2. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deut. 4:2 Rev.22:18-19 “add unto” “Take away”

3. “Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” Deut. 5:32 Josh. 1:7 = turn not to right or left Josh. 23:6 = turn not right or left II Kings 22:2 = turned not right or left

5. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS Legalist Legalist = bind or fall short Liberal Liberal = loosen or go beyond Conservative Conservative = hold to the standard Right Left

6. I. What Legalism is not... Loyalty to Word of God – Mt.4:4 Stressing need to obey – Jn.14:15 Linking salvation with obeying-Jn.8:32 Many are falsely called legalists when they are obedient!

7. II. Legalism Defined Adding to what God has said Traditions Over zealous for portion of law Matt. 23:23 Luke 11:42

8. Jesus dealt with Legalism  Sermon on Mount - Mt.5-7 Jews missed the point: 5:21-48 Desire to be seen of men -Ch. 6  Speaking to Pharisees Mt.15:3 = tradition Mk. 7:13= word none effect Matt. 15:2 = washing of hands

9. III. Legalism is Creed-Making ExtremesExtremes - Liberalism ~ Legalism Liberals - practice not authorized Legalists - condemn authorized Liberals - Ignore Legalists - Make law

10. Examples of Legalism  Simultaneous Bible Classes  Women teaching children/women  Located preachers  Individual communion cups  Church Cooperation  Care of the Needy

11. Traditions can be Legalism  Order of Worship  One Hour Service  Closing prayer  Contribution Collection

13.  Going to the Right  Making laws where God has not made a law  Just as wrong to make a law as it is to break a law  We are not law makers

14. “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;” “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;” Josh.23:6 Legalism

15. By Arthur PigmanBy Arthur Pigman Evans Church of ChristEvans Church of Christ Evans, GeorgiaEvans, Georgia Sunday Evening – 5 December 2004Sunday Evening – 5 December 2004