Sermons on Religious Legalism:

Lord Of The Sabbath

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 29, 2018

What does keeping the Sabbath look like?

LORD of the Sabbath Mark 2:23-3:6 Jesus’ understanding of the Sabbath embroiled Him in a great deal of controversy, especially among the Pharisees and led to many disputes. “Sabbath” is the Hebrew word for “seventh.” It goes back to the beginning of Genesis where it says that God rested from His ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus Answering The First-Century "karens" He Encountered Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 13, 2025

All of them were survivors, in the strict sense, each party with its own quirks. The Pharisees stood behind the Law.

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Course 2025 Have you ever wondered just why it was that the Pharisees, who seemed to be everywhere Jesus went, were such prigs? These days we might even call the “Karens,” although I’ve known real Karens and they weren’t so judgmental as the Pharisees. I think the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8, Luke 9:3, Psalm 116:12-18, Exodus 11:10, Exodus 12:1-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

"The Legalist Only Has Law" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jan 4, 2010

Jesus has no cheerful words for the legalist. Is your faith in your strength? Is your trust in your keeping of the law; the rules? Go and do it. That’s all He can say to you.(Lk 10:37)

(Part 1 of 2 in a study of the Parable of the Good Samaritan) “And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Orthodox

Don't Give Up!

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Mar 19, 2008

Message encouraging the people to not give up in the fight against legalized abortion as birth control.

Don’t Give Up! Galatians 6:9 March 9, 2008 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT USED IN MY MESSAGES IS BORROWED FROM ANDY STANLEY’S BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Introduction William Wilberforce was a politician in England during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. He served in Parliament ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9

Denomination: Wesleyan

Jude 2

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Sep 14, 2008

A message on Apostasy in the Church focusing on legalism, Balaam’s error, and Korah’s rebellion.

Dakota Community Church September 14, 2008 Jude 2 Read Jude and Quickly Review Last Week: Jude begins with the standard greeting and then launches into the reason for his writing. 4For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:1-25

Denomination: Mennonite

Hold Fast Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jun 3, 2007

When confronted with false teaching and legalism, we need to Hold Fast to the Gospel of Grace.

I Timothy #1 Hold Fast CHCC: April 15, 2007 I Timothy 1 INTRODUCTION: In the early 1900’s this ad appeared in a London Newspaper: “Men wanted for a hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

41. Reconciliation Series

Contributed by Gary Regazzoli on Nov 6, 2018

The ultimate goal of atonement is not just to satisfy the legal obligations, it’s the restoration of the relationship

[IN GOD’S IMAGE 41 - RECONCILIATION] This message is part of a series of 90 sermons based on the title, “In God’s Image – God’s Purpose for humanity.” This series of free sermons or the equivalent free book format is designed to take the reader through an amazing process beginning with God in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:19-22, Romans 5:8-11, 1 John 3:1, John 12:32

Denomination: Christian Church

62. The Purpose Of The Law Series

Contributed by Gary Regazzoli on Nov 17, 2018

Because of humanity's sin the relationship with God would have to be conducted purely on a legal basis.

IN HIS IMAGE 62 - THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW This message is part of a series of 90 sermons based on the title, “In God’s Image – God’s Purpose for humanity.” This series of free sermons or the equivalent free book format is designed to take the reader through an amazing process beginning with God in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:19, Galatians 3:23, Romans 3:20, Galatians 4:4-5, Galatians 3:13, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:10, Galatians 5:1-4, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

Challenging Religion Series

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Mar 18, 2014

Jesus confronts religious leaders

Challenging Religion Vital to read the entire book at one sitting from time to time. Chapters 5-7 at minimum Jesus' teaching are set in the backdrop of the Feast of Tabernacles - Season of our Gladness! Called Succoth - Booths. Booths = we want rain. Fall harvest festival - reminder of tent ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Crossing The Line Series

Contributed by Ken Sowers on Mar 18, 2014

Jesus angers religious leaders

Jesus Crosses the Line Show Video Clip - JN 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know you are Abraham's ...read more

Scripture: John 8:34-59

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christ Has Set Us Free

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Jul 4, 2004

This sermon is about Jesus and how he has set us free from legalism, guilt and sin.

Christ Has Set Us Free Galatians 5:1-6,13 Primary Purpose: To stress that the purpose of the law was to condemn, while Christ has set us free and justified the believer The story is told some years ago of a pastor who found the roads blocked one Sunday morning and was forced to skate on the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-13

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

Simple Faith Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 30, 2016

If you want the joy of your relationship with Christ back, beware of the legalists and simply believe in Christ. Stop trying to live up to someone's performance standards and simply trust Christ with your life.

In our lawsuit-happy culture, American companies must go to great lengths to avoid lawsuits, and they do it by putting some of the strangest warning labels on their products. Every year, the Center for America sponsors the Wacky Warning Labels Contest, looking for what it calls “the most ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Holiness God’s Standard For All People

Contributed by Pastor Glen Key on Jul 16, 2011

The Word of God in 1 Corinthians 1:30 explains to us that Jesus is our sanctifier and without him we cannot be holy. Some Christians emphasize biblical standards of holiness. Some call this legalism, and unfortunately sometimes it is legalism.

Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people. The Word of God in 1 Corinthians 1:30 explains to us that Jesus is our sanctifier and without him we cannot be holy. Some Christians emphasize biblical standards of holiness. Some call this legalism, and unfortunately sometimes it is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6

Denomination: Church Of God

Not Circumcision But A New Creation Series

Contributed by Roger Griffith on Aug 19, 2003

Paul’s life as a new creation authenticated the gospel but not even the mark of circumcision could authenticate legalism.

NOT CIRCUMCISION BUT A NEW CREATION TEXT: Galatians 6:11-18 I. LARGE LETTERS (v.11) Galatians 6:11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! A. PAUL AUTHENTICATED THE EPISTLE 1. Paul had a practice of dictating his letters. 2. Evidently someone had written a ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-18