Sermons on Legalism:

Born (Again) Free Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Sep 5, 2013

We were all born in bondage to our sinful nature, but there is something within each one of us that longs to be free from the guilt and shame of our past.

INTRODUCTION A lot of attention was given to the death of Steve Jobs on October 5. All the attention surrounding his death probably caused most of us to miss the fact that just three days later another American creative genius also died of pancreatic cancer. His name was Roger Williams, a ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Real You Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 21, 2011

What is God like? Is your opinion of God based on an aloof, disconnected, or angry vengeful powerful being who is stern and judgmental? What would He be like if you ran into Him on the street? It might surprise you, but God is a lot like Galatians5:23-26.

I had the opportunity to drive in a foreign country recently. At first I tried to use Google Maps directions but ended up hopelessly lost and confused. Finally I discovered that in this particular country you could find your ultimate destination by just getting to the next community. There would ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:23-26

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Gospel Freedom Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 20, 2013

In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul makes it clear that we have been set free, but all that is lost if we return to the slavery and yoke of the Law.

A. Last year, a movie called Big Miracle was released. How many of you have seen the movie? 1. It is a movie that told the true story of a 1988 international effort to free 3 gray whales trapped four miles from freedom by early ice formation in Alaska. 2. At first few bothered to notice their ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

All In The Family Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 5, 2010

If we want to create an atmosphere in our homes and in our churches where people want to pursue purity and follow Christ from their hearts, then we must begin with a blessing and not lay down the law.

After Helene Talbert of Wahpeton, North Dakota, completed her first semester at a Christian college, she had a lot to tell her family. Just before the end of the semester, they had an open house in her dorm – one of the few times men are allowed in the women’s rooms. When her family came to ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Sabbath Liberation

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 20, 2014

The folly of hedging the Sabbath with man-made rules

SABBATH LIBERATION. Our attitudes to the Sabbath can tell a lot about our Christianity. In Luke 13:10-17, the president of the synagogue obviously felt it was more important to keep the Sabbath, even in the minutiae of man-made rules, than to look after his parishioners: "There are six days ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

#30 The Problem Is The Heart Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Oct 12, 2020

The Pharisees and scribes were all wrapped up in rules and externals.

#30 The Problem Is the Heart Series: Mark Chuck Sligh October 13, 2020 The Pharisees and scribes were all wrapped up in rules and externals. In Mark 7:1-23, Jesus taught that what pleases Him most is worship from the HEART. NOTE: PowerPoint or ProPresenter presentations are available for this ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Opinions Of Churchianity

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Mar 15, 2015

There is no room in the Church for legalism. In love, we must get along with (and be more understanding of) fellow believers since we are all at different levels of understanding in our faith journey.

WHEN IT COMES TO LEGALISM, I LIKE WHAT AUTHOR, MAX LUCADO, WROTE WHEN HE SAID, “LEGALISM HAS NO PITY ON PEOPLE. LEGALISM MAKES MY OPINIONYOUR BURDEN, MAKES MY OPINION YOUR BOUNDARY, MAKES MY OPINION YOUR OBLIGATION.” I LIKE THAT! WE HAVE ALL BEEN, AT SOME POINT, NOT ONLY A WITNESS TO, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12

Denomination: Free Methodist

#13 Silly Sabbath Rules Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Mar 22, 2020

The Pharisees thought religion was about rules and regulations. Jesus taught that it was about worshipping God from the heart and meeting human needs. This sermon looks at the Pharisees silly Sabbath rules and Jesus’ correction of their false teachings, and a startling statement of His deity.

#13 Silly Sabbath Rules Series: Mark March 22, 2020 Chuck Sligh NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. Please mention the title of the sermon and the Bible text to help me find the sermon in my archives TEXT: Mark 2:23-28 – "And no ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:23-28

Denomination: Baptist

Give Me That Old Time Legalistic Religion

Contributed by Bobby Brewer on Oct 10, 2021

Jesus and Paul experienced opposition from the legalists of their day, as will you and I. None of us are completely immune from its’ affects and we too must guard our hearts from presenting a message and lifestyle that God never intended

Series: We’re on a Mission from God Message: Give Me that Old Time Legalistic Religion Text: Acts 22:22 Big Idea: Jesus had numerous confrontations with the legalists, who among other reasons, sought to kill Him for healing on the Sabbath (Mt. 13:14). Paul also experienced opposition from the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:20-22, Acts 22:22

Saul/Paul: The Consummate Legalist Finally Gains Perfection Lesson 10 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2023

Law keeping begins with a head issue, and following Christ begins with a heart issue.

A. SAUL’S LAW KEEPING WAS IMPERFECT 1. He was a flawed law keeper (Philippians 3:4-6). 2. He hated Christ and persecuted Christians. “Saul was consenting to his (Stephen) death … great persecution against the church … went from house to house … throwing them into prison” (Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-2, Romans 7:19

Denomination: Baptist

When You Can’t Draw Near - Mark 7:1-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 23, 2023

Legalism is an insidious problem because it allows your heart to drift far from God while making you think you’re doing great spiritually.

Mark 7:1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13, Matthew 15:1-9

Joy Contest: God Vs. World - Psalm 4:2-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 6, 2025

David gets more joy from the smile of God than unbelievers would have even if they got everything they desire.

Psalm 4:1-8 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God (lit God of my righteousness). Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 4:2-8

Freedom Day

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 5, 2023

All our days were given by God and belong to God; but on the Sabbath day he gives us freedom as well.

Leah didn’t know why she kept coming to the synagogue. She counted the days up in her head... every seven days for eighteen years, it had to be at least 400 times, she thought. At first people were sorry for her, and someone would take her arm to help her up the steps to section reserved for the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Law And The Believer Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Mar 13, 2024

What does the Bible teach about our relationship with God's Law

Dr. Bradford Reaves CrossWay Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD www.mycrossway.org We are here now in the heart of Romans, what I would consider the approaching the pinnacle of Paul’s message to the Church in Rome. As we approach this point in Paul’s letter, we have before us some profound and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-6, Romans 7:7-13, Romans 7:14-23

Denomination: Brethren

When To Put The Cup Down Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Nov 30, 2025

A sermon discussing Christian liberty

When to Put the Cup Down 1st Corinthians Series CCCAG 10-5-2025 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 ________________________________________ Introduction — The Mug on My Shelf Years ago, I was working on a medical team for a Renaissance Fair when one of the vendors had a severe medical emergency. We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God