Sermons on Legalism:

The Lie Of Legalism Series

Contributed by Rickey Bennett on Aug 18, 2009

God’s grace will free us from legalism so that we can freely follow Christ to the glory of God.

INTRODUCTION Please turn in your Bibles to Colossians chapter 2. We’ll read verses 16-23 this morning as we continue in the letter to the Colossians. READ COLOSSIANS 2:16-23 / PRAY At the beginning of this chapter, Paul said that he had a great struggle for the Colossian believers (and for us). ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: *other

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 Heresy Of Legalism

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Apr 15, 2015

God's grace is not a license to sin but a reason to serve Jesus with reckless abandon…not because we have to, but because we get to. (Greg Stier)

The Heresy of Legalism April 12, 2015 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: God's grace is not a license to sin but a reason to serve Jesus with reckless abandon…not because we have to, but because we get to. (Greg Stier) Focus Passage: Colossians ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

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

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

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 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

Holiness Without Legalism

Contributed by Brian La Croix on May 12, 2003

A message looking to help people live a life of holiness without falling into the trap of legalism.

Holiness Without Legalism 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:1 May 4, 2003 Introduction Have you ever seen a proud legalist? I have. They wouldn’t necessarily call themselves a legalist, but they are. They live their lives around making sure everything is just right so they don’t mess up with God or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Wesleyan

Pulling The Weeds Of Legalism Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

Following a list of rules and regulations will never lead to spiritual vitality. Grace demands that we avoid judging others according to our standards.

Pulling the Weeds of Legalism 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 attend a movie house or ride in a public ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

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

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