“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to

Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that

faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor”

Gal 3:24-25

“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.” Col. 2:16-17

Legalism Versus Jesus

“You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?

. . . d i d y o u r e c e i v e the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law,or by hearing with faith?

Galatians 3:1-5

Faith in Jesus Releases From

Religious Rituals

THE GRACE OF JESUSIN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD REPLACES RITUAL

FREEDOM IN THE SPIRIT REPLACES THE BONDAGE OF

THE LAW & RULES

JESUS & THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT REPLACES THE TYPES AND SHADOWS OF O.T. RULES AND RITUALS.

THE FREE GRACE OF JESUS REPLACES ALL STRIVING TO

PLEASE GOD

Saved by grace...not of worksExamples of Christian Legalism

• Works Salvation: Need Jesus + something else to be saved.

• Works Holiness: Focus on external things to earn God’s favor

• Jewish Ritualism: Celebrating OT Jewish holidays and traditions as superior to other forms of worship. Depending on out-dated Jewish rituals and traditions to get closer to God rather than our direct relationship to the Father through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

• Gentile Ritualism: Only one way to: hold Sunday services, to use some spiritual gifts or to baptize people.

• Man-Made Prohibitions: Christians cannot attend movies, listen to modern music, dance, smoke tobacco or drink any alcohol, play cards or participate in mixed bathing, mixed marriages, recreate on Sundays or speak in tongues. Women cannot wear makeup, jewelry or pants.

Jesus Fulfilled the Law “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished” (Matt. 5:17-18).

  “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus

Scriptures on LegalismScriptures on Legalism

Gal. 3:24-25 Law was a temp OT tudor

Col. 2:22-23 Human rules not = God’s rules

John 1:17 Law via Moses. Grace via Jesus

Rom. 14:4,10 Don’t judge. Let God

Jude 3 Protect essential Gospel

1 John 4:1 Test the spirits

Matt. 16:6,12 Beware of “yeast” of legalism

Gal. 2:11-14 Peter rebuked: Aiding legalism

Gen.17 Ex.24 OT is Covenant Only With Jews

Gal. 4:9-11 Warning on OT Religious rituals

Gal. 5:1-4 OT Circumcision vs. Jesus

Legalism Ritual & Rules Over Relationship

Works Over Grace

Pride Over Humility

Conformity Over Freedom

Outward Over Inward