Sermons on Legal Trap:

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

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

The Yeasty Beasty Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 26, 2024

Jesus uses yeast as a symbol to talk about hypocrisy.

M16: THE YEASTY BEASTY M16: LEAVEN THAT’LL KEEP YOU FROM HEAVEN Matthew 16:5-12 #m16sermons INTRODUCTION… My First and Only Breadmaker (p) When Kelly and I got married in 1998, we had a wedding registry like all couples do nowadays. A wedding registry, if you do not know, is a list from various ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:5-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

The Replacements Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Jun 22, 2020

Continuing the series on Romans, we talk about some of the things people use to dilute or replace the simplicity of the Gospel.

The Replacements Romans Series CCCAG June 14th, 2020 Scripture- Romans 2 (Melanie Reading) Good morning everybody. Last week we had a really difficult sermon that looked at that deadly slide that will happen as people turn their backs on genuine faith. If you were not hear, I’d strongly ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

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

The Sermon Of Seven Woes Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on May 5, 2012

Sermon #9 of 13 sermons on the Preaching of Jesus dealing with the sermon of 7 woes found in Matthew 23:1-39

The Sermon of Seven Woes Matthew 23:1-39 CHCC: March 25, 2012 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Jesus himself stepped up to this pulpit to preach? Suppose Jesus watched the way you lived your life this past week, and then came to preach in this pulpit today. What ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

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

How Free Are You? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2005

As Christians we consider ourselves to be free - but in fact we fall into slavery very easily - slavery to legalism. What is legalism and its corallary labelism?

Do you feel free? Free in Christ? Did you know that you although you may feel free you may have enslaved yourself - to what you ask? To legalism. Not possible. Yes - it’s a lot easier than you think. Winning freedom over legalism is what Galatians is all about. We’re going to learn what ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-24

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

If It’s Ok, Is It Ok? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

Marijuana. Yes, this is a message prompted by the legalization of recreational marijuana use in our state. How should a believer approach this?

Question to be asked: OK, now that marijuana has been legalized, is there anything wrong with using it? Intro: I’m driving up Perryville. There, on the right-hand side, there’s a line of people standing out in the cold. I’ve noticed them there since very early on this year, nearly every day. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 16:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ