Sermons on Legalism:

Is It Really Legalism?

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Mar 31, 2017

In many modern churches, legalism is no more than acknowledging that the Lord has given to His Church a body of legislation that He expects to be taught and obeyed.

During my decades of Christian ministry, the terms “legalism” and “legalist” have progressively been bandied-about within modern churches and their preachers/pastors. These terms have, primarily, been used to describe and condemn those Christians and churches that believe that there is more to ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is It Really Legalism?

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Apr 8, 2016

A study which identifies the difference between true and false legalism.

During my decades of Christian ministry, the terms “legalism” and “legalist” have progressively been bandied-about within modern churches and their preachers/pastors. These terms have, primarily, been used to describe and condemn those Christians and churches that believe ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Temptation Of Legalism

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Sep 14, 2015

This is a three to four week Bible Study on the Issue of Legalism, and the surprising places where we may practice legalism in the church today.

THE TEMPTATION OF LEGALISM GALATIANS 5:1-6 QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE FREEDOM? QUESTION: IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE FREEDOM WITHOUT LIMITS? ROMANS: 14:12-19: 12SO WE WILL ALL HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO GOD THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE. 13LET US STOP JUDGING ONE ANOTHER. INSTEAD, MAKE UP YOUR MIND NOT TO ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

A Legal Dispute Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Sep 21, 2015

As we get into this passage concerning legal disputes we need to note that this passage only deals with disputes between Christian brothers. It doesn’t say anything about going to court against unbelievers.

As we get into this passage concerning legal disputes we need to note that this passage only deals with disputes between Christian brothers. It doesn’t say anything about going to court against unbelievers. Note the progression of Paul’s argument. He progresses from question to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Legalism Or Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 22, 2023

Do we rely on things of the flesh like circumcision, rest days, tongues, wealth and health? Do we rely on Christ?

Did Paul use strong terms for those who promoted a variety of legalism? So then, my brothers and sisters, be glad in the Lord. It’s no trouble for me to repeat the same things to you because they will help keep you on track. Watch out for the “dogs.” Watch out for people who do evil things. Watch ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Legalism Exposed Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 6, 2024

This exposition of Romans 4:13-16 addresses the problem of trying to attain righteousness through good works. The law was given to expose our sinfulness and lead us to Christ for salvation. The deception of legalism is a problem that must be addressed.

Intro Our text today is Romans 4:13-16: “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-25, Genesis 17:1-14, Romans 11:1-6, Galatians 4:1-9, Romans 8:9-39, Jude 1:4, Romans 3:20-23, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Ephesians 2:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Challenging Legalism Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 29, 2025

This is the 17th Sermon from the Gospel of Luke Series, "Jesus- Son Of Man".

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#17] CHALLENGING LEGALISM Luke 6:1-11 Introduction: The Pharisees were an important religious group in ancient Judaism who followed many laws and rules. The Torah, which is the 1st 5 Books of the Bible, has 613 commandments. The Pharisees added even more rules and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11, Matthew 12:1-14

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

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

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

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

Legalism Versus Holiness Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Sep 23, 2004

Legalism Versus Holiness, we all want to live holy lives, but sometimes we cross the line and being to live legalistic lives, were is the line?

Romans 7:1-7:25 Getting on the Same Page As God About Legalism verse Holiness Introduction A. Close your eyes. B. Everyone’s eyes Closed? C. Do not start thinking about lunch D. Do not start thinking about that nice juicy steak you will be enjoying E. Do not start thinking about the sweet ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-25

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Liberty, License, And Legalism

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jul 9, 2003

Today there are two extreme positions being expounded. Not new, they have existed since apostolic times. Each critical of the other. Neither is biblically correct. On the extreme right is legalism; on the left - license. The biblical position is liberty!

LIBERTY, LICENSE, AND LEGALISM GALATIANS 5:1-13 INTRODUCTION: Today in Christianity there are two extreme positions. These positions are not new they have existed since apostolic times. Each is critical of the other. Neither is biblically correct. Both are devastating to the cause of Christ. On ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Speaking The Legal Truth Series

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 16, 2004

How the officials accused Jesus of deserving to die for breaking the law - and how the law ended up stating that very thing - but a different law.

March 17, 2004 John 19:4-7 Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 As soon as the ...read more

Scripture: John 19:4-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Legalism, Lordship, Love

Contributed by Mike Cleveland on Mar 30, 2008

3 Relationships, 3 Lessons to Learn

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in ...read more

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Denomination: Independent/Bible