1. Legalism

2. Good Works A good deed is one done according to the right standard (God’ s revealed will) from a right motive (love for God and others) with a right purpose (the glory of God)

3. Legalism A distortion of obedience that can never produce good works in the true sense.

4. Legalism Skews motive and purpose, seeing good deeds as ways to earn God’s favor Is arrogant and contemptuous of those who do not labor in the same way Squeezes humble kindness and compassion out of the heart

5. Pharisaical Legalism Proud: “We are descended from Abraham”, so God must approve of our actions Formalized every observance of the law, yet avoided what the law really required

6. Pharisaical Legalism Emphasis on minors details, neglect of what matters most (Matt. 23: 23,24) Elaborate and misguided interpretations of the law, denying its true spirit and aim (Matt. 15:3-9; 23:16-24) Substitution of human tradition for the law, binding consciences where God had left them free (Mark 2:16 – 3:6; 7:1-8) At heart hypocritical, seeking human approval for themselves and condemning others (Luke 20:45- 47; Matt. 6:1-8; 23:2-7)

7. Judaizers Requiring Christian believers to become Jews by circumcision Requiring observance of the Jewish calendar and religious laws Denied the all-sufficiency of Christ (Gal. 3:1-3; 4:21; 5:2-6) Corrupted the way of salvation (Col. 2:8-23)

8. Modern Legalism In our own experience Length of hair Forms of dress Places to avoid People to avoid Etc., etc.; …

9. Opposing Legalism Beware lest opposition to legalism turns into antinomianism (Matt. 23:1-3) Beware: We cannot let opposition to legalism cause us to stop dealing with real issues