Sermons on Jewish Legalism:

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

Keeping The Sabbath Holy

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Jun 3, 2018

A closer look at the observance of the Sabbath

Weekend Message/Devotion June 3, 2018 Mark 2:23-3:6 Keeping the Sabbath Holy “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 This is a subject that always brings out responses from extreme legalism to extreme liberal interpretation. “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Triumphant Joy Defended Series

Contributed by Derrick Strickland on Mar 19, 2016

Paul reminds us that our Joy must be defended against things that rob of us of Joy.

NTRO: 1. So far Paul has taught us that it’s important for us to understand or define triumphant Joy, then he revealed to us how we can refine or develop that Joy… but tonight Paul sees it important to remind us that our joy must always be defended. 2. It may came as no surprise for ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Road To Heaven - Philippians 3:12-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 10, 2022

After speaking against legalism in the first half of the chapter, Paul now warns against the opposite error: quietism. Not even Paul has gotten to a place where he can coast. The race goes until you die.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Legalistically Stubborn Paul Experienced Jesus For His Indwelling Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 13, 2023

The most defining experience of your life will be touching/encountering Jesus.

A. INTRODUCTION: SAUL PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS 1. Saul was a successful failure. He was going to top of the religious ladder. “Paul was better qualified than all the legalists ... the best of all ... born a Jew into the tribe of Benjamin, and circumcised on the eighth day. He spoke Hebrew, kept ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:6, Acts 9:22

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Has Set Us Free! Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jul 10, 2023

Based on Galatians 5:1 - Reminds hearers that only Christ can truly set us free!

“CHRIST HAS SET US FREE!” Gal. 5:1 FBCF – 7/9/23 Jon Daniels INTRO – “My Chains are Gone!” – Remember first time I heard & sang that song – a new take on an old hymn. Blew me away! Strong reminder of the GRACE of God that frees us from EVERY chain that binds us & holds us captive to our ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Authority

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 29, 2023

Did Paul just go about his missionary work without checking with others in the broader church to make sure that his message was orthodox?

The letter to the churches in Galatia describes a problem that still exists today, how they had fallen backwards from the grace of the Gospel into outward works of the law like circumcision. Thus, the theme of Galatians is justification by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection apart from the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The 7 Churches + Ephesus Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Jan 19, 2024

Chapters 2 and 3 focus on the Lampstands concerning “what is now” (1:19). Each church represents one of the positions of the Lampstands.

January 20, 2024 In the 1st chapter of Revelation, the focus of the vision was entirely on the Being walking in the midst of the Lampstands and not on the Lampstands themselves. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on the Lampstands concerning “what is now” (1:19). Each church represents one of the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7, Ephesians 1:15

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Sermon 7 - Believer, Beware Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 27, 2025

In this sermon's section from Colossians, Paul warns the Colossian Christians to avoid the false teachings of legalism, mysticism and asceticism. Christians from all times need to heed these warnings as well.

Introduction: A. One day a customer was entering a little country store and noticed a sign posted on the door warning, “Danger! Beware of dog!” 1. Inside, the customer noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor beside the cash register, and asked: “Is that the dog folks are supposed ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

~warnings Against The Philosophies Of Men ~ Series

Contributed by William D. Brown on Mar 30, 2014

Paul wants the Colossian believers and us as well, to understand the great truths in this chapter, because in doing so, we'll not be led astray by the so called up to date bible theories & teaching.

#4 ~Col.2:1-9 ~WARNINGS AGAINST THE PHILOSOPHIES OF MEN ~ 12-15-13 Paul wants the Colossian believers and us as well, to understand the great truths in this chapter, because in doing so, we'll not be led astray by the so called "up to date bible theories & teaching", fancy words and man ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Living As A Slave When You Are A Son Or Daughter

Contributed by Ray Searan on Feb 21, 2007

Many well-meaning Christians today get involved in legalism in a desire to become better Christians. Legalism means "a relationship that is governed by rules or by law."

Text: Galatians 4:1-18 (NASB) Introduction: Many well-meaning Christians today get involved in legalism in a desire to become better Christians. Legalism means "a relationship that is governed by rules or by law." Their motives may be right, but their method is wrong. At Galatia, these ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Don’t Be Manipulated: Choose The More-Than-Sufficient Jesus

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 20, 2014

False teachers are constantly trying to manipulate us in their direction, but we much choose our alternative from a position of strength and truth, not by guilt trips, fads, emotional manipulations, or slick presentations.

Don’t Be Manipulated: Choose the More-than-Sufficient Jesus (Colossians 2:16-23) 1. Because people seem confident does not mean they know what they are doing. 2. SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Three men who attempted to steal a Massachusetts delivery driver's car found their getaway ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Getting To Know Him 1 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Oct 31, 2010

Getting to know Him is the key to avoiding legalism.

Dakota Community Church October 31, 2010 Getting to Know Him Ephesians 1:15-23 15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

Denomination: Mennonite

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

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