Sermons on Legalism:

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

The Interrogation Of Faith Series

Contributed by Greg Powell on Aug 19, 2020

As Paul continues to defend doctrine, he asks the Galatians 6 rapid-fire questions in 5 verses.

INTRO: These next two chapters are going to be a little complicated. The 60 verses that make up Galatians 3 and 4 are said to be some of the strongest writing that Paul ever penned. His opponents, the Judaizers, were using every possible means to enslave the believers in Galatia, and Paul was not ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Freed To Be Like Christ Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Mar 6, 2024

Paul defines the freedom we have in Christ, warning the church of the danger to watch out for and the deceivers to guard against, and highlighting the true definition of freedom in Christ.

Gal 5:1-15 FREED TO BE LIKE CHRIST Paul concluded chapter 4 emphasizing the truth that we, as Christians, are no longer living under the slavery to the law. • We are children of the promise, living in the freedom that Christ has obtained for us through the cross. • He uses the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

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

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 Judgmental Giant Series

Contributed by Richard White on May 21, 2007

This Giant beats us down with legalisms, we defeat him with LOVE. Find your Jonathan.

The Judgmental Giant. 1 Samuel 18:1-16 She is always checking her mirrors, studying the faces of the other drivers, she is keeping an eye out for him. She knows he’ll come after her again. The message on the machine “Nothing will keep you from me.” I am your husband, till death do us part ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Liar Liar Series

Contributed by Kevin Maloney on Feb 4, 2006

Jesus calls us to tell the truth in a way that goes far beyond being legally accurate.

Liar Liar – Matthew 5:33-37 Amish buggies probably don’t have speedometers. How do they know if they’re breaking the law? They just know they’re not because you can’t speed in a buggy – you’ve got a two horse power vehicle. You always know you’re going far beyond the demands of the law, even in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The One And Only - Accept No Substitute Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jan 10, 2007

Colossians 2 explains that Philosophy, Ritualism, Mysticism, and Legalism are counterfeits of the real thing: Jesus Christ

Colossians Series # 2 Jesus the One and Only Accept No Substitute Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:2-8 INTRODUCTION: Last week we looked at Colossians chapter 1 where Paul talked about the Supremacy of Christ. In Chapter 2, Paul warns the Colossian church about some teachings that are ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Can A Christian Use Marijuana?

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Aug 28, 2015

With the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana, the Christian must evaluate if using pot is an acceptable practice or a sin.

In those States where the use and sell of Marijuana is illegal, the answer is straightforward. The Christian must abide by the laws of secular government (Romans 13:1-2, 5) which means that the use and sell of Marijuana is clearly prohibited. As our Nation moves closer to the legalization of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Have Jesus' Power Of Attorney

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Oct 11, 2017

Jesus has given us, the body of Christ, the power and authority to act on his behalf. Legally, He has given us His "Power of Attorney." We can legally function in this world just as He functioned when He was here!

Turn with me to Matthew 28. We’re going to read verses 18, 19 and 20. (18) And Jesus came and spake unto them (the disciples) saying, All power (this is the Greek word exousia and it means “authority”) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Because all authority is given unto me in heaven and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19, Genesis 41:39-44, Genesis 3:17-19, Genesis 1:26-28, Mark 16:15-18, Matthew 28:18-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

What Happened To Your Joy? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Sep 5, 2013

There’s no joy in religious legalism. Joyless religion is like going into a nice restaurant and eating the paper menu instead of enjoying the food.

INTRODUCTION We’ve all seen special-occasion cakes that have a message spelled out in the frosting. There’s a collection of pictures of funny messages called Cake Wrecks. Apparently, some of these cake decorators had someone order a cake over the phone and they took their verbal ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

Any Other Gospel Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 3, 2011

Without attention and energy, we humans will default back to our flesh pleasing ways even after coming to Jesus. That's where the lie of legalism is so pervasive. Paul begins his battle against legalism by contrasting human achievement with grace.

We humans love to accomplish things. It’s so we can tell whether we are a success or not. This is also true when it comes to pleasing God. “Lord, I prayed and read your Word for an hour today.” “Father, I refrained from clobbering that guy who cut in front of me.” We ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel