Sermons on Legal Trap:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legalism Versus Love

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 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

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

New Testament Legalism Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Aug 17, 2020

Message expounds Philippians 3:1-7 explaining the problem of Legalism as defined by the New Testament. The ceremonial law in the Old Covenant was fulfilled in Christ and is not required of believers. The moral law is reiterated in the New Covenant.

We are in a study of Philippians. Our text today is Philippians 3:1-7. Last week we talked from that text about the value of warnings. God warns us because He loves us. Like a loving parent He guides us away from danger into a meaningful life of blessings. To despise God’s warnings is one of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:16-17, 1 Kings 18:28, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Revelation 21:1-8, Colossians 2:16-17, Acts 18:21, Romans 10:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

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

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

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