Sermons on Legal Evidence:

Legalism Versus Love Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

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

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

Christ Verses Legalism

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Apr 27, 2018

Christ has not only set us free from sin, but he has also set us free from religious rules and regulations.

CHRIST VERSES LEGALISM Text: Col. 2:16-19 Introduction 1. Illustration: "What must I forsake?" 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 ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-19

Denomination: Methodist

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

Legality Verses Liberty Series

Contributed by Ian Humphrey on Oct 31, 2025

Legality verses Liberty

Galatians 4 v 21 - 31 Legality verses Liberty The Law Confronted In Grace - 21 Tell me, In Grit - ye that desire to be under the law, In Grief - do ye not hear the law? The Law Contrasted Two Different Sons - 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, Two Different Mothers - the one ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:21-31

Denomination: Holiness

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

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

Pulling The Weeds Of Legalism Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

Following a list of rules and regulations will never lead to spiritual vitality. Grace demands that we avoid judging others according to our standards.

Pulling the Weeds of Legalism 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 attend a movie house or ride in a public ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Liberalism Vs Legalism

Contributed by Thomas Miller on Feb 27, 2007

Many want to clean the outside of the believer, when the inside is what Jesus put the most emphasis on. I call it visual sins.

Liberalism VS Legalism Two of the Deadliest Sins A Church received a resume for a Pastor’s position. While reading up on his history they noticed that he had a record. He had been arrested, his doctrine was considered very controversial and on occasions he was run out of town. Fights erupted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:12-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why Legalism Stinks Series

Contributed by Larry Osborne on Jun 13, 2007

Having a clear understanding of God’s law can help us avoid the trap of legalism. King David, the apostle Paul and Jesus can each give us a healthy perspective on God’s law.

1 Timothy: Doing Church God’s Way North Coast Church Message #5 August 12-13, 2006 Dr. Larry Osborne Why Legalism Stinks 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Legalism, Mercy, Grace Series

Contributed by Doug Warren on Mar 25, 2006

The Woman caught in adultery faced leaglism but found mercy and Grace in Jesus Christ.

Intro: 1. Each segment of society has its own terminology: a. computer terms (foreign to me) b. medical terms (confusing,hard to understand) c. mechanic terms (could fool me in a minute!) 2. The church is no exception...we use terms like justification, sanctification, glorification, ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

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