or teaches the laws of God as good, they are labeled as old-fashioned, cult-like, or legalistic. Since when did ‘legalism’ (the idea of abiding ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Legal Tender, Or Counterfeit? Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Sep 30, 2016

We need to get as familiar as possible with the real God of the Bible. Then we'll find it easy to recognize the counterfeits.

Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-16

Denomination: *other

The Gospel: Opposes Legalism Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 4, 2015

There is a monumental issue at stake. The Gospel of Grace is being weighed in the balance. Donft turn Christianity into a list of rules. It takes extra work to be Spirit led.

How would you like to walk up to the man who preached the Pentecost sermon, get up close to his face, (this man who walked on water), look him straight in the eye in front of a crowd of people and say, Peter my buddy, Cephas old pal, you are not preaching the true gospel. You better straiten up and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Justified By Grace Not Legalism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 3, 2023

Are we justified by grace or lawkeeping? Do Jesus and Paul contradict each other?

Paul explained how we are justified by grace, not works of the law. How did we receive the Holy Spirit? You irrational Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Jesus Christ was put on display as crucified before your eyes! I just want to know this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Legal Counsel For Christians Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Aug 4, 2023

Jesus provides counsel on domestic disputes, sex crimes, adultery and divorce; and He even says something that can be applied to swearing on the Bible in a court of law. Jesus, being part of the court of heaven, knows about legal matters!

I have entitled our message for this morning, “Legal Counsel for Christians.” You may not realize it, but the Bible is full of courtroom imagery. The most noteworthy example is the great white throne of judgement seen in the book of Revelation (20:11-15). Did you know that Jesus will be there ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

Lawsuits And Legal Disputes

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on May 5, 2025

Getting along with others can often be difficult. But how we deal with difficult situations will say a lot about our spiritual maturity or lack thereof.

Alba 5-4-2025 LAWSUITS AND LEGAL DISPUTES I Corinthians 6:1-8 There was a street in a town that was lined with lovely mature trees, manicured lawns, and three churches—all right next to each other. The three churches were each built in different styles and shapes. They each posted a sign out ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Freedom From Legalism PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 4, 2023

Understand and appreciate the freedom and love we receive from God's grace, as explained in Paul's letter to the Galatians, rather than complicating it with legalism and rules.

Good morning, Church Family! You know, we have a tendency to complicate things that are simple. We can even turn the beautiful gift of God’s grace into a frustrating set of rules and regulations. But let’s remind ourselves of what Philip Yancey once said: “Grace means there is nothing we can do to ...read more

Topics: Frustration, Freedom

Avoid Adultery Series

Contributed by Tim Bond on Aug 19, 2002

The only way to avoid spiritual adultery against God is to humble ourselves enough to obey Him.

One of the most common characters for children to learn about in Sunday School when they are young is Samson. Kids love to hear about the guy who was so powerful that nobody could beat him up. His physical strength was so great that he was able to bring a huge building down by pushing on the ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Avoiding Quarrels

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 7, 2001

How Isaac avoided quarrels and let things go when God directed

How to Solve Quarrels 1. Aim: To lead the people to know how to follow Isaac’s example of obedience in avoiding quarrels and overcoming the opposition with kindness, hard-work and friendliness. 2. Explanation of the Aim: Even though Isaac has to admit that he sinned, God still uses him because ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational